Referral to the diabetic foot and toe podiatric team

[Bananarama]

Hi, Just a bit of background. My husband is Type II and also has chronic venous insufficiency which means his legs are quite often swollen on the left side. He wears compression socks and his legs are moisturised each day.

About three weeks ago he complained of pain in one toe which we put down to his diabetes, however he saw his podiatrist nearly a fortnight ago who diagnosed an ulcer under his toe and suggesed seeing the GP for antibiotics. He's just finished his course, meanwhile the surgery nurse has been dressing it with inadine and a bandage. I change the dressing every other day. Luckily they have referred him to the diabetic foot and toe podiatric team and we have an appointment on Friday. I'm just wonder if you've been through this would you be able to tell us what to expect please. He's had previous leg ulcers which have taken ages to heal and am wondering if feet are the same. Incidentally we also have an appointment to see a diabetic specialist next week. We've only been under the GP for his yearly checks up to now. Will the consultant be likely to offer some more help or is to just get into the system.

So sorry for so many questions. We've never been down this route before and just wondering if you know how it works. Thanks for reading.

 

[Hopeful34]

Hello @Bananarama Every area will vary a bit I guess, but I had a close family member with an ulcer underneath her toenail. The podiatry clinic trimmed the nail each time, dressed the toe, and used a doplar to check the pulses in her foot.

It's good that your husband has a hospital appointment, as they're specialists and certainly at our local hospital, there were other clinics running at the same time who could be called on if needed.

Hope all goes well for you and your husband.