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Foot Care Question

P

PamM

Newbie
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Hello, I have been reading the forum for a number of months and have found the content very informative and enlightening. This is my first post on here.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 4 years ago after being treated for Breast Cancer 3 years before the diabetes. My nurse is of the opinion that the steriods I was given to reduce the side effects of the chemo may have triggered my diabetes, although I wonder if I had been diabetic for a while before the cancer, but went undiagnosed (I never experienced the 'symptoms' that are normally associated with diabetes). My diabetes was identifed by a High Street optician when he saw that I had diabetic retanopathy - that has been sucessfully treated by laser and is now stable.

I was initially treated with metformin and gliclazide and my BMs were stable until I was diagnosed with a recurance of my Breast Cancer last year. The further treatment for cancer and the problems I had caused by 2 major infections caused my BMs to rise to the point that I asked to be put onto insulin in August. My BMs are now stable (average 5 to 6). I am taking Humalog Mix 25 and find it to be very tolerable.

I am now having problems with my feet - small ulcers on my little toes. Because of the infections from the cancer, I seem to have been living on antibiotics for most fo the year and I am concerned that the effectivness of the antibiotics is reducing.

The only 'foot care' I am offered is a once a year 'check' by the DSN at my GP practice. A friend told me that I should be intitled to free treatment from a Chiropodist or Podiatrists - does anyone know if this is the case and if so to whom shold I consult.

Thank you in anticipation for all your help
Pam
 
Welcome to the forum ,Pam,sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your feet.Yes you are entitled to free chiropody care .This should be arranged by your GP as a referal to the nearest NHS chiropodist.Do you know if there is one at your health centre?Because you have been on long term antibiotics it's possible that the little ulcers on your toes are caused by fungal infections,get your Gp to check them out when you go and ask for a referal to the chiropodist.
 
Sorry to hear about your foot problems Pam but Sue is correct go to your gp and tell them the problems. They will refer you straight away. If you can see if any of your gp practise specialise in diabetes. they're the best ones to talk to with problems.
Good luck.
 
WElcome Pam!
You are indeed entitled to free foot care. All you have to do is to call your local hospital podiatry department and refer yourself.Tell them you are diabetic and what problems you have. They may want you to fill in a form, that's all. Whatever you do, don't leave ulcers to get worse. they don't get better by themselves and are dangerous.
Make sure you have the right socks and shoes.
I personally find socks the most difficult thing and now wear the ones with separate toes. They do need getting used to, but prevent rubbing between toes. Get them on-line from TOE TOE ( I have no monetary interest in this business. I simply love their socks)
 
hya pam and welcome,
ditto what has already been said,and let us know how u get on :)
 
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