New to the forum

[Peglegmariner]

Good day to you all,

My name is Stuart, but most people know me as pegleg, due to me having my left leg amputated below the knee.
I am what is probably termed as a bad diabetic, and I hope that if anyone learns from my story, and becomes better control after hearing about my bad experiences, then at least I’ve helped someone.

I was first diagnosed in November 1997 after passing out after a car accident. Testing wasn’t so accurate back them, but my blood glucose was estimated at over 40! I was put on humulin M3, and was ok for a couple of months, until a big bust up with my family as I struggled with all the fuss. That’s was when I started to ignore my condition…

I was like this for a number of years, and even when my optician told me there where changes in my eyes, I carried on regardless.

Eventually I was referred to the eye clinic at the hospital and had a number of laser surgeries and eventually had a vitrectomy in my right eye. My left eye is almost useless as my retina is partially detached.

I have had a few foot ulcers and then in 2012, the worst happened after an infection in one on my left foot and I had to have it removed and had 5 weeks in hospital fighting infections. I have been “pegleg” ever since.

I started to suffer with angina in 2017 and following my first heart attack in 2019, I had stents fitted in my coronary arteries. I’ve had two more attacks since and more stents, and was told I needed a bypass, but couldn’t have one as the surgery was too risky and there was I good chance I wouldn’t pull through.

And then the icing on the cake was 4 weeks ago when my foot started hurting and I was told I’d fractured my 1st metatarsal quite badly. I was then later told it was Charcot foot, and now I’ve got a lovely boot to wear for the foreseeable…

So, I summary, Stuart is an idiot, don’t be like Stuart. Be sensible, control your bloods and look after yourselves and keep sensible.

If anyone wants to know any more about any of my issues, please do not hesitate to ask. I’d rather you learn from my mistakes than suffer what I have.

And on a lighter note, Merry Christmas…

 

[Inka]

Merry Christmas to you too, Stuart (bit early though - you’ve panicked me about preparations 😱 ) and you’re not an idiot. Life can get in the way of diabetes control sometimes, and it’s hard to keep on controlling the Type 1 while dealing with stressful situations.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Peglegmariner

Sorry to hear what a rough time you’ve had with diabetes over the years.

We have a handful of members with Charcot foot, the most frequent poster probably being @Flower

Glad to have you on the forum 🙂

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Peglegmariner

Sorry to read what a tough time you have had with your diabetes, but thank you for including this in here.

Pleased that you have now found the forum And look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[trophywench]

Hiya! I'll say 'Thanks' too - much like getting old doesn't come on its own, diabetes certainly doesn't and if people tell the truth there isn't anyone who's not made mistakes along the way.

The basic ethos of the forum is to encourage everyone (including ourselves, I stress!) to NOT go where you've been for as long as possible - so please stick around and add your encouragement when it's appropriate.