Did I just murder my toe?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I have diabetic neuropathy. I developed a wound in my toe. Went to the ER 2 weeks ago because it was purplish, swollen and leaking a clear fluid. It was healing beautifully.

Thursday I wrapped the toe up, as usual, for the 24 hours hoping it would be the last time. When I took off the wrapping I knew something was wrong because I had to cut it off the toe. Then I noticed the pain (weird because I can literally put nails through my feet and feel nothing). Once the tape was off, that fancy stretchy non-stick stuff, I noticed the deep grooves in the sides of the toe. I noticed the huge swollen end, the purple and grey color and the sudden formation of blister looking things right before my eyes.

I popped the blisters and rushed to the ER. They put me on an antibiotic again (5 days this time because I just finished a 10 day regimen). They didn’t clean it or wrap it or anything. Gave me liquid Vicodin and told me to see my foot Doctor on Monday.

I’m worried I need to go back in because over the last 3 hours I have seen the swelling increase and that clear liquid oozing from those “blisters” has literally drenched 2 fluffy washcloths loosely wrapped around the toe.

The grey skin is expanding and it looks like it is ready to just slough off. Am I going to lose this toe? It’s only now Sunday and I don’t know if I should make the long trek back to the ER. I can’t find anything on Google or WebMD about the effects of accidental toe strangulation with diabetic neuropathy. I basically had the thing in a tourniquet for 24 hours. Is it dying?

As you can tell, I am freaking out. I’ve already lost all my feeling, all my toenails and need special shoes. I don’t want to lose my toe as well. Once that cycle starts it doesn’t stop. :frowning:

2

God, I see you posted forever ago but I hope you went back in! I know I would of it were me. Whatever the case I wish you the best of luck, but that sounds really worrying. :frowning:

3

This is merely a suggestion; I am not a doctor.

I’m also diabetic, and a couple of years ago I had a similar infection on my shin. My doctor said it was so serious, it could lead to an amputation. But I went to a wound specialist and he started me on “colloidal silver” therapy. In five days the wound was healed and new skin was growing.

When you see your foot doctor, ask about this. It saved my leg, and it might save your toe.

4

Moved from GQ to IMHO.

samclem, moderator

5

Any updates? Hoping for healthy toes!!

6

I’m not a doctor.

I also had an issue with my big toe where it was excreting a clear fluid/goo. In my case, it was from a ganglion cyst which basically just means i had a tear that was allowing the joint fluid to leak out and form a pocket i would eventually pop like a blister/zit.

In my case, it was not a very serious issue other than the pain from the swelling and the risk of infection that comes from “popping” something like that. I had it corrected 10 years ago with surgury, and the issue re-surfaced last year which required a second surgery. everything feels healthy now, and i’m back to running long distances without even thinking about the toe.

I wish you a speedy recovery and hope yours is also not as serious as you fear.