Change of threat level in my Type 2 Diabetes

[john.d]

I have just joined this forum. My name is John Doran and I am 81 years old. I had a recent fall and this seems to have triggered a rise in Charcot type symptoms in my left foot.
Have an appointment in hospital tomorrow and trying to get a handle on possible changes ahead.
Hope to keep in touch with this forum
JohnD

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hello John

I’ve abbreviated your username, to avoid revealing your email address.

Sorry to hear about your fall, and the Charcot-like changes you’ve noticed in your foot.

One of our long term members @Flower has been living with Charcot foot for a number of years, and may have some suggestions or tips to offer.

 

[john.d]

Had my hospital visit yesterday and have to return this morning to Podiatry Caste Clinic to have Plaster Cast fitted.
Would welcome any contact with past experience in this area as not sure of outlook.
Thanks

 

[Flower]

Hello and welcome @john.d

I'm sorry you have been diagnosed with Charcot foot, good to hear your podiatry clinic sound on the ball with protecting your foot in a cast.

It is a nasty disabling complication that raises the risk of tissue and bone damage/destruction in your feet and ankles due to neuropathy. This information is from the Diabetes UK site

Charcot foot and diabetes

If you have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, also known as nerve damage, you’re more at risk of developing Charcot foot. Charcot foot is a serious foot problem. But having treatment as early as possible can reduce your risk of further complications like developing a foot ulcer or needing an...

www.diabetes.org.uk

I've lived with Charcot foot in both feet for about 26 years now and being patient is vital. It's a long term complication that doesn't get better quickly and you may be in a cast or protective aircast boot for many months. Hopefully when things settle down you can be referred for a custom made pair of shoes or orthotics that protect the vulnerable areas of your foot from excess pressure and reduce the potential for ulcers and infections. Are you weight bearing in your cast or having to keep weight off it? Has your foot changed shape/structure or has it been diagnosed early enough to try and protect the shape of your foot?

Be extra vigilant of any changes in both feet - it can happen in both hopefully it won't but be aware that it can - so check daily for any changes in skin colour, warmth, swelling that may indicate Charcot foot. Also be vigilant of how your plaster cast feels as if you have reduced sensation in your feet from neuropathy you aren't as aware of how things feel.

Keep doing all the stuff we need to juggle to try and maintain stable in range blood glucose, blood pressure etc as that helps so much to minimise the risk of infection and promote healing.

A correct and early diagnosis with Charcot means your foot is being protected from ongoing damage and should limit any problems. Hopefully things will settle down and repair as well as possible for you. If I can be of more help please ask, there's a few of us around on the forum but thankfully Charcot is quite a rare complication (not much comfort if it happens to you though!) Best Wishes.