INTRODUCTION
This is a true story of a 70 years old Nigerian woman with type 2 diabetes who had been on diaonil and glucophage for about 16 yrs. It is a story of her eventual and total healing of her diabetic foot ulcer when all hope was lost. It is intended to remind us again that no disease is incurable, given adequate care and proper nutrition.
HOW DID IT BEGIN?
It actually started in September, 2014, when she felt a hard painful lump under her left foot which troubled her for weeks. She then ignorantly requested zealous neighbours to help her cut the spot open. Peradventure, some bad blood could gush out and possibly bring some relief, unknown to her, that was the beginning of her journey to the world of pains and narrow escape from total foot amputation.
WHERE DID THIS HAPPEN?
The woman in question is a Nigerian from the Eastern part of the country. She was residing in a remote part of the village where access to qualified medical personnel was a luxury and rear privilege. It was this challenge in accessing good and quick medical attention coupled with illiteracy that led her to seek for help from the ignorant and ill experienced villagers who eventually compounded her problem.
WHAT WAS THE DIAGNOSIS
After the local cutting of the painful spot by the neighbors in a bid to assist mama. Within a few days, mama’s condition worsened, the foot was decaying fast and rottenness and the odor of pus oozing out of the pus made it impossible for mama to share a room with other patients in the hospital. A diagnosis of stage IV Diabetic Foot Ulcer was made. The stage of the ulcer had advanced and it was recommended that amputation of the left foot was the only safe and best option, though sad as it was, mama had no better option but to accept the doctors recommendation. She was then referred to the big city of Lagos to be treated at a teaching hospital. The hospital management did their best to curtail and eventually halted the spread of the infection speedily.
Mama was well managed and responded well to all the medications given, she made good progress. The doctor however was no sure whether the amputation would be necessary for that will depend to a great extend on the response they get. Mama’s children were advised consistently that their mother would have to be amputated.
Prayers were made continuously for mama and after spending about 7 weeks in the hospital. She was discharged with uncertainty on whether she would be brought back for the amputation.
GRACE NGO FOUNDATION WAS CONTACTED
Mama was brought to the foundation and a clinical nurse was invited for regular dressing and natural food, I mean no transfat, no refined salt, no carbonated beverages, and many more diet related follow-up were used with physical body massage using natural shea butter and Extra virgin coconut oil externally and in less than 9 weeks mama was totally healed to the surprise and amazement of all.
Firstly the Glory goes to the Almighty God for his mercy on mama and wisdom to the foundation enabling the instruments used in restoring mama completely to the point that mama is walking about freely on her two legs. Who says Diabetic foot ulcer cannot heal in the elderly. This is real and I am a witness and participated in the process. It is however best to seek early medical attention if you have signs that suggest foot ulcer
WHY IS THIS STORY NECESSARY
It is necessary in order to reaffirm that with God all things are possible.
It is necessary to advise diabetics not to allow any form of cutting no matter how little, It is risky for diabetics. Let this serve as a reminder.
It is necessary to re established the fact that food can actually be your medicine
in line with our belief.
It is necessary again to re assure the diabetics that with adequate nutrition and proper physical therapy, there is hope no matter the condition
Finally, to underscore the fact that the body has all it takes to repair, rebuild and regenerate new cells giving adequate nutrition.
You are again advised to seek early medical attention if you suspect foot ulcers in addition to proper nutrition.
This article looks at the sorts of clients who would come to you from foot care, and whether you need a clinic or not. All people need to look after their feet, no matter what their age. Happily more and more people are realising this in time and seeking to avoid foot problems rather than just look for help when the problems have developed. Arthritis
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