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Newbie here

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oliviacp

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Hi, I'm 19 and newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I have recently been hospitalised with cellulitis and probable Charcots foot, I'm due to finish the course of my antibiotics but am scared they haven't worked due to the severity of pain in my ankle.
My appointment,ent with the trauma and orthopaedics teams and diabetes team isn't for another two weeks, and was wondering if I could get any help with how to help my foot heal with Charcot's foot. I have crutches and a boot, and I'm putting weight on as tolerable and elevating my feet and having lot's of rest but am wondering if there is any other help or guidance for others out there. I am a very active young person who would love to get back to exercising as quick and as safely as possible!
 
I know very little about Charcot’s but Flower knows a lot and will be very helpful when she’s able to post here. Charcot’s foot is a complication of diabetes and, as you’ve only been diagnosed a short time, it’s bad luck to get it (if that’s what it is).

Here’s a recent reply Flower made to a new member here with some basic info which you can look at while you’re awaiting a reply:

Post in thread 'New guy here.'
http://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/new-guy-here.116891/post-1426407

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Hi and welcome.

So sorry to hear that you have a possible diagnosis of Charcot Foot and really quite shocking when you are so newly diagnosed. Looking back did you have symptoms of high BG levels for months/years even before diagnosis? It is quite a rare complication of uncontrolled diabetes, but hopefully it has been caught early enough for it to stabilise before too much damage is done.
I believe that managing your diabetes as well as you can will be important in helping it to stabilise but it is good that it has been recognised and the foot supported at the earliest opportunity.

How are you managing your diabetes? Are you on MDI or a pump and which insulin(s) are you using? We all know that managing diabetes with insulin can be very overwhelming at first as there is so much to learn and that learning will likely continue throughout your life but the forum can be a real boon in learning to fine tune your diabetes management to your body's needs and insulin profiles. I have learned more from people here over the past few years than from any other source.

Anyway, hopefully @Flower will be along soon to give you more input based on her experience with Charcot.
 
Hi @oliviacp and welcome to the forum - sorry you've had to join us (in a nice way!) - I too have limited knowledge of Charcots Foot but as others have said there are a couple of people on here with experience who can provide more tailored advice and if you have any other questions please fire away - so soon after Diabetes diagnosis there is so much to learn and take in - if anyone can help with anything we always will - we're all here to help and support each other - glad you have found us
 
Welcome @oliviacp I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the foot problems you’re dealing with. That’s a lot to cope with as well as a diagnosis of T1.

What led to the potential diagnosis of Charcot foot? Have you had XRays/MRI, has your foot physically changed shape with fractures or is it suspected due to a hot swollen infected foot from cellulitis? Charcot usually develops after a longer duration of diabetes as it’s a neuropathic complication where nerves are damaged from high glucose over time but that doesn’t necessarily rule Charcot out so soon after diagnosis.

The treatment for suspected Charcot is what you’re doing. Protection in a boot or cast, crutches, elevation, non or partial weight bearing, getting infection under control and patience. Be vigilant of any changes and seek help immediately if things worsen with your foot.

You’ve got a lot going on and hopefully in 2 weeks at your orthopaedic appt the antibiotics will have got the infection & cellulitis under control and things will be clearer.

Unfortunately there isn’t a quick solution. Stick with what you’re doing and as the infection recedes hopefully the pain in your foot & ankle will reduce and settle. Charcot does mimic infection, sprain, cellulitis so it is a challenging diagnosis to rule in or out. It is good that your clinic is taking precautions until things become clearer.

I know how hard it is but give it time to settle and I hope it proves not to be Charcot foot so you can get back to being active as soon as it’s safe to do so.
 
Hi there,
I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through - that’s such a lot to deal with, especially at such a young age and so soon after being diagnosed. It’s completely understandable to feel scared, particularly with the pain still being severe and appointments feeling far away. You’re doing a lot of the right things already: using your boot and crutches, elevating your foot, and getting rest are exactly what’s usually recommended to protect the foot while things settle.

Charcot's can be really tricky, and unfortunately, pain can still be quite intense even as the healing process starts, but you’re absolutely right to listen to your body. If the pain gets worse or changes suddenly, or you notice any new swelling, redness, or heat in the foot or ankle, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice sooner. You deserve to be taken seriously, and it’s okay to ask for support even before your follow-up appointments.

It’s also completely valid to want to get back to being active - your determination really shines through. The most important thing right now is protecting the foot and letting it stabilise, but many people do return to activity in time, often with some adjustments. Please don’t feel alone in this - even though it might feel isolating now, there is a way forward, you’re clearly facing this with real strength and as you probably can already tell - there's always people here to offer support and their experience. Keep being kind to yourself, and feel free to reach out here anytime.
 
Welcome to the forum @oliviacp

Can’t add to the great advice you’ve already received, but just wanted to send some additional positive vibes your way.

Diabetes can be incredibly annoying, but it is also something that you can generally manage pretty well, especially with modern insulins, gadgets, gizmos and education courses.
 
Hello I was 23 when I wass diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes I am 45 now, I have not found it easy but everyone is different. don't rush and take everything in slowly I am on NovoRapid and Tresiba, my Night slow acting Insulin I was on Lantus for years, me personall find Type 1 Diabetes very had to live with
 
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