Chronic Wounds and Being Diabetic:

@KrauseHome (36448)
United States
May 20, 2011 3:11pm CST
Why is it that most Doctors know so little, and there is nothing they really want to do? Why is it even with being Diabetic they try to always blame you for something many times out of your control? Why is it most of the time they lack wanting to really help or test for infection til many times almost too late? Personally in today's Society it still floors me how little Doctors really seem to know and care about when it comes to being Diabetic, and then when that person has a wound that does not want to heal they tend to think that just keep the swelling down and it will heal never bothering to check and see if the wound might need a little help as in an antibiotic, etc. as well. Take it from someone who knows and has been there many times with being a Diabetic, and dealing with the chronic wounds on my leg, and wondering what will it take to get to the point this can be healed again, and to where a Doctor will take time to care and want to listen and help out instead of me continuing to watch things get worse, and feeling frustrated and hoping eventually in the end it does not cause me loosing my leg as well. I am still having issues, and have been to many Doctors about it over time. It has been interesting to see the type of caution and care they give as well. When you have a Staph infection, knowing you have one, and no one does anything to where you have to leave there... especially when it is a Wound Clinic was an experience for sure. And now being told to go check another wound center out and see what they can do as the doctor feels there is nothing more she knows. And this is with having Insurance???? Makes me wonder sometimes. But I am in the process of checking out another wound center and will keep everyone updated on what I find. But if this was you, would you not being to wonder, and want to SCREAM sometimes as well? I know God is in control but sometimes I think the Doctors need to be more in control and knowledgeable as well as helpful and caring as well. ~~TINA~~
5 people like this
15 responses
@GardenGerty (157427)
• United States
20 May 11
This does not match my experience of what I have seen doctors do for diabetics and others with things like oozing cellulitis. It may vary by areas. Have you been to a diabetic clinic? I would think they could direct you to some doctors with some expertise.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
12 Jun 11
Well, I have been referred to a Wound Center again, and just needing to check with my Insurance on a few things. Wondering if this is some of the issues causing the possible Heart problems as well? But all I can say is sometimes it does make you wonder how doctors can be so ill prepared.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Well, they are checking out a lot of different things right now to see if some of the issues are connected, or if it is all something different. I know that I have Super low potassium and wish there was a way to be able to get this up. As for protein this really has never been suggested. Have an apt. finally with another Wound Care center and hoping for the Best.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157427)
• United States
13 Jun 11
I know dental infections can cause heart problems, I do not know about chronic wounds elsewhere, but it would make sense to me. There is so much knowledge out there that it seems that no one doctor can know it all anymore. I know that for the most part neither doctors nor nurses know anything about nutrition. Has anyone ever told you that you need extra, high quality protein to get your wound to heal? When I worked in nursing homes those with chronic skin conditions and wounds got a supplemental protein powder in their meals or beverages.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
20 May 11
It might pay for you to go outside of your town area to a totally different doctor but first, ask around and see what others have to say who's good and who's not. That might help and it may not. It's a start anyways. As for incompetant doctors, these days you have to demand that they figure out what is wrong and what kind of infection that you have so you can get the right medications that you need to get well. You can't take a bunch of BS from these people, just because they have a degree doesn't make them smart or wise. If they can't figure out what it is in their office, they could take a culture of your wound and send it off to have it evaluated. Like in my area, there's a really bad area when it comes to the medical staff however, there's another that's just wonderful and a couple of more that are further away that are just as good so it depends on where you go in if you'll get an answer or not. Hope you get this straightend out soon before it gets any worse!
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
22 May 11
Well, I have been refered to a Wound Care center in the same area I am living and will have to check it out and ask some questions before hand, and then go from there. A yr. ago that same place could not help me with the type of insurance I have, and now I am hoping some things have changed. I have some ideas of things they really should consider trying and just hope I can get somewhere this time.
@BarBaraPrz (45418)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
20 May 11
Have you tried actually screaming at them? (The docs, not the wounds.)
