Mark is a 64-year-old male living in Texas who has been battling Charcot Foot for over 10 years. He experienced delayed diagnosis, two difficult surgeries and has embarked on his own crusade to try to manage Charcot Foot to the best of his ability. We are so thankful he is willing to share his experience living with Charcot Foot.
Foot Pain
Mark says he has experience foot pain or sore feet every day for the last 20 years. Long before his Charcot Foot diagnosis he was experiencing foot pain but wasn’t certain why. He often attributed the pain to being on his feet for long hours during work.
“I was a police officer for 28 years and spent 20 of those years on a walking beat,” Mark said. “I easily walked 15 miles in a shift so having sore feet just seemed like part of the gig. The sore feet changed to actual pain at some point but I just thought it was the job.”
He had side of foot pain and pain on top of the foot mainly. He also regularly experienced swelling and on occasion his foot would be hot and red. He would rest for a few days and the swelling and pain would subside.
Charcot Foot Diagnosis
After a particularly long week at work Mark experienced extreme swelling and pain. He couldn’t walk because of the swelling in his right foot and his left foot was almost as bad. He scheduled an appointment with a doctor and was diagnosed with Cuboid Syndrome. Cuboid syndrome is the result of partial dislocation of the bones in the middle of the foot. He sought a second opinion and was diagnosed with a Lis Franc fracture as well as Cuboid Syndrome. He underwent his first foot surgery at that time.
“I should have never had that first surgery,” Mark said. “My gut was telling me both doctors were wrong but I just wanted to feel better and get back on my feet. It was about eight weeks after the first surgery I realized how wrong they had been.”
At his two month follow up surgery it was obvious he had a rocker bottom and his doctor mentioned Charcot Foot for the first time. Mark remained non-weight bearing for another two months after surgery and then went into a CROW boots. He maintained with the CROW boots for another five years.
Foot Surgery Recovery
Five years after his first surgery Mark had foot reconstruction surgery done and had external fixators. The recovery process was long and fraught with complications. He had several infections which delayed recovery and had a difficult time managing his pain.
“I will never put myself through a surgery like that again,” Mark said. “I have never wanted to eat a bullet so bad in my life. The recovery process was horrible and not worth the end result.”
Mark admits he began taking too much pain medication during the recovery stage which led not only to an increase in his depression but also addiction. After eight months non-weight bearing Mark was finally released to walk. After everything he had been through he had to return to the CROW boots and was addicted to pain medication. He knew he had to take control of his own care.
Regaining control
Mark checked himself into a drug and alcohol treatment center and stayed there for 45 days. He was able to get off of the pain medication and did a lot of therapy to help him process how much his life was changing due to the Charcot Foot. Over the course of his time in treatment he was able to get a clearer view of what he needed to do to get healthy.
“Going to treatment was the smartest thing I ever did,” Mark said. “I had support, I had people helping me set goals, helping me see there was still a future. Most of all I learned how to manage my pain in a healthier way.”
Upon leaving treatment Mark began exercising daily, he swims, does chair workouts and strength training. He also began making time to meditate every day which he credits with helping manage pain as well as stress. He has changed his diet and dropped his A1C to 6.2 from over 10.
“My goal is to get as healthy as possible before I have my feet amputated so I can recover well and get back to living,” Mark said.
We appreciate Lindsay’s willingness to share her experience living with Charcot Foot. You can read about the experiences of Jessie, Beth, Jennifer , Joe, Lindsay and Charlie as well. If you would like to share your experience with Charcot Foot please contact us.