Charcot continued

Update on the crappy thing that is charcot! I had my latest scan on Sunday to see how my fractures were doing results sometime this week in the mean time. I had an at home assessment from personal independent payment (PIP) I think? Anyway had to go through a form with her which I had already filled in (in June) but there computers were down so had to go through all these stupid questions again. I decided (in my head) to answer them sarcastically 1st question how do I get dressed? (I've got 50 pairs of clothes on just take one set off a day) 2nd question how do you get down the stairs? (I take my mattress off my bed and slide down great fun!) 3rd question how do you pull your trousers and pants down when you use the toilet? (I don't I just wee through them) 4th question how do you shower? (I wait for it to rain and ask my mum to dump me in the garden with my wheelchair, shampoo ect then she pushes me round the garden really fast to dry me) if only I could have answered the questions like that. But on a better note I did get my MRI results today my left foot isn't fully healed and need to continue doing what i am doing for a little while longer. My right heal is now fully healed and can start to weight bear on it with my air cast on and I know longer have to sleep with my right air cast on either :) (roll on bedtime) however I have my endo appointment tomorrow and I don't think that's going to go as well.

Charcot part 3

Well last Friday was my recent foot check up and it went very well despite the 3hr appointment time but they treat everybody's problems for as long as there needed and that's why it's very time consuming. The waiting room was rammed as it usually is I don't know if its the same in every hospital but our foot clinic only runs two days a week and if there's an emergency people get shuffled (like I did so I don't moan). There are too many chairs in the waiting room as the majority of us are in wheelchairs I'm sure it would make more sense to remove some other wise you get dumped by the water fountain. Some wheelchair users really do need L plates not me I'm fantastic my nurse has already put me down for wheelchair rugby! But it's an option. I was called in by the chiropodist (not the nasty one she hurts) my feet were fine no heat and non swollen (smug) I have my scan next week and my doctor is very confident that its possible my air casts might eventually come off. She even booked me in to have my feet measured the same day yay! The doctor was lovely he measured my feet and I had to put my feet in this strange box that sank when I put my feet in very weird experience  . Then I got to pick my sexy new shoes (snort) those catalogues really do know justice and they should be here in 4 weeks. I have funny feet apparently my big toe is not flat from underneath to the end of my little toe. However he thinks I may only need special soles eventually so I can't complain and also my heel now clicks but let's see what the scan says first fingers crossed. Although I was having a conversation with my friend only last week that if my feet have crumbled I would rather amputate then surgery (theres been times when i wanted to hack it off myself its been that painful) and I would like one of those blade legs (do I get a discount on shoes if I only need one shoe or should I save it for someone who had the opposite leg off) my friend just laughed and said you've really thought about that haven't you my reply was yes.

Neuropathy

Diabetic complications are always at the front of my mind if things get really bad I would rather lose a leg then go blind. Now I have Charcot its really made me realise that I need to sort my sugars out I know that it shouldn't be the reason why? But I am and I'm doing well minus last weeks DKA incident. I already have neuropathy in my feet and my symptoms aren't that strong as they can be here are the signs and symptoms of neuropathy and think if you have any of them it's best to get them checked out sooner rather than later.

The majority of cases of neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, affects the motor and sensory nerves. Patients generally experience initial symptoms on their feet, hands, arms and legs. This is called Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.

Signs and symptoms of sensorimotor polyneuropathy may include:

Pins and needles in affected parts of the body. Some may describe this as a tingling and prickling sensation

A sensation of burning - this starts off on the feet and legs, and then, as the condition progresses, to the hands and arms

Sharper, stabbing pains which are more intense at night. They usually start off in the feet and legs, and gradually progress to the hands and arms. Patients may describe them as electric-like pain.Muscle weakness

Coordination problems

Muscles can become paralyzed

Increased susceptibility to foot ulcers and skin infections, plus other problems that affect the feet

Peripheral neuropathy can eventually develop to dysesthesia - the patients' sense of touch is affected, and the following symptoms may present:

Tingling sensation in the skin

Burning sensation in the skin

The skin becomes extrememly sensitive; the patient may experience intense pain when the skin touches, for example, sheets or towels

Signs and symptoms of automatic neuropathy - automatic neuropathy occurs when the automatic nerves are affected. Patients may experience the following:

Bowel incontinence

Bladder incontinence

Coordination problems

Diarrhea

Dysphagia - swallowing difficulties

Hypotension - low blood pressure. The patient may feel dizzy when getting up from sitting or lying down

Impotence - erectile dysfunction

Nausea

Problems emptying the bladder completely

Problems with balance

Tachycardia - accelerated heartbeat

Vomiting

Signs and symptoms of mononeuropathy - this is when just one nerve or one group of nerves are affected. Patients may experience:

Problems with vision, such as focusing. There may also be double vision

Pain in the eye

Bell's palsy - one side of the face is paralyzed or responds weakly

Pain in the chest

Pain in the shin

Foot pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome - pain and numbness from the wrist to the lower palm. Experts say that approximately 5% of adult females and 3% of adult males are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. Rates are higher in diabetes patients.

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor if you experience abnormal numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in your hands or feet. The earlier you are diagnosed, the better are your chances of preventing further damage and controlling the symptoms. Doctors may also help with symptoms that affect sleep, or trigger depression.

Charcot part 2

Yesterday was my foot clinic appointment which I hate going to 1 because I don't like people touching my feet and 2 being around ulcers and amputees makes me shit my pants about the future (lesson learnt). But yesterday turned out great my feet are now normal temperatures (minus the 2 infected toes) and not swollen at all doc says its time to book you in for your next scan (yay) and if there healed its time to start learning to walk again (double yay). So yesterday I actually left hospital with a smile on my face (which if you know me is rare). Decided not to get my hopes up to much just in case they aren't fully healed but it sounds very promising Emma 1 diabetes 0 (blows raspberry)

Complications

Diabetic complications I myself have 2 Charcot and proximal neuropathy at 26! I've had un stable blood sugars for at least 8yrs I know! If I knew this would happen at such an early age it might have made me look after myself better or perhaps been shown a diabetic patient with no feet and blindness. I know it's my own doing and dont need a lecture but perhaps I would have needed one back in the day every diabetic is told of the possibile complications but this normally happens (later in life) apparently (wrong answer!) but you can kind of expect it when your older and have had the disease for like 50/60 years not 13! But not all diabetics have complications depends how well you are at stabling your blood sugars and getting enough support. A lot of people think its an easy disease just dont eat sugar and take your shots but your blood sugars can be very sensetive for instance stress, exercise can sometimes have a big affect. Every time you eat is a maths exam (and im shit at maths) but its not always bad there is also the posotive like free prescriptions and not having to go full term when you come o have a baby. But on a good note I have now started looking after myself better sooner rather than later and all that I am on a mission my blood sugars are now under 12 (USA 216) with the odd random 30! (USA 540) But it isn't going to happen over night so on I go...... :)