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This isn't a question, just an experience and some perspective for anyone who might be going through an amputation, already has, or knows someone who is. I had my big toe on my right foot amputated in October 2024 (blister I got while hiking, diabetic ulcer, bad treatment recommended by a doctor, infection etc). I was 39 years old and it was awful. I'm recovered now, back to hiking and yoga and working full-time and other than becoming a model for flip flops I don't have any issues. I tried everything I could to prevent the amputation but it just wasn't in my cards. It doesn't make me unhealthy, stupid, negligent or anything else. I'm still the same person I've always been, just one toe less and with a different doctor. Anyways, if anyone out there would like any advice or perspective or anything else from someone who's been through it, let me know. If you have negativity or judgement or whatever, don't waste your time because I genuinely don't care and won't respond to any hate 😊👍

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Hey Geaton777, so the treatment my doctor recommended was using Epsom salts and a pumice stone at home, when I already had an ulcer. She said she saw no sign of infection and that I could see a podiatrist if I wanted to, but it would be cosmetic to remove the callus. So I did the at-home thing, it looked like everything was fine, and six weeks later my ankle swelled up and turned red, so I went into urgent care where they found the infection. They said that my doctor SHOULD have recommended antibiotics and an MRI, and that the infection was likely minor but already there and she didn't treat it properly. So then I called my doctor's office to report her, but of course I got the usual medical gaslighting and they tried to say that she told me it was urgent that I see a specialist. That was complete bullshit. She told me there was no sign of infection and that the podiatrist was cosmetic. So yeah, I don't think she took it seriously enough.
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My grandmother had a friend who lost his toe (and maybe part of his foot?) at a young age due to a work accident. Back in those days there wasn't a lot of help with prosthetics so he made his own and perfected it through years of trial and error, if he hadn't been so open about it you probably would not have known. So anyway, I just wanted to say that a good prosthetic can make a world of difference. (BTW, he was in his 90's when I knew him)
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My GF lost half her leg because of a sore on her foot that would not heal. They did everything, even Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Gangreen still set in. She was a juvenile diabetic. I will tell you that you need a qualified Woundcare nurse to care for those sores. My daughter is one and probably saved her own grandfather from amputation. He got blisters on his heels in rehab and all they did was bandage him. My daughter saw dead skin in the wounds and went straight to the DON. My Dad was taken care of very well after that. You need an advocate or be your own.
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Love your attitude..
Flip flops are not good for you anyway🤣
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What was the bad treatment the doctor recommended (so others can avoid it)?
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I'm glad! I would do it if I had to, as I think I would be happier to be alive and missing a toe than dead.
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