Blood sugars are under control, it’s more the fact that we have exhausted antibiotics to treat the infection in her foot. We find out tomorrow if the foot needs to be amputated. We are beyond the point of prevention. I really need help with understand what life will be like following the amputation.[/QUOTE
Hi my name is Helen I’m 25yrs old and I care for my mother who has type 2 diabetes, neuropathy and bilateral Charcot foot. She has recently had infection in her foot which resulted in a 67 day stay in hospital and when discharged several open surgical wounds that required regular bandage changes which was done between our hospital and myself. After 6months we have been told she has another infection of the right foot and she will most likely have to have an operation to amputate the foot. This is a very scary prospect for her and me. Is there anyone out there that have any tips on the transition period after amputation? And or any help whatsoever in terms of help with mental health aspect. Mum is clearly distress and I feel like I can’t help her anymore than what I am due to my own mental health.
Please help. Thanks
Helen
Hi Helen
Firstly sorry to hear about your mum. It’s not a nice prospect to lose your foot. I had similar problems with my toe which after numerous attempts to save it I had removed , my chiropodist had warned me I would lose it a. She also said it was likely I would have my leg removed . I did speak to the surgeon brfre I had my toe removed and told him that I didn’t want him to remove my foot if it was unsuccessful but just to take my leg as I didn’t want to be having too much surgery , so in fairness I did prepare myself for the worse .
I know this sounds like a horror story but to be honest I walk better now than I did before. It takes a while to adjust and itdoes take a positive mental attitude but it is far better than what I was like before . The support I received was excellent and the prosthetic dept at glasgow were fantastic , and having talked to other amputees it seems to be common wherever you are..
it does taking getting use to but it’s like all new things ,
The best advice I can give is don’t give up , think positively and before long you will forget you have a prosthetic, the support system is excellent , plus don’t forget as an amputee you should be eligible for PIP .
Transition involves plenty of physiotherapy , who give plenty of great advice on use of new prosthetic, first time I walked was extremely emotional and a few tears were shed but it made me realise I wouldn’t be confined to a wheel chair . Like in diabetes treatment technology is advancing constantly this is true of prosthetics materials used now make them lighter and more manipulative ,
It takes some getting use to but it’s not the end , it’s just a new beginning , please send your mum my best wishes