Cutting toenails seems like an easy, non-threatening task with few risks. However, if you are diagnosed with any type of diabetes, snipping a toenail yourself could possibly lead to a removal of a toe, foot, leg, or even death.
Sandra R. describes herself as a strong-willed country girl who always believed she could do most things on her own. At 46, she was given the news of her diabetes diagnoses. Sandra did not take it too seriously and the disease was uncontrolled with her blood sugar registering high.
Despite the problems of her diabetes, Sandra spent hours working on crafts for shows. Hand making ornaments, door signs, and other types of items into the early morning hours became a routine. Living with a busy schedule, Sandra whipped out her clippers one day and cut her own toenails. She made the mistake of cutting the nails too short, an infection developed. Still thinking it was nothing too serious or she couldn’t manage own her own, she ran bath water and mixed Epsom salt for soaking. Placing her foot in the water was one of the worst things Sandra could have done. It increased the risk for infection and created a pathway for the bacteria to travel. Unfortunately, the infection spread to Sandra’s foot. A visit to the emergency room was inevitable.
After battling the infection for days, it was recommended to amputate. Sandra could still move her big toe and felt an amputation wasn’t necessary. She went for a second opinion. The second opinion told her the bottom of her foot was gone, and an amputation was not only advisable but necessary.
In June of that year, Sandra experienced a below knee amputation. HealthSouth Cane Creek in Martin and Baptist Rehab Outpatient played important roles in the rehabilitation process. Sandra understands being an advocate for yourself is important. She talks to other amputees and asks lots of questions constantly. One of the most important decisions has been selecting a prosthetist to join her medical team.
“People have different thoughts and ideas regarding the selection of a prosthetic company. I heard stories of people traveling for hours to other cities and I needed to make an informed decision based on my needs. I decided to go with Murphy’s Orthopedics, part of Human Technology Prosthetics and Orthotics Group, because it is a family and locally owned company,” said Sandra. Murphy’s Orthopedics/Human Technology provides services not only for amputees but those in need of diabetic shoes and custom orthotics for protecting their other foot and leg along with any other issues they might experience.
Dan Phillips, the orthotist/prosthetist with Murphy’s Orthopedics/Human Technology visited with Sandra for a long time. He explained the process and expectations. “Dan is so encouraging and takes time with me. He is personable and very knowledgeable. I’m thrilled and impressed with Dan,” said Sandra.
Sandra is in the process of learning to walk again wearing her new prosthetic leg. Motivation and a positive outlook keep her going. She strives to reach a goal of dancing at her son’s wedding. “I can’t beat myself up for what happened. I must move forward. I have a better diet, plan to exercise, and take medicine properly in the future. I am now taking diabetes seriously and monitoring my blood sugar,” she said.
Sandra and her husband, Raymond, reside in Union City. She will continue follow up visits to Dan at Human Technology’s office in her hometown. She understands amputees have changes, adjustments, and qualify for new devices as activity level increases and/or decreases.
Sandra shares a closing statement for diabetics, “Check toes and feet often and take diabetes seriously.”
Contact Murphy’s Orthopedics/Human Technology Prosthetics and Orthotics for a free consultation to determine ways of improving your lifestyle and ambulation with prosthetics, orthotics, shoes, and mastectomy products.