It is not always because you are Diabetic!
Back in February, I had open heart surgery. I was making the usual recovery, but ended up having a couple of spots in the incision that were not healing. I used a wound vacuum (which was great) and the largest area healed. A small 'Hole" would not. The doc that did the surgery said it was because I was diabetic, and it would take some time, so he had me continue dressing changes, etc. I started cardiac rehab, but continued to have pain, and just not feeling well. Again, I was told because I was diabetic, it would take a while. After 5 months of this, I went to a different hospital that has a great wound care center. Seems that this "hole" extended to my sternum, and I had an infection......seems a wire, suture, etc was causing the area not to heal, diabetes or not! I just underwent a very extensive procedure, there my sternum had to be debrieded, a could of ribs removed, all due to bone infection! I have a skin flap covering the area, as muscle pulled from my abdomen to reconstruct the area so I can heal. My point is, that it is not always "Because you are diabetic"! If a doctor does not do any other testing, etc, insist. I may not have to be on IV antibiotics now, and have literally lost 6-7 months of my life because a doctor did not look beyond me being diabetic.
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Comment by debb on August 29, 2009 at 9:34am -
i'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that. i don't understand why he couldn't have just checked it out just to make you feel better if for no other reason. making sure would have taken less time, effort and ultimately better health on your part. i hope that you are finally on the road to recovery. even though i am diabetic i still heal rather quickly and have never had a problem in that area so when a doctor tells me it will take longer for me to heal i love being able to prove him wrong. lol!!! take care.
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Comment by Cathy on August 29, 2009 at 11:47am -
I totally understand the meaning behind what you are saying. I have a lot of swelling in my legs and for years I have been told it was because of diabetes and now finally I find out it is because of a low ejection fraction with my heart. Dr.'s like to simply sum every thing up to diabetes when you have it and search no farther. That puts us at risk a lot of times.
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Comment by Sarah on August 29, 2009 at 1:17pm -
Oh my gosh, how horrible! I think it's always an excellent idea to seek out a second opinion if you aren't happy with the care you are receiving... especially when you're worried something else is going on!
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