• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

amputation

debs73

debs73

Member
Messages
13
Location
christchurch
Type of diabetes
Parent
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Ok my mums toes have gone from normal to 2 dead in 3 months.....she hasn't controlled her bloods properly..and her circulation in both legs are very poor.... I have a million questions but just don't know who to turn to...Please help very worried Daughter
 
debs73 said:
Ok my mums toes have gone from normal to 2 dead in 3 months.....she hasn't controlled her bloods properly..and her circulation in both legs are very poor.... I have a million questions but just don't know who to turn to...Please help very worried Daughter
Click to expand...

You need to speak to her Dr or diabetic nurse, preferably with your mother present. She needs to know the consequences of not controlling her diabetes. It is a struggle, I know, but the outlook for her is bleak if she doesn't. Does she come on the forums where she can see so many others who are in the same boat but managing to stay healthy by sticking to the LCHF diet, losing weight or whatever they need to do to avoid all the nasties.

It is lovely that you are trying to help her but she needs to help herself; it is unfair to give you all the worry.
 
Question is why this has happened so suddenly? Did she have better control before or is it a result of long term negligence? Why is controlling BG difficult for her? Has she got a BG meter and does she use it? Do you know her HbA1c?

Tell us a bit more please.
 
Totto said:
Question is why this has happened so suddenly? Did she have better control before or is it a result of long term negligence? Why is controlling BG difficult for her? Has she got a BG meter and does she use it? Do you know her HbA1c?

Tell us a bit more please.
Click to expand...
she broke her big toe....Oct last year....Drs parmed her off with diffrent things and didn't send her up to the diabetic foot clinic till 8 months after. She doesn't test bloods on a daily bases..i struggle to get her to do that..and i have no idea what Her Hba1c is how do i find out this? Suddenly? I don't know the drs well nurse at the drs was dressing it and for weeks and then the big toe is still needing the bone to come out..but all of a matter of weeks she started to get blisters on the 2,3,4,th toe...now toe 2,3 are ganga green....i just would like to know if anyone has been through any of this xx
 
I'm so sorry. This must be terrible for you.

In order for her doctors to discuss her health with you, your mother must give them written permission.

This would be a letter to the surgery/hospital, naming you, and giving her permission to discuss her medical treatment.

Alternatively, you can attend her appointments with her, and ask questions there.

It would be better, in the long term (from your point of view) to have the letter. You may need it in the future, if your mother's health deteriorates.

Did you know that a person can ask for printouts of their test results from the doc, nurse or receptionist? All they have to do is ask. Some surgeries ask for the cost of the printing, but it is only about 50p or something.

Please let us know how you get on?
And ask any questions you like.
 
It's probably best if she can give you permission to attend appointments and request information about her and her care, but if she doesn't give permission, you are still allowed to communicate with her doctors and nurses one-way, ie by writing to them. This can allow you to pass on information they might need, and to let them know how concerned you are. They are required to keep such letters on file, and the fact that they could get into trouble for being negligent may motivate them to intervene and monitor her more closely than they have done in the past. I think they get used to seeing people who don't look after themselves so they get a bit blase... but when it is your own loved one that is sick then you want to fight for them.

If at any time you think she might be developing difficulties with memory and decision making, there are ways to deal with that, like becoming her welfare guardian, which would give you access to her doctors. Unless this happens, I'm afraid you can only do your best with what she will allow you to do.

Hugs.
 
thankyou for your advice...i will ask the nurse monday what i can do.....i attend all the appointments and keep a diary.of them and because she's in a wheelchair now i have to keep record off them......Tbh we both was ignorant to this disease.And really didn't have much info of it...I Feel it's mainly my fault.as i should of gone it to this more when she was first diagnosed.....yes both me and my sister pushed my mum to getting her tested for Altsimers....she pased with flying coulers....But i sense it in her.and so dose my sister..so im keeping an eye on that......lots to take in atm..but will wright a letter to her drs. Thanks again xx
 
debs73 said:
thankyou for your advice...i will ask the nurse monday what i can do.....i attend all the appointments and keep a diary.of them and because she's in a wheelchair now i have to keep record off them......Tbh we both was ignorant to this disease.And really didn't have much info of it...I Feel it's mainly my fault.as i should of gone it to this more when she was first diagnosed.....yes both me and my sister pushed my mum to getting her tested for Altsimers....she pased with flying coulers....But i sense it in her.and so dose my sister..so im keeping an eye on that......lots to take in atm..but will wright a letter to her drs. Thanks again xx
Click to expand...
Please don't blame yourself as she is an adult and the job of finding out about diabetes was hers. Now that you are going to look into it more, be assured there's not that much you need to learn about it, to be honest. You are doing great by keeping notes and records, that may help in the future.

The main things you need to know in the situation are: she needs to see her doctor or nurse regularly and have blood tests and checks of other things. Maybe at least every 3 months? Or monthly if things are going badly. She needs to take any meds as directed - plastic containers can help with this if needed. Her eye, kidney and nerve health need to be monitored. Any foot issues or infections anywhere need to be actively managed. Any bladder and bowel issues need to be identified and managed. I think that's the main things but if I've missed anything hopefully others will speak up.

Now might be a good time to get her to sign something giving you and/or your sister enduring power of attorney, in case you end up needing it and for some reason she is reluctant to sign it. This would makes things much easier for you to be able to help her have the best of health, whatever happens.

I think you are doing great - it can be really stressful looking after an elderly parent so remember to look after yourself and schedule regular breaks from it.
 
CatLadyNZ said:
Please don't blame yourself as she is an adult and the job of finding out about diabetes was hers. Now that you are going to look into it more, be assured there's not that much you need to learn about it, to be honest. You are doing great by keeping notes and records, that may help in the future.

The main things you need to know in the situation are: she needs to see her doctor or nurse regularly and have blood tests and checks of other things. Maybe at least every 3 months? Or monthly if things are going badly. She needs to take any meds as directed - plastic containers can help with this if needed. Her eye, kidney and nerve health need to be monitored. Any foot issues or infections anywhere need to be actively managed. Any bladder and bowel issues need to be identified and managed. I think that's the main things but if I've missed anything hopefully others will speak up.

Now might be a good time to get her to sign something giving you and/or your sister enduring power of attorney, in case you end up needing it and for some reason she is reluctant to sign it. This would makes things much easier for you to be able to help her have the best of health, whatever happens.

I think you are doing great - it can be really stressful looking after an elderly parent so remember to look after yourself and schedule regular breaks from it.
Click to expand...

Yes she has missed loads of eye appointments....Her bladder isn't that strong but i just thought that was 'Old age' So thank you i will menshion that to the dr....Thankyou xx
 
debs73 said:
Yes she has missed loads of eye appointments....Her bladder isn't that strong but i just thought that was 'Old age' So thank you i will menshion that to the dr....Thankyou xx
Click to expand...
She could have a degree of incontinence, which is really common, and not easy to treat. Other bladder issues that might crop up are infections or difficulty passing urine/incomplete bladder emptying. I mentioned bladder and bowel issues since people with multiple medical issues and/or on medications can have problems in these areas, and these can be more likely in older people. If she has any neuropathy then it can affect these areas too. Sometimes older people don't know they have a bladder issue, and constipation is also very common.

Some things we all have to look forward to in a few decades :)
 
Back
Top