numb feet

Avatar for bellevuemama
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-01-2003
numb feet
2
Thu, 04-15-2004 - 1:15pm
hey everyone,

A couple weeks ago my husband was diagnosed and we will be taking the classes in about 2 weeks. One symptom that lead him to go to the Dr in the first place was that his toes were tingling and sometimes numb. Since his diagnosis he has done a great job of learning and changing his diet. He still isn't monitoring though. Last night I asked him how the foot situation is and he said it's worse and it's spreading. Now the balls of his feet are affected.

Do you think this is urgent or should he just wait until the class to mention it?

Thanks for all the help!

Sharon

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: bellevuemama
Fri, 04-16-2004 - 12:17am

Sharon,


The answer is yes and no.


No, he can wait the two weeks as it would take him that long to be seen anyway.


The yes is that he needs to know how to protect his feet. He needs to bathe his feet in warm soapy water daily and dry them especially between the toes. He needs to make sure the water isn't too hot because he can burn himself without knowing it. He needs to inspect his feet on a daily basis to make sure there aren't any sores or blisters developing. He needs to not go bare foot and always wear shoes. He also needs to make sure that his shoes fit properly and don't rub on his feet. He needs to protect his feet as though they were crown jewels. He also needs to take his shoes and socks off at every doctor visit for diabetes care and make his physician check his feet.


He needs also to be testing his blood sugar. I hope his is keeping a blood sugar log and food diary. Both will help him tremendouly with his control.


I hope this is helpful. Please get back to me with any additional questions or comments.

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40


Co-Cl Diabetes Board


Avatar for bellevuemama
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-01-2003
In reply to: bellevuemama
Fri, 04-16-2004 - 1:41am
Thanks for the reply Mary Frances! Though I know he should be testing his blood the Dr didn't tell him to get a monitor so he thinks he doesn't have to. This is one of those men who can be difficult when it comes to his health. It's like the food diary, the Dr didn't tell him to so he isn't. I tend to try not to say anything because he reacts to hearing it from the doctor so much better. I am no expert, but I have read a ton and I was a nursing student and got all As in human Anat and phys. So... anyway, I understand a few things about how the body works. But I also understand a few things about my husband and he really doesn't like to get advice from me.

I really appreciate this list and you all letting me vent. I will see if I can get him to do what you suggest about his feet. It should be easy since his mother has no feet due to this illness. Yes, I know how shocking it is that he could still be partly in denial... but the human mind is a strange and mysterious thing.

Thank you again

Sharon