RE: some good news!

[Guest guest]

Way to go!! Good for you for having the patience and perseverance! Obviously it

paid off!!

Keep up the good work! That is a honey of a story! Smile!

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Podiatrists recommend that no diabetic ever go barefoot. Even at the bech,

I wear Crocs, which are a rubber shoe tha fit your fee so that they won't

come off in the water. They are thin, but sturdy. I have never gone

barefotot so that at the bech I can't stand walking on the burning hot sand.

Re: some good news!

Hi all,

what's the general consensus on bear foot or not. I hear on one hand, that

diabetics shouldn't do it and on the other, that they should? When your feet

are in shoos they sweat and can get calluses and blisters. on the other hand

you are more likely to injure your feet barefoot but if barefoot your feet

get a chance to breathe and I have heard it strengthens the skin on your

feet. I usually go barefoot around the house.

Out of curiosity, what are others opinions on this.

Cheers,

Brett.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

greetings all james in denver where can you get crocks

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Glad to hear that it all cleared. I hope it stays that way.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 5:30 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how

much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Harry

The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that

my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had

surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you

the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home

after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three

times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still

on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to

use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV

antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my

wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another

antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only

had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on

another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year.

Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but

luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for

people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped

paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a

medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day

with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey

dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring

about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had

hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a

success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using

the wound vac.

For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer,

I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of

a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks,

and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing

left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said

there was no more ulcer.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM

To: blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: some good news!

Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more.

How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of

antibiotics were used to help you?

Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress.

Keep up the good stuff!

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

Don't be surprised if your blood sugars get better now that you can walk

around and exercise more. That's what happened to me. Once I began

exercising again after my foot was healed after my toe was amputated.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:40 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

Thanks Harry. Yes, I've been trying to keep a closer eye on my sugars since

this all started, but my A1C has not been as low as what you and the others

on here recommend.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 8:33 PM

To: blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: some good news!

Wow!, what a story. I figured it was more complicated than it seemed at

first. I am proud you got proper treatment to save your foot from

amputation. How was you A1C during this time?

Did you try to keep low or at least normal blood sugars?

Keep a close watch on those feet, and I hope the ulcers never return.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been

getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up

dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot

indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my

feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection.

Becky

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008

4:10 PM

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth

When I first found out that my insurance company would not pay for the wound

vac or home nursing indefinitely I started getting worried. Then I read an

article from the Los Angeles Times (I use Newsline for the Blind over the

telephone) about a product called Medihoney. It talked about how Manuka

honey had been used in European hospitals for 25 years or more. I printed

out a copy of the article and showed it to my foot doctor. He was not the

least bit impressed and told me that I should go back to using saline

dressings when I was no longer using the wound vac. I did not like hearing

this because I was really hooked on the idea of trying honey. The article

emphasized honey's healing properties and it's ability to prevent and/or

cure infections including MRSA infections. So I was determined to find a

place to buy it. I figured if it didn't work, then I would do the saline

dressings the doctor told me to use.

I did an internet search for Medihoney and found out that the company had

been sold but that individuals could buy it's main ingredient, Manuka honey.

I found a wonderful site called www.manukahoneyusa.com that not only sells

jars of Manuka honey but sells other products with honey. You can also read

a lot of information about Manuka honey on this site as well as order from

it. You can also sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter called Honey in

the News.

The Manuka honey didn't bring about complete closure of my wound as fast as

I would have wanted, but in the more than 11 months I used it, I never once

had to go back on antibiotics. The would stayed free of infection, and the

doctor always said it looked clean and healthy. Of course, he thought I was

using saline dressings, and I did not tell him the truth until the end.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 2:43 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Becky,

Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how

much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Harry

The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that

my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had

surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you

the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home

after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three

times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still

on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to

use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV

antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my

wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another

antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only

had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on

another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year.

Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but

luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for

people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped

paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a

medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day

with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey

dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring

about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had

hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a

success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using

the wound vac.

For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer,

I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of

a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks,

and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing

left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said

there was no more ulcer.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: some good news!

Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more.

How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of

antibiotics were used to help you?

Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress.

Keep up the good stuff!

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Greg and Becky,

I am willing to bet that I am more chronologically advanced than either of

you subsequently I offer this sage advice:

Slow it down to a medium crawl when traversing the house without shoes as

the things which jump out and get in your way are *much* harder than they

used to be. (LOL)

When I was much younger I was also much more resilient than I am now.

I have learned to walk with almost no momentum so when I do encounter

strange things the force is minimal. This slow pace causes folks behind you

to grumble and mutter but, oh well, they can just deal with it. (ROFLROFL)

I dearly love to go barefoot but it just ain't practical anymore.

Cy, The Anasazi.

