Feet

[EmmaK_2907]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum but I have been “lurking” for a while… so I feel I know a lot of your already!

I’ve had T1 diabetes for 35 years now. Recently, the skin on my feet has become very dry and is cracking in places - and when this happens, it can cause discomfort.

I mentioned to the GP when I went for my last foot check in October and they referred my to podiatry. I’m still waiting and have been told the waiting list is very long.

I am moisturising my feet regularly, following all the guidelines issued to diabetics and so on. Problem seems to be getting worse rather than better, though!

Has anybody else faced similar waits for podiatry appointments? Wondering whether to just go private ‍

Em

 

[lovinglife]

Not had problems that you have but I have psoriasis which can make my nails curl, I’ve gone private now and then when I get a problem nail, usually wait about a week and costs me £30. I used to get private for my dad too when he was alive, He was blind and couldn’t do his own nails, I have a thing about feet and just couldn’t bring myself to do it for him, the district nurse referred him to NHS podiatrist but the wait was 12 weeks, totally ridiculous how long the wait when it can cause such problems.

My advice - keep your referral going but in the meantime maybe have a couple of private sessions until your referral kicks in

 

[EmmaK_2907]

Not had problems that you have but I have psoriasis which can make my nails curl, I’ve gone private now and then when I get a problem nail, usually wait about a week and costs me £30. I used to get private for my dad too when he was alive, He was blind and couldn’t do his own nails, I have a thing about feet and just couldn’t bring myself to do it for him, the district nurse referred him to NHS podiatrist but the wait was 12 weeks, totally ridiculous how long the wait when it can cause such problems.

My advice - keep your referral going but in the meantime maybe have a couple of private sessions until your referral kicks in

Thanks. Think that’s what I’m going to do. Been waiting almost six months already and I’ve been told there is still quite a lot of people ahead of me

 

[Hopeful34]

Flexitol's good for dry, cracked feet.

 

[EmmaK_2907]

Flexitol's good for dry, cracked feet.

Got some of that at home. It gives very temporary relief but isn’t doing enough to keep the dryness - and cracking - at bay

 

[Ushthetaff]

Been diabetic for Over 40 years , I see podiatrist regularly mainly because I’m a below knee amputee (8years) , I’ve received many good comments on my foot with regard my skin being like the proverbial baby’s bum , this I put down to baby oil which before the current fuel fiasco I put in my bath every day, as I don’t take so many baths now ( showers) I soak my feet every day in warm water and baby oil have to say not any dry , cracking anywhere ,tried to think last time I saw a cracked babies bum ( I know there’s always a crack in a babies bum but you know what I mean ) , I do realise that my amputation was the reason I was seen so rapidly

 

[ElenaP]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum but I have been “lurking” for a while… so I feel I know a lot of your already!

I’ve had T1 diabetes for 35 years now. Recently, the skin on my feet has become very dry and is cracking in places - and when this happens, it can cause discomfort.

I mentioned to the GP when I went for my last foot check in October and they referred my to podiatry. I’m still waiting and have been told the waiting list is very long.

I am moisturising my feet regularly, following all the guidelines issued to diabetics and so on. Problem seems to be getting worse rather than better, though!

Has anybody else faced similar waits for podiatry appointments? Wondering whether to just go private ‍

Em

I go to a NHS podiatrist, but occasionally also to a private podiatrist between the NHS appointments. The NHS podiatrist cannot give me urgent appointments. Fortunately I've found a private podiatrist who has an extra qualification for diabetic feet. I thought she is expensive at £70 a session, but what a relief when she cut away an in-grown toenail, so that I could walk without pain. That made it worth every penny.

 

[Jess1D]

Eucerin do a great foot cream - best I’ve tried & there’s been many

 

[EmmaK_2907]

Been diabetic for Over 40 years , I see podiatrist regularly mainly because I’m a below knee amputee (8years) , I’ve received many good comments on my foot with regard my skin being like the proverbial baby’s bum , this I put down to baby oil which before the current fuel fiasco I put in my bath every day, as I don’t take so many baths now ( showers) I soak my feet every day in warm water and baby oil have to say not any dry , cracking anywhere ,tried to think last time I saw a cracked babies bum ( I know there’s always a crack in a babies bum but you know what I mean ) , I do realise that my amputation was the reason I was seen so rapidly

Eee this did made me giggle. Might have to give him baby oil in water thing a go!