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 Jun 11
Actually this did help the situation I think as she is now recommending me to a Wound Care center as she thinks there is nothing more that she can do, since she knows so little about wounds. Actually I think she knows very little about a lot of things to where seeing her could be an interesting journey for sure. But I did Scream at her once and threatened to see someone else, so I think she is now more willing to listen and see how she can help from here.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (45418)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
9 Jun 11
@celticeagle (158483)
• Boise, Idaho
21 May 11
Maybe it is the calliber of doctor that you go to. My friend has diabetis and has an excellent doctor. Isn't there specialists for Diabetis? I would think so. And if a doctor gives you advise and you don't go by it then he might be very much liable to blame you. I hope that isn't the case.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Well, a lot of times, it is the Doctors you see without them specializing in Diabetes and knowing anything about a Chronic wound that becomes a lot of the problem. I am seeing someone who is working with me for my Diabetes but for the wounds, they have special doctors out there for this as well. I just wish things could be a lot easier.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Jun 11
Thanks my friend. Lately it has been a roller coaster of sorts, and I know in time everything will be OK. Just glad that I have a regular doctor who is wanting to work with me, and quite understanding. This is truly going to be a long journey.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158483)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Jun 11
Diabetes is a sweet little disease isn't it? NOT!! Wish there was something that might make it easier for you. SOme people seem to do okay with it and others have all kinds of problems. I hope things get better for you.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
I do sympathise. My dealings with doctors hasn't been great either and over here the government want the doctors to control the National Health Service budget (God forbid) and many of them are like the ones you have encountered...not very good. I don't suffer from diabetes myself but know many people who do. In fact, millions suffer from it and don't even realise as they haven't been checked out. My Dad has had problems with his legs for years. Nobody seems to know what is wrong with them. He refuses to go into A&E at the hospital as he has known people that have gone in and never come out again! You would think with all these advances in medicine that care would improve? I reckon it's gone backwards. I hope this new wound centre you have been to "comes up trumps" as we say over here. You deserve better treatment my friend.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
22 May 11
Going backwards in a lot of ways really seems to fit with Medical issues for sure. Since around here they have to continue to send you from one doctor to another to another just for the slightest thing is becoming quite irritating for sure. I only wish there could be easier ways around it for all.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 May 11
I take it you drive? I hope you do as it must be a pain getting around if you don't.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 Jun 11
Well, one of my upcoming Goals I would Love to achieve so that I have a better chance at getting a better job is to drive. Just need to get up the courage to go get my license and find out how much it will cost to add me to the Insurance.
@margeryann (1845)
• United States
20 May 11
It is upsetting when doctors don't seem to be helping things.It is scary too wondering if a doctor will ever figure out anything so you can get well.I would check out different doctors and different clinics and maybe you will find someone that can help you. Hopefully you find someone to help you. I feel for your frustrations.It is very frustrating in situations like that!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
12 Jun 11
Well, with everything that has been going on right now, it is making me wonder a whole lot of things, and have many questions I will be asking and checking out from here. Makes me wonder if there was not something I could have done sooner?
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Well, I do have an apt. with a wound care center this coming Friday so I know that then I will find out their game plan and hope for something good to come from this as well.
• United States
13 Jun 11
I always think that about doctors that if they found out what to do sooner or did things sooner that things wouldn't of got worse. It is scary. Hopefully they figure things out and take care of them pretty soon.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
25 May 11
I know what you are going through, not with the wound, but finding the right doctor. We have been through so many. Trying to find the right ones to deal with my son and his problems. We have finally found some very good ones, but it took many years. I hope you are able to find one too.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Jun 11
Well right now at this moment, I am feeling very confident about this situation and my Doctors. My main doctor after the one time getting frustrated with her and now wanting to work with me, and I am with a wound care place so I feel Great things could be on their way.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
20 May 11
My little granddaughter was sick for six weeks after christmas a few years ago...she had diarreha...all that time and she was only 3 at the time. They kept taking her to the doctor who said...it's the flu. One Sat. night I got a call from my son who had taken his little girl and wife and loaded them in the car and drove to Mayo Clinic's emergency room in Rochester Mn...well 20 minutes after they arrived..they had a diagnosis! Yup...20 minutes after six weeks of the poor baby with a raw butt! Anyway...go check it out. Find another doctor...they might be able to help. She by the way, was lactose intolerant! I don't blame you for wanting to scream...not one bit. But doctors are human and like it says on their licenses....Practicing...
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 Jun 11
Well, I am finally feeling like I am getting somewhere when it comes to these issues with the Chronic wound, etc. Might take seeing more Doctors, and finding out all my Insurance will cover, but looks like I am having to go back to a Wound Clinic to see what they can do as well. Just wish there was an easier answer and solution for sure.
@walijo2008 (4644)
• United States
21 May 11
I will pray that God will lead you to the right place to go, where the right doctors are there to help you. I'm diabetic also and I know how hard it is for wounds to heal sometimes, I've seen it in my family, as most of them are diabetic also. I know another lady that has a wound on her leg that won't heal, she's had it at least a couple years now, they've done everything to it, she's also diabetic. She's always going to different doctors, hopefully soon she'll find the righ one that can help her, and hopefully you will too, don't give up.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Well,I finally have another apt. with a New Wound Care center here in the area where I live, and going to see them the 24th. I have heard great things about them, and I am hoping for once they can find something that will help these to heal again. It is quite frustrating that this has stayed and issue, and in time maybe it can become a thing of the past?
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
21 May 11
I can relate to how frustrating doctors can be sometimes! I have some kind of neurological issue and I have been to doctor after doctor and had the same tests done time and again. None of them can agree on what the problem is let alone solve it. I have given up and haven't seen a neurologist since 2003. I have an appointment for next month and I will try again. I always got depressed after I would see a new doctor or have a new test and they couldn't find anything. I keep telling myself that I really don't expect a diagnosis, and doctors sometimes aren't as smart as they think they are, but deep down I guess it's not true. There have been so many strides in so many areas, but sometimes it doesn't seem like it. I hope you have more luck at the new wound center. I also hope I have more luck with the new doctor.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
12 Jun 11
Well, I still have not gotten into the wound center as I have to check with my Insurance to see how much of it can be covered, and now with the new medical finding I have a lot of other questions that concern me now as well. Either way this is going to cost me $$ I really do not have on top of what my Medical covers, but since I want to live it is something I got to do. Wishing there was an easier solution.
