Yearly Diabetic Foot Check changed ?!

[JMK1954]

Went to the local Health Centre this morning for my yearly appointment. Never had any real problem, just one which was invented by a previous practice nurse some years ago, who smirked at me and told me I had lost sensation in my feet. This proved not to be true, when the test was repeated by the GP.

However, this morning I was told that this was only a basic Diabetic foot check, to check pulses and feeling. There was no check of my ability to distinguish between sharp and blunt, I was just asked to say 'Yes', when I felt my foot being touched. She didn't check my pulses either. She commented that I obviously had no problem and sent me on my way.

Has there been an official change in what sort of check is done ? I live in Knowsley. Is this just a local thing ? Can anyone tbrow any light on this ?

 

[Goonergal]

Sounds very similar to my check, which was my first. She did check pulses but test of feeling was very brief and there was no further examination of feet.

 

[Bluetit1802]

It probably depends on the nurse and how efficient she is. Mine looks at my feet to check for wounds etc. then does the pulse on both feet, then does the sensation testing on every part of my feet, each toe, heel, underneath bits etc. This is all done at my annual diabetic review at my surgery.

 

[ally1]

The first DN only checked for numbness. Ignored me re numbness
Second DN checked all over feet and ankles for numbness and pulses
I do think it depends on the DN nurse

 

[JMK1954]

Well, it depends on what you mean by efficient I suspect. Perhaps it's being regarded as efficient to get through more patients faster. I've never had anyone check for feeling in my toes and this person didn't use the peculiar instrument that doctors use when they test your reflexes either. Getting my feet checked has always worried me since the encounter with the idiot at my last GP practice. I don't feel I've had a proper check at all now.

 

[jackois]

Our diabetes nurse went to the trouble of arranging an ultrasound test to check for the pulse in my feet as she was certain with the feeling she got manually.
Saying that, I am aware that the nurses designated as diabetes specialists are very much 'jacks of all trades' and have an alternating foot check up with a chiropodist six months later, who carries out the same checks, as well as sorting hard skin and cutting the nails properly. Even though I pay for this, the peace of mind it gives is worth every penny.