Matrixectomy - have you had it done?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Matrixectomy - have you had it done?
7
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 4:09pm

Hi,

I just got my annual exam for my feet and the podiatrist said I should get a matrixectomy done as a preventative measure. Has anyone ever had this done? And, what was your experience like.

Thanks,

Rebecca

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2005
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 4:23pm

http://www.footdoc.ca/www.FootDoc.ca/Website%20Ingrown%20Nail%20Procedures.htm

Good site for different procedures.

Personally, I'd get a 2nd opinion with a more up-to-date doctor.


Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 5:03pm

Hi Rebecca....


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 7:54pm
i am not real clear on exactly what they would be doing, but if it is wht i think it is, it is done in an effort to prevent future ingrown toenails. So it would seem to be used mainly on those with repeated problems on ingrown nails, and probably also taking into account the fact patient is also a diabetic and foot infections can be so very dangerous to us.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 9:44pm

Hi,

No, I havent had any problems with ingrown toenails. He said that this procedure is a preventative measure because it stops the part of the nail that goes inward from growing. those who have had an ingrown toenail are for me getting it done. his reasoning is that because i am healthy and a diabetic, it is a good preventative measure for me.

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 10:48pm

I am NOT a medical person but if anyone suggested this to me, and


Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 1:32am

Hi and welcome to the board. You had me stumped for a few minutes as I had not heard of this procedure. I can't understand why someone would suggest this procedure to you if you have not had these problems. Sounds to me like someone is getting rich at your expense. Sorry if that sounds harsh.


Yes, diabetics have to take extra special care of their feet and they have to cut their nails correctly which will prevent getting ingrown toe nails. Also diabetics are supposed to check their feet on a daily basis to make sure they don't have any sores or blisters on them.


I wouldn't do any elective procedures on my diabetic feet because I know that a simple blister can take weeks to heal. I did have surgery to remove a tumor from my foot a few years ago and it resulted in my being off my feet for 8 weeks.


I think it is more important to treat your feet as though they were crown jewels and don't start whittling on them. Just my humble opinion.




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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 2:39am

Guess I am not so sure the motive here is bad, or just someone out to get money from you or your insuranc?. Is this doctor aware of your losing your insurance? If so maybe he is concerned if he knows you will be losing insurance and anticipates your having problems controlling your diabetes due to that. He may be seeing potential problems that might not materialize. On the other hand depending on healing rates, if he is aware that is in jeopardy he may advise against it to start with.

I know I saw a discussion of it somewhere and I think part of the concern was over diabetics who have problems caring for their feet(can't reach them very well), have neuropathy to the point they may have problems feeling injuries, etc. It might have been over on the Joslin bulletin boards a long time ago.

Am not saying Dr is right, and this would seem to be a very good time to get a 2nd opinion if you can get it fast enough to do while your insurance covers you. On the other hand, if your insurance stops, and you have problems from that surgery, then you could end up with significant bills not covered by the insurance.

It might also be important to assess you past history with infections. This might prevent future ingrown toenails, but then again if you have not had that problem in the past, it would not seem that likely you will et them again!

Auntydoxzz