• Philippines
14 Jun 11
Partly to blame is that diabetes has emerged as a lifestyle disease. Although most doctors forget that is is largely genetic. AS for the chronic wounds, it is important to get to the root of the disease, glycemic control. Once sugar control has been achieved, diabetics can have a life free from chronic wounds and end organ complications brought about by diabetes.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
28 Jun 11
Well, it is often easier said than done. Because even with having my BG levels more to normal the wounds are needing help closing and that is why I am going to a wound clinic. Mine are caused I think by something other than being Diabetic, but being Diabetic does not help. It just might take some time finding out what works to get them to stay closed.
• India
22 May 11
I feel so sad hearing this, but you have to bear it, i and my wife both have diabetes, doctors say the nerves in soles of feet are already damaged and those on finger tips are getting effected, we find difficulty in walking, our sugar levels are under control, we take herbal, allopathic and homoeopathic medicines, have you ever tried homoeopathic medicines? Thank you for sharing, tale care. Enjoy life to fullest. Professor ‘*^Bhuwan^*’. .
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Jun 11
Well, with mine it has never been my feet. It has always been my legs that have the problems with the wounds, and them not wanting to heal like they should. I have actually tried a lot of different things over the yrs. But most of the time it has been a roller coaster and trying to find things that can help heal them.
• Philippines
21 May 11
hi there tina! my mother was diagnosed with diabetes typeII, last 2007, and until now, she had difficulty in controlling her blood sugar, she had diabetic foot and was operated but thank God, it healed .. i get frustrated with doctors too, specially lately, because my mom got into hospital 1st week of may, the first impression was stoke due to her diabetes.. what i don't get with most of the doctor we went to is that they seem to know more about diabetes but then they do not actually exert more effort to really explain and really have a plan to help their patients.. we do know that diabetes have many complications.. that is why when my mom was in hospital, we do worry because there might be other reason why she felt dizzy and had nausea.. and what we wonder at the time is that the diagnosis was mild stroke but then there has not been any test given to justify that, we do requested for a CT-scan to really see if we can see where exactly is the problem but the result turned out to be normal, then doctor said that the stroke was due to slow circulation of blood in the brain, but then, i'd really wanted to scream at the doctor to justify his findings.but then i don't want to let my mom see that i was angry. that is why i do understand your situation, i just hope you do all necessary tests for you to really know what is the cause.. our health is very important... my realization really was that i don't have to depend everything at the doctor, we should really take time to study and learn everything about our disease.. doctors may have more knowledge than we do but their findings really depend on how we tell them of how exactly we felt, and they don't really exactly know what we feel, i believe that being aggressive towards the doctor would help, ask them everything and demand that they should really explain..it is their job anyway..
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Personally this is So Sad that there are so many Doctors out there that do not know enough about Diabetes to even try to want to help treat it, and then there are others out there that think they now everything and jump to conclusions blaming the patients and not wanting to help out instead. Personally I finally feel confident I might be getting somewhere with everything that is going on, and know no matter what, God is in control.
• Philippines
30 May 11
Well, I agree not all doctors are all knowledgeable about diabetes.If you really want to have the best treatment you should go to a doctor who specialize in diabetes care or at least who specialize in internal medicine or endocrinology.Another thing is you really need to control your blood sugar through diet modification,exercise and medicines because antibiotics will not take effect if your blood sugar is still high.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Jun 11
Well, the main thing is especially when concerned with Medical care and Diabetes and wound care is this could be a very complex situation. Finding the right type of Doctors for each situation is the key. I have a Diabetic Doctor, my Primary Doctor, and now a wound care doctor. With all going on I am sure these 3 can all be aware and do what is needed to make things keep the Best for me.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
20 May 11
You first need to find a way to get your blood sugars under control for the wounds to heal. You need to build up your body's immune response as well. Herbal and nutritional therapies can accomplish this. BUT you do have to make some major lifestyle changes if you haven't already. I suggest you research alternative health and nutritional medicine. Like tea tree oil for chronic wounds. Aloe Vera is good to use with that. There are herbal compounds that lower blood sugar just as well if not better than medicines without the side effects. Nutritional medicine is using foods to heal, also using nutritional supplements in healing. Dr. Weil and Dr. Mercola are two very respected Doctors who have great results with both herbal and nutritional medicine. Do some research and see what you can find.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
22 May 11
Well, I have tried a lot of things over time and a lot of the natural remedies have helped, but never completely healed, and my BG is getting a lot closer to more under control. But then when my wounds were once at their worst I was running over 350 all the time, so it can be interesting for sure. I think a lot of it is finding the right thing that will want to work for me, and making sure it is able to help it this time as well.