Podiatrist's visit

[Northerner]

I've just got back from my visit to the podiatrists. It was a young lady that examined me. She asked me all the usual questions about my medical history that they seem to ask every time you see someone new - surely it's already on a computer? Plus, I filled in a form when I registered with them!

Anyway, the examination went well. She checked my pulses in two places on each foot - they were fine. She then got me to shut my eyes whilst she touched my feet and toes with a little plastic stick - I had to say when I felt it. Then she got another implement and again asked me to say what I felt, and if there was any difference - I said the second time it felt sharper, and she said this was fine, so I'm guessing one touch was with a blunt end and the other sharp to make sure I could tell the difference.

So, the good news is that my circulation and sensation are very good, which is reassuring. She was a little concerned that my feet were very cold, and said that the slightly cracked skin and redness on my toes was due to chilblains. She said to try and keep them warm and has ordered some thermal insoles for me (although they'll take 2 months to come through, so it'll be summer before I get them!). She also talked about possibly having nail surgery on a toenail that I have trouble with, although I've coped with it since 1986, so it's not a big concern.

In future, I'll get the tests done by the practise nurse at my surgery, I'll only need to contact the podiatry service if there is a problem or concern.

Just thought I'd write about what happened for those who haven't had it done! And, as some people have suggested here, if you haven't had it done, then do ask your GP or DSN how to arrange it. Like all things to do with diabetes, it's always best to preempt any possible problems and get them seen to asap!🙂

 

[Vanessa]

has ordered some thermal insoles for me (although they'll take 2 months to come through, so it'll be summer before I get them!)

If this summer's anything like last year, you'll still be grateful for them

Otherwise excellent news on your feet

 

[Steff]

all good northerner glad it went well x

 

[carolyn]

Hi Northerner
I had a problem with ingrowing toenail a few years ago and had nail surgery on them, it was great when the bandages came off as I didn't have to walk on my heels anymore. The favourite shoes came out of the closet again and I have never looked back.🙂
________
MERCEDES-BENZ OM603 HISTORY

 

[Northerner]

Hi Northerner
I had a problem with ingrowing toenail a few years ago and had nail surgery on them, it was great when the bandages came off as I didn't have to walk on my heels anymore. The favourite shoes came out of the closet again and I have never looked back.🙂

Sounds good, carolyn! The thing that puts me off is the 4-6 weeks that the girl said it would probably take to heal, meaning no running and as little walking as possible. She did say, however, that if it was going to be done at all it is better to get it done now whilst my circulation is good and it would therefore heal more quickly. If I wait a few years down the line things may not be as favourable.

 

[Northerner]

I forgot to add that the young lady tried to explain to me that, usually at my age you got Type 2 diabetes, and just because I was on insulin it didn't mean that I was Type 1. She was trying to be helpful, so I didn't take it any further, just explained that I was aware of the differences and how unusual, but not actually that uncommon, it was for an old crumbly like myself to be Type 1. Not that it would bother me if I was Type 2 - I'd still have diabetes!

 

[Lizzie]

Sounds good, carolyn! The thing that puts me off is the 4-6 weeks that the girl said it would probably take to heal, meaning no running and as little walking as possible. She did say, however, that if it was going to be done at all it is better to get it done now whilst my circulation is good and it would therefore heal more quickly. If I wait a few years down the line things may not be as favourable.

I had nail surgery too. It took a while to heal (not helped when after a few weeks I kicked at a stiff gate to get it to open, forgetting I was wearing sandals with open toes - ow!) but I seemed to be OK walking on it after a few days. I tend to get ingrowing nails due to perfectionism - I start trimming and don't know when to stop and before I know it a big chunk has gone off one side and it grows back ingrowing. I have been told that the shape of my nails makes them more prone to growing inwards too.

 

[sofaraway]

Glad your visit went well. I had pretty much the same expereince that they see you do an assessment and discharge you back to GP/nurse I think thats ok as long as yuou don't have ongoing issues- such as foot ulcers, or at risk feet.

I had an appointment today, but was unable to attend as feel poorly . I was referred back because I have some black blisters on my toes. i doubt they will do anything for me maybe just file the skin back.

 

[kojack]

On the whole good news.

Sadly, the more ancient we get , the longer it seems to take to heal - especially if you're taking warfarin.
I'd check with your GP for an objective opinion ref proposed Knife and Fork work

 

[katie]

It's good to know your feet are fine northerner 😛

My blisters are healing up nicely, which im sure you all want to know

Hope you feel better soon Nikki x

 

[rossi_mac]

Thanks for that Northerner, I went to the quack the other week and he got me up on the bench to have a look at my feet. In a short time he said yeah thats fine!

I asked if my skin was too hard he said yeah could do with pumicing it a bit.

I guess apart from thanking you to hear what gets looked at, how do I know if I need to see a podiatrists? Or even how would I do I get reffered from GP or DSN?

Although I think mine are okay at the mo, I really like to walk around in and outside the house in bare feet and not just in the summer, maybe I'll have to get a pair of slippers!!!

 

[MarcLister]

I guess apart from thanking you to hear what gets looked at, how do I know if I need to see a podiatrists? Or even how would I do I get reffered from GP or DSN?

You should see a podiatrist when you get diagnosed with diabetes. I didn't and I'm trying to sort that now. Just tell your GP or DSN to arrange a podiatrist appointment for you. My problem is the hospital are useless and I don't hear from them and my GP surgery doesn't have a visiting podiatrist.

Although I think mine are okay at the mo, I really like to walk around in and outside the house in bare feet and not just in the summer, maybe I'll have to get a pair of slippers!!!

I think slippers are bad for diabetics to wear. Socks are the 😎 to wear.