Toe Amputation due to Staph Infection?

Question

My 69 year old diabetic father had his 4th & 5th toes & part of his foot amputated due to a staph infection from an open sore on the bottom of his foot. He is scheduled to have skin graphing done w/in a few days after new tissue is produced using a vac pump. His dr. wants to amputate the remaining 3 toes claiming he will function better (balance), even though it isn't medically necessary. Has anyone experienced this??

He had all 5 removed?

Answer 1

Yes, my uncle had to have that done.

Ask why they want to do it. They may be wanting to fashion a shoe for him so that he can walk a little. If you are not satisfied with the answer, don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. This is important.. too important for yahoo answers.

Good luck. I hope your dad gets better.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to hear about your father.

I realize that conventional health care is necessary and appropriate. That having been said, there are also many things WE can do to overcome type II diabetes, and improve life as a Type I diabetic. I've been researching alternative medicine, and the amount of help that's available to diabetics is amazing.

Natural remedies are quite effective, and include:

Cinnamon
Bitter Melon
Gymnema Sylvestre
Nopal cactus
American Ginseng
Fenugreek
Chromium picolinate

Cinnamon regulates glucose, and has a polyphenol compound called MHCP that mimics insulin and activates cell receptor sites. A quarter teaspoon twice daily makes a difference. Fenugreek increases blood flow and inhibits the growth of infectious organisms. Everything on the list has a use in fighting diabetes. Learn how to use these herbs and don't fall victim to diabetes needlessly.You can find out about about them on line, or in a book I read cover to cover--

"One Son's Quest for the Cause and Cure of Diabetes", ISBN 7890766313

The author, a doctor, lost his mother to diabetes and spent the next 20 years finding a way to overcome it. My brother was dying of diabetes, and I was just starting to need insulin when we came across this definitive work which came out in February 2005. We both lead mostly normal lives now. It's a life saver, and the best money you'll ever spend on the subject if you decide to go that way.
You might want to check Abe Books, Alibri's, or Amazon.com for a good used copy cheap. I bought mine new, and I think it was about $35. I don't get any money from anybody for telling you this--just want to help, and the techniques in this book is what made the difference for me and mine. Best of luck.

Just recently found this 8-minute non-profit video http://www.rawfor30days.com/view.html , about diabetes diet. You need to see it.

Answer 3

Depends on which part of the foot was amputated. Your balance is based on three centres: the ball of the big toe, the heel and the region just below the 4th and fifth toes. If the region just below the 4th and 5th toes were removed, then you end up balancing on a difficult line defined by just two points. Removing the big toe region, however, allows you to balance on the entire sole of the foot, making it more stable. That is the theory - I suspect that if you got a second opinion another doctor would advise against it.

Answer 4

Reread Bobbies answer. I think he is absolutely right. The underlying cause of your father's propblem is : a) his diabetes is not stabilized and b) he does not do his dayly check of his feet and lower limbs to detect infections early. As a result he let gangrene develop which in turn led to amputation. He should consult an endocrinologist and take his problem from square one.