Toenail Clippers – Dangerous Weapon for Diabetics  

Cutting toenails seems like an easy, non-threatening task with few risks involved.  However, if you are diagnosed with any type of diabetes, snipping a toenail yourself could possibly lead to a removal of a toe, foot, leg or even death.

Sandra Roberson describes herself as a strong willed country girl who has always believed she could do most things on her own.  At 46, she was given the news of her diabetes diagnoses.  Sandra did not take it too seriously and the disease was uncontrolled with her blood sugar registering high.

Despite the problems of her diabetes, Sandra spent hours working on crafts for shows.  Hand making ornaments, door signs and other types of items into the early morning hours became a routine.  Living with a busy schedule, Sandra whipped out her clippers one day and cut her own toenails.  She made the mistake of cutting the nails too short.  An infection developed.   Still thinking that it was nothing too serious or she couldn’t manage own her own, she ran bath water and mixed Epsom salt for soaking.  Placing her foot in the water was one of the worst things Sandra could have done.  It increased the risk for infection and created a pathway for the bacteria to travel.  Unfortunately, the infection spread to Sandra’s foot.   A visit to the emergency room was inevitable.

After battling the infection for days, it was recommended to amputate.  Sandra could still move her big toe and felt an amputation wasn’t necessary.  She went for a second opinion.  The medical professionals who gave her the second opinion told her the bottom of the foot was gone and an amputation was advisable and believed to be necessary.

In June of this year, Sandra experienced a below knee amputation.  HealthSouth Cane Creek in Martin and Baptist Rehab Outpatient played important roles during the rehabilitation process.  Sandra understands being an advocate for your self is so important.  She talks to other amputees and asks lots of questions constantly. One of the most important decisions has been selecting a prosthetist to join her medical team.

“People have different thoughts and ideas regarding the selection of a prosthetic company.  I heard stories of people traveling for hours to other cities and I needed to make an informed decision based on my needs.  I decided to go with Murphy’s Orthopedics part of Human Technology, Inc. Prosthetics and Orthotics Group, because it is a family and locally owned company” states Sandra.  Human Technology, Inc. Prosthetics and Orthotics provides services not only for amputations but diabetic shoes and custom orthotics for protecting the other foot and leg along with any other issues amputees might experience.

Dan Phillips, the Orthotist/Prosthetist with Murphy’s Orthopedics/Human Technology, Inc. recently visited with Sandra for a long time. He explained the process and expectations.  “Dan is so encouraging and takes time with me.  He is so personable and very knowledgeable.  I’m so thrilled and impressed with Dan, “said Sandra.

Sandra is in the process of learning to walk again wearing her new prosthetic leg.  Motivation and a positive outlook keep her going.  She strives to reach a goal of dancing at her son’s wedding this month at a venue in Nashville.  “I can’t beat myself up for what happened.  I must move forward.  I have a better diet, plan to exercise and take medicine properly in the future.  I am now taking diabetes serious and monitoring my blood sugar,” states Sandra.

Sandra and her husband, Raymond resides in Union City. She will continue follow up visits to Dan at Human Technology’s office in her hometown.  She understands amputees have changes, adjustments and qualify for new devices as activity level increases and/or decreases.

Sandra shares a closing statement for diabetics, “Check toes and feet often and take diabetes serious.”

Contact Murphy’s Orthopedics/Human Technology, Inc. Prosthetics and Orthotics for a free consultation to determine ways of improving your lifestyle and ambulation with prosthetics, orthotics, shoes and mastectomy products.