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Greg

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 5:34 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Becky,

Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going

barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that

furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they

were--setting up foot-damaging collisions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote:

>My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been

>getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up

>dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot

>indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my

>feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection.

>

>Becky

>

>No virus found in this incoming message.

>Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com>http://www.avg.

<http://www.avg.com> com

>Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008

>4:10 PM

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well, I don't go barefoot more because of possible breaks in the skin that

could become infected than fear of hitting a toe on something. My furniture

doesn't move, but my stupid cat does, and he hasn't picked up on the fact

yet (after four years of living here) that I don't see him.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Cy Selfridge

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 6:58 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

Greg and Becky,

I am willing to bet that I am more chronologically advanced than either of

you subsequently I offer this sage advice:

Slow it down to a medium crawl when traversing the house without shoes as

the things which jump out and get in your way are *much* harder than they

used to be. (LOL)

When I was much younger I was also much more resilient than I am now.

I have learned to walk with almost no momentum so when I do encounter

strange things the force is minimal. This slow pace causes folks behind you

to grumble and mutter but, oh well, they can just deal with it. (ROFLROFL)

I dearly love to go barefoot but it just ain't practical anymore.

Cy, The Anasazi.

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Greg

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 5:34 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Becky,

Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going

barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that

furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they

were--setting up foot-damaging collisions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote:

>My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been

>getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up

>dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot

>indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my

>feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection.

>

>Becky

>

>No virus found in this incoming message.

>Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com>

com> com>http://www.avg.

<http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com> com

>Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008

>4:10 PM

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going

barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that

furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they

were--setting up foot-damaging collisions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote:

>My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been

>getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up

>dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot

>indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my

>feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection.

>

>Becky

>

>No virus found in this incoming message.

>Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg.com>http://www.avg.com

>Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008

>4:10 PM

>

>

[Guest guest]

I got one pair of Crocs at macey's and another at Right Aid!

Re: some good news!

greetings all james in denver where can you get crocks

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

I hate shoes outside though I wear them now I used to dig quahogs

(hard-shelled clams) with my toes. I mean, bushels. So now they say I will get

cut and die? Oh my, I want to say I don't care, but I wear the shoes though

sometimes in theocean not.

Vicki

Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and

reflect.

RE: some good news!

Hi Becky,

Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going

barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that

furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they

were--setting up foot-damaging collisions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote:

>My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been

>getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up

>dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot

>indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my

>feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection.

>

>Becky

>

>No virus found in this incoming message.

>Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com>http://www.avg.

<http://www.avg.com> com

>Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008

>4:10 PM

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky:

Oh that is good news indeed. What is a wound vack? Can you explain? I am very

lucky in that I haven't had many complications from

my diabetes. I hope it won't happen. I am so glad for this list though as

there is so much good information that comes this way.

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

I know that being bare foot is a nono but what can I do? I find that if I wear

shoes or even slippers for a while my feet become

unbearably hot. I just can't stand it. I have tried many times so I end up

going bare foot in the house. Never outside the house

but what can I do? Even when I go to the store or some place like that, I find

that my feet swell and when I try to put my shoes

on again it is hard to get them back on because of the swelling. Help please!

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Do you have congestive heart failure?

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Do you have congestive heart failure?

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

,

Have you been to apodiatrist and asked him about your " hot feet " ? He might

have some suggestions.

Re: some good news!

Hi all:

I know that being bare foot is a nono but what can I do? I find that if I

wear shoes or even slippers for a while my feet become

unbearably hot. I just can't stand it. I have tried many times so I end up

going bare foot in the house. Never outside the house

but what can I do? Even when I go to the store or some place like that, I

find that my feet swell and when I try to put my shoes

on again it is hard to get them back on because of the swelling. Help

please!

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

,

Have you been to apodiatrist and asked him about your " hot feet " ? He might

have some suggestions.

Re: some good news!

Hi all:

I know that being bare foot is a nono but what can I do? I find that if I

wear shoes or even slippers for a while my feet become

unbearably hot. I just can't stand it. I have tried many times so I end up

going bare foot in the house. Never outside the house

but what can I do? Even when I go to the store or some place like that, I

find that my feet swell and when I try to put my shoes

on again it is hard to get them back on because of the swelling. Help

please!

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi hary:

My doctor has not mentioned anything about congestive heart failure. I

certainly hope not. I imagine that would be one of the

first things he looked for wouldn't it? That and kidney function.

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi hary:

My doctor has not mentioned anything about congestive heart failure. I

certainly hope not. I imagine that would be one of the

first things he looked for wouldn't it? That and kidney function.

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi :

No I haven't been to him lately but have been planning to make an appointment.

He is hard to get in to because his practice covers

such a wide area. He is the only pediatrist from here to Prince which is

about five hundred miles from here. so you can

imagine how long you wait for an appointment. It really sucks.

