Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of
your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
My husband has had
type 2 diabetes
for about two years now, and about a year ago, he developed sores on the calves of his legs. Since then, we have been bounced
from pillar to post.
His endocrinologist minimizes the problem and sends my husband to skin doctors who repeatedly treat the sores with steroid creams which have
proceeded to worsen the problem. My husband develops
recurring infections requiring antibiotics. His condition
is worsening, we are afraid,
and we don't know where to turn. You seem
to have heard it all. Does this sound familiar? We will appreciate any and
all help and direction you can give us.
We are changing endocrinologists soon in hopes of getting some help.
Answer
Recurrent sores on the skin on the lower extremities are extremely
worrisome, and I'm surprised that the endocrinologist is "minimizing"
the situation. Have you actually been in the office with your
husband, or are you only hearing the story second-hand of what the doctor thinks?
In any case, if the present doctors are unable to successfully treat
the condition, your husband should definitely ask for a referral. I'd
suggest that another dermatologist (perhaps at an academic
institution such as a medical school) might be next, or perhaps a vascular
surgeon if the doctors suspect inadequate blood supply to allow healing.
Also, has a biopsy of the lesions been done? And if infectious,
cultures of whatever organisms might be lurking? Your husband has
the right to ask what was found, or if not done, why not.
wwq
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