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Scared witless - my foot

samphire

Member
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I've been an 'out of control' diabetic for well over six months. Before that I had A1c of 6.7, but it's shot up to 9.1. Three weeks ago, I hurt the toenail on my big toe of my left foot (because of the peripheral neuropathy loss of sensation). I was limping for well over a week. When I finally tried cutting the toenail, I pulled a bit at the side and an infection got in. My toe swelled up and started releasing horrible smelling pus. I thought it would heal itself, but it didn't. I found out on the internet that high BG actually hinders leucocytes. I was terrified I would lose my toe. I'm only 43!
So, it was off to the doctor. He told me off in no uncertain terms and the dressings and penicillin seem to be working.
Needless to say, I hastily drew up a diet plan with my wife (first time I've ever done this). No carbs, except for a slice of toast for the scrambled eggs in the morning and the few carbs you get with vegetables and onions.
I really hope I don't fall off the wagon. I'm motivated by fear.. and I hope to God I can reverse the neuropathy. I value my toes.
I'll report back in three months' time.
 
I guess we've all been in denial to a certain extent at one point or another and needed a scare to shake us out of it. It deffo helps if you can take the positive out of any situation. Every time I exercise some will power and say 'no' to something I know I shouldn't have, I always try to think positive about it. Not 'Oh I wanted those chips and I can't have them!' but 'Look at me being all strong minded and healthy like-that's another pound lost, or another bg under 7'. Then I give myself a mental pat on the back and go and look at something pretty or do something I enjoy ( I'll leave that bit to your imagination :D ). It might sound silly but it helps me. Good luck with your eating plan!
 
samphire
if you keep your BG in the normal[around5]range, your foot stands a good chance, but if you let the numbers creep up, you'll do yourself some damage.
I'm prone to ingrowing toenails [ shape of feet cause it] and whenever I got antibiotics to treat it, the problem came back when the course was finished. I went to the podiatry department at the hospital and there they use antiseptics to treat the infection and I've been clear ever since. Not had an ingroer for a couple of years.
If the antibiotics don't clear it 100% try the odiatrists. You can self refer.
Hana
 
Good luck and don't give up! I read that Soya bread is the least carby or you could have rice crackers instead.
It would be good to be a part of the 5%
 
My left foot has been numb for about 2 weeks now, sometimes its hot and numb, other times its cold and numb, I have worried myself sick over it, Doctors dont seem to think much about it and Im now fed up of worrying so much so Im not going to anymore.

I hope your foot gets better soon!
 
Neuropathy is the worst complication I have... and microvascular damage. It's my big motivation to beat diabetes. There's such optimism on youtube videos... I think low-carb / weight loss is the way to go.
I read recently that if you just concentrate on good fats (omega 3) you can reverse insulin resistance in 2 years.... hmm.
 
Had a slight problem with my right hand big toe for 2 years having it constituently bandage but in July blew up terribly anyway I was on holiday and taken into Macclesfield hospital.

They were great but had my big toe amputated.

I was lucky the toe healed after 5 weeks as they expected a lot longer being on a vacuum bandage

Slight problem with balance at the moment but getting better.

Scared me witless to!
 
I'm not sure for what I should feel more sorry for you; that you had your toe amputated or that you were on holiday in Macclesfield. :lol:

Nice to hear your foot healed nicely. My big toenail seems to be re-attaching itself. All inflammation gone, thanks to pennicillin and dressings. Phew!
 
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