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi :

No I haven't been to him lately but have been planning to make an appointment.

He is hard to get in to because his practice covers

such a wide area. He is the only pediatrist from here to Prince which is

about five hundred miles from here. so you can

imagine how long you wait for an appointment. It really sucks.

Love and Hugs and the Furry ones.

Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

HiBecky,

I bet his jaw dropped when you told him. Did you convert him or at least

open up his way of thinking or was he a stick in the mud?

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 4:55 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Ruth

When I first found out that my insurance company would not pay for the wound

vac or home nursing indefinitely I started getting worried. Then I read an

article from the Los Angeles Times (I use Newsline for the Blind over the

telephone) about a product called Medihoney. It talked about how Manuka

honey had been used in European hospitals for 25 years or more. I printed

out a copy of the article and showed it to my foot doctor. He was not the

least bit impressed and told me that I should go back to using saline

dressings when I was no longer using the wound vac. I did not like hearing

this because I was really hooked on the idea of trying honey. The article

emphasized honey's healing properties and it's ability to prevent and/or

cure infections including MRSA infections. So I was determined to find a

place to buy it. I figured if it didn't work, then I would do the saline

dressings the doctor told me to use.

I did an internet search for Medihoney and found out that the company had

been sold but that individuals could buy it's main ingredient, Manuka honey.

I found a wonderful site called www.manukahoneyusa.com that not only sells

jars of Manuka honey but sells other products with honey. You can also read

a lot of information about Manuka honey on this site as well as order from

it. You can also sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter called Honey in

the News.

The Manuka honey didn't bring about complete closure of my wound as fast as

I would have wanted, but in the more than 11 months I used it, I never once

had to go back on antibiotics. The would stayed free of infection, and the

doctor always said it looked clean and healthy. Of course, he thought I was

using saline dressings, and I did not tell him the truth until the end.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 2:43 PM

To: blind-diabetics

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Becky,

Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how

much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Harry

The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that

my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had

surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you

the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home

after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three

times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still

on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to

use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV

antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my

wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another

antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only

had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on

another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year.

Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but

luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for

people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped

paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a

medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day

with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey

dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring

about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had

hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a

success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using

the wound vac.

For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer,

I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of

a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks,

and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing

left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said

there was no more ulcer.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: some good news!

Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more.

How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of

antibiotics were used to help you?

Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress.

Keep up the good stuff!

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Ruth

His exact words were " Well, it apparently worked for you. " That was it.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue

Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 6:21 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: some good news!

HiBecky,

I bet his jaw dropped when you told him. Did you convert him or at least

open up his way of thinking or was he a stick in the mud?

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 4:55 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Ruth

When I first found out that my insurance company would not pay for the wound

vac or home nursing indefinitely I started getting worried. Then I read an

article from the Los Angeles Times (I use Newsline for the Blind over the

telephone) about a product called Medihoney. It talked about how Manuka

honey had been used in European hospitals for 25 years or more. I printed

out a copy of the article and showed it to my foot doctor. He was not the

least bit impressed and told me that I should go back to using saline

dressings when I was no longer using the wound vac. I did not like hearing

this because I was really hooked on the idea of trying honey. The article

emphasized honey's healing properties and it's ability to prevent and/or

cure infections including MRSA infections. So I was determined to find a

place to buy it. I figured if it didn't work, then I would do the saline

dressings the doctor told me to use.

I did an internet search for Medihoney and found out that the company had

been sold but that individuals could buy it's main ingredient, Manuka honey.

I found a wonderful site called www.manukahoneyusa.com that not only sells

jars of Manuka honey but sells other products with honey. You can also read

a lot of information about Manuka honey on this site as well as order from

it. You can also sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter called Honey in

the News.

The Manuka honey didn't bring about complete closure of my wound as fast as

I would have wanted, but in the more than 11 months I used it, I never once

had to go back on antibiotics. The would stayed free of infection, and the

doctor always said it looked clean and healthy. Of course, he thought I was

using saline dressings, and I did not tell him the truth until the end.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue

Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 2:43 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Becky,

Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how

much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: some good news!

Hi Harry

The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that

my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had

surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you

the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home

after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three

times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still

on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to

use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV

antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my

wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another

antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only

had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on

another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year.

Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but

luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for

people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped

paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a

medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day

with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey

dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring

about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had

hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a

success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using

the wound vac.

For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer,

I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of

a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks,

and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing

left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said

there was no more ulcer.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

<mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: some good news!

Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more.

How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of

antibiotics were used to help you?

Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress.

Keep up the good stuff!

some good news!

Hi all,

Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about

my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is

something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right

foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much

pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had

surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my

heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers

were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV

antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The

ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on

the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My

insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses

last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my

foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am

happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer.

I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could

even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free

and very happy.

Becky