A man whose ankle “exploded” while fighting diabetes thanked health professionals who helped save his feet.
Type 2 diabetic Ian Gamble has been treated at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for the past 25 years, and doctors have even considered amputation because of the severe ulcers and infections he has experienced.
The 66-year-old from Stockton is at a much greater risk of having problems with his feet because high blood sugar can damage sensation and circulation.
The subject first got this far six years ago and has done so again in the past few months – both times Ian was looked after by a diabetic feet team that works at both hospitals and the community.
Ian Gamble with podiatrist Claire O’Malley
(Image: NORTH TEES AND HARTLEPOOL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
He was also treated by a wide range of specialist staff, including a diabetes counselor, an orthopedic specialist, podiatrist, district nurses, and orthotists.
He said, “I get ulcers very easily and have to be careful, a small problem can become very serious very quickly.
“The foot first reached this stage six years ago when doctors were considering amputation.
“The second experience with it started in 2018 – my ankle hurt so much and it just exploded, it was like a hand grenade had gone off.
“I had an operation to scrape out the debris, but I had a very bad infection in my foot as a result.
“After a few treatments, including a vacuum device to heal the ulcer on my foot, the doctors were back at the stage where they were considering an amputation.”
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
The orthopedic surgeon Paul Mackenney decided to have an operation at the Hartlepool University Hospital – with his innovative technique of welding the foot with an external foot frame fixator for nine months.
This, along with treatment with intravenous antibiotics, has helped Ian’s foot improve dramatically.
He said, “Mr. Mackenney said he was going to operate. I trusted what he and the team told me.
“The operation was a success. I had the frame on my legs for four months – a time when I couldn’t put any weight on it.
“I’ve been on my feet again since January, and I’ve been moving around. I can’t thank the team enough for what they’ve achieved.
“I have grandchildren and now I can do more with them. It really changed my life for the better. ”
Ian was treated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, podiatrists, orthotists and dieters.
Claire O’Malley is one of the highly specialized podiatrists who have treated Ian.
She said, “The success of Ian’s treatment is truly a story of people from different specialties working together for a patient who did everything we asked him to do.
“Ian was in very real danger of losing his foot. He had an ulcer that was very badly infected.
“His foot has improved dramatically and he can play with his grandchildren and look forward to the future.
“In this organization, highly qualified health professionals from various roles work very closely together to help our patients. It ultimately means better health outcomes and better care for our community. “
