Back from the Podiatrist

[walkerwally1]

I hadn't mentioned it before but when I was in the hospital for my broken hip, about three weeks including therapy, I developed a sore on my right heel.  This is caused because I could only lie on my back and they didn't do much to relieve the problem.  Anyway, the sore is still there.  No bleeding, puss or anything like that, just looks looks like a small scab but still tender.   Anyway it has been over three months and I thought it would be a good idea to have it looked at.  I saw my primary last week and she thought it would be a food idea to see a Podiatrist so I did today.  First time I have ever been to a Podiatrist.  The good news is that he checked my blood flow in my feet with a doppler device and that showed blood flow is good.  Walking is good because it promoted blood flow according to him.  I'm happy to say he is not worried about the sore and believes it will go away in a bit.  Follow up in two months.  I have to say that I was worried that even though I keep my bg in good control I may be seeing the start of problems that I did not expect.  I am really relieved after todays appointment, my mind runs wild when I don't know for sure what is happening.  Now in addition to all of my other doctors I have a Podiatrist !

[Shanny]

I'm all for peace of mind, Wally! Glad it isn't serious. I'd have been as worried as you were . . .

We went to a podiatrist once & he cut our toenails. I didn't like how he wanted to cut mine, so I won't be going back . . . he wanted to cut them down into the corners, and how anybody could look at my little sausage toes & think that was a good idea, has to have a screw loose. I had an ingrown toenail once many many years ago, and I intend for that to be the last time.  I made sure that doc cut mine straight across!

[Grammabear]

Wally - I'm glad you received a good report from the Podiatrist.  It makes a big difference to know the sore spot will eventually heal.  I currently see a podiatrist every two months to have my toenails cut as part of my diabetes care.  I went to another podiatrist once and he cut my skin when he was cutting my nails, so I never went back to him. 

[bigskygal]

Glad to hear the news is good Wally.  I should try a podiatrist, I have problems cutting my toe nails.  I'll have to talk to my pcp in June when I see him for a recommendation.

[walkerwally1]

Thanks all, I'm not sure why I felt I needed to blab about this but I think it is that I was so relieved that it was not a major problem.  I am a terrible procrastinator and I put off going to the doctor much of the time saying "It probably will get better tomorrow".  Meanwhile my mind keeps coming up with all of the terrible things that could happen.  Well, fortunately it was good news.
@Shanny, I also had an ingrown toenail, big toe, and I agree, you don't want another if there is any way to prevent it.  Fortunately I have not had another and that was over 40 years ago.  I have always been able to do a pretty good job of clipping my toe nails but since the broken hip I still can't reach my toes yet so I need help for a while, but I am getting close ! 

[skb]

Thanks all, I'm not sure why I felt I needed to blab about this but I think it is that I was so relieved that it was not a major problem.  I am a terrible procrastinator and I put off going to the doctor much of the time saying "It probably will get better tomorrow".  Meanwhile my mind keeps coming up with all of the terrible things that could happen.  Well, fortunately it was good news.

That sounds familiar. I guess we're all like that. I was watching a TED lecture on stress yesterday and the speaker said that it is a natural response to seek contact and support when stressed. We're happy of the fact that this will go away and that walking will help. This is something you're good at.

[rocky]

I've never been to a podiatrist so I don't know much about this. But I am happy with the fact that you are doing well Wally, and things are going to be alright.

[Shanny]

@Shanny, I also had an ingrown toenail, big toe, and I agree, you don't want another if there is any way to prevent it.  Fortunately I have not had another and that was over 40 years ago.  I have always been able to do a pretty good job of clipping my toe nails but since the broken hip I still can't reach my toes yet so I need help for a while, but I am getting close !

Same here, Wally . . . it has to have been at least 40 years ago. I guess that must be one hard lesson & people don't forget it quickly! 

It's terrible to admit it, since I cut Chuck's toenails, but I'm just not ready to trust him with mine, even though I know he used to cut toenails for his elderly patients when he was still in practice. 

[Grammabear]

I had two ingrown toenails 'fixed' by surgery and I can agree with the statement that you don't want it again.  Very painful but feels much better after it healed.

[walkerwally1]

That sounds familiar. I guess we're all like that. I was watching a TED lecture on stress yesterday and the speaker said that it is a natural response to seek contact and support when stressed. We're happy of the fact that this will go away and that walking will help. This is something you're good at.

Well, this is one of the big benefits of the forum to me.  People to talk to that are dealing with some of the same problems and understand.  Since I am retired and live in the boonies ( away from any town ) this gives me someplace to talk about things.  It really does help.

[rocky]

Well, this is one of the big benefits of the forum to me.  People to talk to that are dealing with some of the same problems and understand.  Since I am retired and live in the boonies ( away from any town ) this gives me someplace to talk about things.  It really does help.

This is indeed one of the greatest advantages of the forum. To have a congregation of people with the same problems sharing their experiences and solutions.
When my mum was sick and hospitalised we had family come together like never before. Though the connections now are not so strong as before. Everyone is busy with their own life and facing life's battles everyday, yet, I was surprised and glad at the re-connect that took place. I guess mum recovered faster because of that.   

[Rhiannon]

Wally, glad to hear that the podiatrist didn't have concern regarding the sore on your foot and I hope it does clear up soon.

I've never been to a podiatrist.  I don't have trouble cutting my toenails, and thankfully have never had an ingrown toenail, but I do have trouble finding shoes that are comfortable for my feet.  I don't know if it's all attributable to the diabetes, but my feet are so particular!  Can't wear heels of any kind, need to have just the right amount of support, can't have anything too constricting, the list goes on and on. 

I most definitely pay attention to any little cuts or sores I get, because they do take awhile to heal. 

[Shanny]

The only shoes that keep my feet happy are this style of VFFs. I can also wear Crocs for shorter time periods, but they aren't as comfortable as VFFs. And as dress shoes go, I'm completely outta luck. Fortunately, the dress codes over here in the Ozarks are not rigid! 

[walkerwally1]

Thanks Rhiannon, it was a good session and the sore is actually getting better in just the last few days, after three months !  Because I am still recovering from the hip fracture I still can't quite reach my feet.  I am getting closer all the time but I can't tie shoes yet.  I got a pair of Dr. Scholls walking shoes that fasten with Velcro and that works.  Other than that it is slip on shoes for now.  Normally I do very well with any normal shoe so I consider myself lucky.

[skb]

I am a big fan of Sketchers walking shoes. The best thing I like, is their memory foam which eventually settles down to the shape of your sole. Very comfortable if you have to walk long distances.