A visit to the Physician

[CaptSquid]

Well, I just returned from the VA Clinic, with news of a negative sort.

I was diagnosed as diabetic in 2000. In its own right, that kind of news is life changing. I've done just about everything that is indicated when told you are diabetic.

One of the side effects is neuropathy. Put plainly, I can't feel my legs or feet below the knees. (Remember this, there MAY be a test later.)

Recently, my left foot started to display alarming traits. At first, it was a serious swelling. My foot was slightly larger than a baseball. Gout was quickly eliminated, as was a blood clot. I was told to double up on the diuretics, but all that did was make me pee more often. Then, another med was prescribed. Again, this did nothing.

Then, the front part of the foot (in front of the ankle) did something that was indeed alarming. That part of the foot started to turn to the left. I thought Arthur had taken hold of me -- WRONG! I returned to the Clinic and had pictures taken. I was extremely fortunate that there was an orthopedic surgeon in the Clinic today. The diagnosis was (drum roll, please)

Neuropathic Lisfranc Dislocation http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1 ... nt#showall

What has happened is that the bones of my foot have separated. I'll be referred to a podiatrist after getting a supportive cast shoe fitted.

[WoodButcher]

What?,,, no pics???

just kidding cap.
That diabetes is some serious stuff, might be a blessing in disguise that you can't feel your legs or feet below the knees. I hope they hook you up at the VA and get your foot fixed. Was there any reason they could offer as to how this happened? did you injure the foot unawares and by walking make it worse or was poor circulation the root of all evil?

get well soon!

[Krank88]

Sounds like you are getting good care, but it looks like it might slow you down for a while. I have prediabetes w/ neuropathy so this is something I will be concerned with down the line. Hopefully you can overcome it without surgery. Good luck and take care.

[HPbyStan]

Golden years,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[mdmead]

Sorry to hear it Squid. Hope they get you all fixed up. [-o<

[CaptSquid]

Sorry, but it appears that any and all options involve surgery.

One option is to surgically reduce the dislocation using screws.

The other option is Below Knee amputation.

[JTalley]

Hopefully they'll be able to fix your foot. Diabetes, and everything that comes with it, is life-changing. My sister has had diabetes for almost ten years now, and she's had so many close calls it's unbelievable.

Sorry to hear about this. You'll be in my prayers.

[Gerry Atrix]

Hi Capt,

Sorry to hear about the bad news, for what it's worth the missus has osteo arthritis and had a similar problem with the bones in the feet breaking and separating, they screwed the toes back together and she had them do both feet at once ( one anesthetic is better than two ) took two months to walk without the sticks but at least she can walk - only thing is I don't have any trouble running away from her now

hope it works out okay for you.

[CaptSquid]

***UPDATE***

Paid a visit to the podiatrist on 1 Dec. All kinds of new and exciting news (?!) was given to me.

Surgery won't happen until the edema subsides. No telling how long that may take.
Surgery can be done locally at VA expense. We've two very good hospitals here in town and all Billings surgeons are part of the Arch program.
There is the possibility of external fixators (27.5 weeks of fun and excitement).
The new term is Charcot Arthropathy. (http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Charcot_arthropathy) Yes, I know -- another French doctor. This goes right along with the Lisfranc Dislocation Fracture.
On Monday, I will be custom fitted for a CROW walker (Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker) (http://www.oandp1.com/products/neurocrow.asp)
On the 15th, I'll be taking another road trip to Miles City for Canadian Crutches (as opposed to Axillary Crutches), a knee walker (http://myhealthstores.com/medical-equip ... hwodJRaHOA) and a possible motorized scooter.

[brokenwrench]

***UPDATE***

Paid a visit to the podiatrist on 1 Dec. All kinds of new and exciting news (?!) was given to me.

Surgery won't happen until the edema subsides. No telling how long that may take.
Surgery can be done locally at VA expense. We've two very good hospitals here in town and all Billings surgeons are part of the Arch program.
There is the possibility of external fixators (27.5 weeks of fun and excitement).
The new term is Charcot Arthropathy. (http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Charcot_arthropathy) Yes, I know -- another French doctor. This goes right along with the Lisfranc Dislocation Fracture.
On Monday, I will be custom fitted for a CROW walker (Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker) (http://www.oandp1.com/products/neurocrow.asp)
On the 15th, I'll be taking another road trip to Miles City for Canadian Crutches (as opposed to Axillary Crutches), a knee walker (http://myhealthstores.com/medical-equip ... hwodJRaHOA) and a possible motorized scooter.

Peripheral neuropathies from diabetes have a high co-incidence with kidney disease, protein lose from glomerular disease. many diabetics monitor their urine for "micro proteinuria" and take ACE inhibitors (Altace, Vasotec, Lisinopril) to prevent these complications.......?, just saying

[1Gary]

Mike I have that nerve damage in my feet.They are cold all the time.The feeling in both of my hand's finger tips is pretty much gone too.So any finish body work or adjustment to rocker arms is going to have to be done by someone else.

My advise to you Mike is to stay in the game.Don't let these things reduce you to a life style that you don't want to live.Make that very clear to the doctors.I hope things get better.

[CaptSquid]

I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. I've another 80 years left to go. I want to be shot by a jealous newlywed husband as I crawl out the bedroom window, pants in hand, as his well-satisfied bride tries to hold him back.

But I did just return from the podiatrist's office. I now have a temporary walker while waiting for the CROW walker. This time, the doc says to allow the disease to run its course and then be fitted for special shoes. E-mail me if you want the x-rays.

[Smiliesafari]

That sounds better than loosing your foot. I hope everything takes a turn for the better. Gary...GET ON THOSE MEDS OR I WILL COME UP THERE AND PUT MY SIZE 8 1/2 IN YOUR BACK SIDE. I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE.

[CaptSquid]

***UPDATE***

Paid another visit to the podiatrist's office, where he took more x-rays. The damage is severe; so severe, in fact, that he has referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon, because it is beyond his capabilities to repair the foot.

I'm now the proud owner of a CROW walker http://v1.bpmfabrications.com/wp-conten ... 729_37.jpg, a 4 lb accessory that is supposed to stabilize the foot and preclude any further damage to the foot. Yeah, right!

Now all I have to do is await the VA's approval. I've also applied for SS Disability.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Lets hope they come through for you! That walker looks like it'll be fun to wear!