 

[oldgreymare]

During covid lockdowns my GP practice stopped doing diabetic foot checks. So last year I went to a private podiatrist who could carry out these, plus nail trim and callus removal. First visit about £60, follow up visits every 3-4 months about £40. I also use the Flexitol Heel Balm (25% urea) though not every day. I gather a high urea content is key to helping with controlling dry skin.

 

[Ushthetaff]

During covid lockdowns my GP practice stopped doing diabetic foot checks. So last year I went to a private podiatrist who could carry out these, plus nail trim and callus removal. First visit about £60, follow up visits every 3-4 months about £40. I also use the Flexitol Heel Balm (25% urea) though not every day. I gather a high urea content is key to helping with controlling dry skin.

Well there is an old wives tale that says a cure for athletes is to pee on your feet , not tried it myself , well not intentionally wink wink

 

[Jaylee]

It's understandable that the wait for your podiatry appointment has been frustrating and I can imagine how uncomfortable the cracking and dryness must be. I'm glad to hear that you've been following the guidelines for diabetic foot care and regularly moisturising your feet. It sounds like you're doing all the right things to take care of your feet.

In terms of your question about others facing similar waits for podiatry appointments, I haven't personally experienced this myself, but I can imagine it's a common issue. The healthcare system can sometimes be overwhelmed with demand, and unfortunately, this can result in longer wait times for appointments.

Going private is definitely an option, but it's important to weigh the cost against the potential benefits. It might be worth discussing with your GP or diabetes care team to see if they have any recommendations or if there are any alternative options available to you.

Hi,
podiatry appointments could just be that old adage of “postcode lottery?” Could you give an approximate area regarding you? (For your protection. No need to be specific. Just the county.?)

 

[EmmaK_2907]

Hi,
podiatry appointments could just be that old adage of “postcode lottery?” Could you give an approximate area regarding you? (For your protection. No need to be specific. Just the county.?)

Northumberland

 

[ShazKnitz]

Northumberland

It is the same in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I was told there was a long waiting list when I was referred last October and still haven't heard anything.

 

[GinnyH21]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum but I have been “lurking” for a while… so I feel I know a lot of your already!

I’ve had T1 diabetes for 35 years now. Recently, the skin on my feet has become very dry and is cracking in places - and when this happens, it can cause discomfort.

I mentioned to the GP when I went for my last foot check in October and they referred my to podiatry. I’m still waiting and have been told the waiting list is very long.

I am moisturising my feet regularly, following all the guidelines issued to diabetics and so on. Problem seems to be getting worse rather than better, though!

Has anybody else faced similar waits for podiatry appointments? Wondering whether to just go private ‍

Em

I have had this problem for years. If you use flexitol foot balm, this does help with the problem.

 

[becca59]

West Yorkshire. 10 months so far. It isn’t urgent luckily.

 

[micktrick]

Have had this on left foot for 4 years.Very painful affects most of soloed foot. Tried various cream s. Diabetic nurses and DR not really interested in the problem. I am think paying to see a dermatologist

 

[JANET57]

Morning everyone. I'm type 2 diabetic. See my practice nurse only once a year, for?? Foot care, she vaguely does brush test, uses her finger to check pulse, I've not seen gp for at least 5 years and that was for chest infection. Practice nurse referred me to NHS diabetic clinic because Hb1ac was constantly high, now on ozempic weekly injection. But discharged from them now. No monitoring, other than my 6mthly practice nurse blood test, NO ONE ELSE MANAGES MY DIABETES. You lovely lot seem to have a health team, to get help from. I'm trying to mainly support myself. I never get any professional help regarding my feet, nails, dry skin. I struggle reaching my feet now, arthritic and 66. In your opinion am I due more help from NHS.

 

[Francel]

Hi welcome to the forum, I’ve been Type1 for 54 years now and my trick is to always wear wool or cotton socks and every night moisturise with a coconut oil moisturiser, put thin cotton socks on overnight…only time I have to be extra vigilant is during the winter when our feet don’t get much air. Hope this helps

 

[Glucobabu]

Looking at all the posts here it’s obvious we are being led to use private health services which has been the government’s agenda for a long time. You’d be lucky to find a dentist now willing to take on NHS patient. The diabetic eye screening used to include a detailed eye check including eye pressure which takes about 20 seconds. Now since being handed over to private providers they say it’s not part of the screening and I should go to a private optician for that. Under the NHS you get only one check a year. I am on a medication that affects eye pressure yet the hospital clinic refused to refer me for a regular check!