I don't know where else to put this...

[mywife210]

I have diabetes (along with a myriad of other health problems), and I have open sores on both my legs that dermatologists cannot (will not?) find the cause. These sores have been on my legs for a few years now; however, the dermatologists I have seen say that I have been causing these sores on my own - totally false!!! These dr. have asked me if these sores itch (thus thinking I am scratching myself), and I have told them everytime, "I am not scratching myself, these sores do not itch, they HURT!". A previous dr. refused to refer me to an infectious disease specialaist , and even told me that he "would drop me as a patient if I continued this nonsense". (I no longer am seeing this dr.) One dermatologist said that this was a problem that a therapist should handle - it was all in my head, she claimed! I had a biopsy done on one of the sores, and it came back as similar to an insect bite. Nobody wanted to do any follow-up on the insect angle. I have even offered to bring in things I have seen "moving" in these sores, but nobody wants to look at them. There have been some horrific things I have seen in these sores. These sores have only gotten worse, and still nobody seems to want to do anything, except blame me. These sores have very sharp points in them, and I have to take these points out to help ease the pain somewhat. Whatever we have done (patches, cream, antibiotcs) has not stopped these sores from coming back. At one point, I also had these sores on my breast and back. I have been through two major health org. in WI, and by going to another dr. in these org., they do not want to discount one of their own dr. reports. I wanted to go to an independent dermatologist, but he asked for the amount that was not covered by deductable UP FRONT, plus the office visit UP FRONT! No way can I afford this. I am starting to run out of prefered providers in our network. These sores make it very difficult for me to get around, and have caused me to postpone appt. because the pain was so severe. I have considered retaining legal representation if that would help my dr. become more serious about my pain. I am at a loss at what to do next. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I have included (if it works) some photos of my sores over the yr. [IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\OWNER\MyDocuments\MyPictures\Sores[/IMG]

Thank you,

mywife210

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((mywife210))))))

My sympathies are with you for your pain and for your search for an attentive, caring physician.

Do you live near a university or a research hospital? Sometimes the physicians in these hospital settings are more interested in unique or difficult to diagnose cases.

Have you scoured the internet for information? Searched for photographs of sores to see whether any match your own? You might even find specialists on line, who would be willing to look at your photos and offer an opinion. I don't know how credible they might be, but if you locate specialists at places like Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins, you might get some feedback.

Your photo isn't showing up, because you have less than 11 posts on Braintalk. The reason for this restriction is to discourage spammers on BT. Once you've posted your 11th post, your photo should show up. Or you may have to repost it.

I hope that you find the answers you need to help you treat and cure these sores.

Love & Light,
Rose

[agate]

Hi mywife,

You've had good advice, and I can't add to it except to say you should keep trying. Sometimes you just have to keep making calls and getting referred on to other places. It's very tiresome but it's your health that is on the line here.

I found this about leg sores, which can be related to diabetes:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/...footulcer.aspx

[Mal L]

You can try the Cleveland Clinic link. They list a phone number you can call. I noticed also that sores (ulcers) can be diabetes-related.

[Buttons2]

this might seem off the wall but I suggest you research something called Morgellons disease. just google the word & scroll down to Wikapedia for the most current info (2012). a word of caution: if you think this might be your issue,mentioning it to any doctor might get you sent to a shrink.

good luck!

[mywife210]

I have looked up Morgellon's, and it does look like it, but my cousu=in (an ER nurse) says it probably is not that. Thanks for your post.

[mywife210]

We have been to the main university hospital, and go to university-based clinic. We will keep searching. Thank you for your nice words.

[mywife210]

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

[Buttons2]

I have a comment to make. the doctor's you've been seeing have not helped you. perhaps it's time to rethink where you get your medical care?

I'm also diabetic & realized years ago that not many doctor's know much about the disease. maybe they get a few hours training? and I've known too many people with sores that ended up with amputations.

we have to be our own advocates for any health issues. the days of someone caring enough to find an answer are sadly a thing of the past. it's all ruled by HMO's & the almighty dollar these days.

also just cause your relative is an ER nurse doesn't mean you don't have Morgellons. I warned you the medical profession will think you are nuts if you bring it up.

[mywife210]

Thanks for your comments. I have been to nearly every clinic in our area, and you are right. None of the dr. seem to give a hoot, and most do not know seem to know much about diabetes. I have been to a number of diabetes educators, and have received different information from each one. One I saw in 2007 said I would be dead in a year! The medical profession is for the birds now. Can you imagine what it will be like when Obama's health care reform takes effect? I received copies of all of my medical records, and don't tell me that dr. don't lie. A nurse from a clinic that I go to now actually told me that I should go to another clinic. I will keep fighting the fight, and all of your comments and concerns are appreciated. Thanks again!