Charlie was diagnosed with Charcot Foot in both feet in 2007 at the age of 49. Charlie had been a truck driver for 25 years at the time of his diagnosis. Due to the complications of Charcot Foot he was disabled and unable to return to his work. Charlie has agreed to share his experiences with us.
Disability Determination
When Charlie was diagnosed with Charcot Foot he was in the active stage in both feet. He was put on non-weight bearing status and both feet were placed in boots. He remained non-weight bearing for 25 weeks. He had six weeks of vacation time, four weeks of sick time and another six weeks of temporary disability to help get him through the first 16 weeks of being non-weight bearing. By week 17, Charlie knew he was in trouble.
“Week 17 came and I was screwed,” Charlie said. “There was no money coming in but the medical bills didn’t stop. I was angry and depressed. Here I was, a grown ass man, and I couldn’t walk to the bathroom or pay my bills. It was one of the worst times in my life.”
With help from his family Charlie made it to week 25 when his doctor released him from non-weight bearing status and allowed him to begin walking again with CROW boots. Though he could now walk he couldn’t return to his career as a truck driver. He felt fortunate to find a job as a dispatcher for a trucking company. The pay was less but he was able to work. Unfortunately, his time working didn’t last for long.
“I only worked about six weeks before I developed a large ulcer on my left foot,” Charlie said. “Before I knew it I was in really bad shape.”
Charlie’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The ulcer in his left foot was infected and he was also battling a severe kidney infection. Charlie found himself in the intensive care unit of his local hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis. His family wasn’t sure if he would survive the ordeal as the doctors had told them to brace themselves for the worst. Charlie survived the sepsis but his left leg was amputated below the knee.
“I wasn’t with it before the amputation, my mom had to make that decision for me,” Charlie said. “I know it was hard for her but when I finally came around and realized my leg was gone I wanted to be dead. I wanted to be dead for a long time.”
Charlie was severely depressed on top of being very weak from the extended time in a hospital bed. After six weeks in the hospital he was discharged and went to a rehabilitation facility about two hours from his home. While at the rehabilitation facility his sister and the staff spearheaded the efforts to get him approved for disability.
Disability Approval
For some people who apply for disability the process can be quite lengthy. In Charlie’s case it didn’t take long for him to be approved, approximately three weeks. This was likely due to the fact that he was at the rehab facility where he remained for two months. While there he learned how to transition from his bed to a wheelchair, how to shower safely and regained his strength.
“Looking back those people did a hell of a lot for me,” Charlie said. “They taught me a lot and they put up with a lot of shit from me. I was mad and depressed and a real asshole.”
Living with Charcot Foot disability
It took years for Charlie to move past his anger and learn to live with his disability. He admits there are still days he gets angry but it is no longer his primary emotion. He has learned how to cope and says his depression has lifted as well.
In an effort to keep the depression and angry away Charlie spends time trying to enjoy some hobbies. He can longer drive his beloved semi’s but he has found a new love for fishing. He never had time to fish before but says he makes it a point to go fishing a couple times a week now. He has also connected with other people online through an internet gaming service and says the connection with others, even on days it’s hard to get outside, helps him keep going.
He offers a bit of advice to others living with Charcot Foot and adjusting to a disability.
“It’s going to be damn hard,” Charlie said. “It’s not easy and it sucks. But you just have to find some things you still enjoy. You have to keep talking to people and being involved in life somehow. The more you sit around feeling sorry for yourself the worse it is.”
We very much appreciate Charlie’s willingness to share his experiences with Charcot Foot with us. If you would like to share your story, please leave us a comment.