I have had two sets of operations by two different podiatrists...each made me worse than before.

This has destroyed my life...if you are considering foot surgery know that the "worst case" stuff you sign off for on the consent forms can and does happen often. ..much more than they would ever admit to because after all they have to make money. I wish I had never had surgery or had listened to the MDs who said avoid surgery. But I didn't...I trusted the podiatrists that said they could make things better and said they'd recommended the ops even if it was their own children...that's how confident these butchers were. Did I agree to the ops? Yes...but ironically what I agreed to wasn't done so I feel betrayed. No lawyer will help either because they say the laws are too restrictive regarding foot surgery and there isn't enough money in it for them...at least they were honest.

Well now I am out thousands of dollars, out of work, and depressed to a depth most cannot imagine...thanks to these guys...

My warning to all of you considering foot surgery...don't unless you simply cannot walk...my pain is much, much, much worse than before and my function is very, very bad.

Avoid podiatrists like the plague unles you are willing to risk your life being destroyed. And to any of you that will defend them or slam me...unless you have had this happen to you personally your words mean nothing.

Podiatrists ruined my life...fact.

Good luck if you risk your future with one of them.

Good morning---sorry this happened to you. I was one of the lucky ones. Saw the same podiatrist for routine care for 20 years. After suffering multiple injuries last spring, one being my ankle and one being my back, I aquired a horrible pinch in the sole of my foot. After 2 injections he told me I needed surgery for Tarsal Tunnel. At the insistance of my PCP and spine specialist I got a second opinion adn an EMG> Do not have Tarsal Tunnel and was told if I had the surgery there was a big chance it could make the pain worse. I didn't have it. Still pain off and on but it is easing up. Glad I got that second opinion. Was told with the feet that most of the time scar tissue builds up rapidly and causes more pain. What type of surgery did you have?


ICC

I'm so sorry you had a problem and it didn't improve with surgery. I have had 8 surgeries on my foot in the last 3 1/2 years. the first 2 were with an ortho dr. After the 2nd surgery he wanted to amputate. thank heavens my infectious disease doc asked me to go see a pod that she thought very highly of. I did, and yes, I've had a lot of surgeries. My last surgery was 11 days in the hospital and being bed ridden for quite a few months. I didn't think it would ever get better, and I was put on disability. All I can say is that the problems I had after the surgeries was my own body being really bad. there was no way anyone could have know that I would have such problems. Every day I get up and tell myself that when the pain gets too bad I will take one step more than take it easy. I have slowly (months and months) got to the point where I can be up and around for about an hr before I have to give up. i don't think I will every win dancing witht the stars, but at least now I can take care of myself. I know it's hard, but on the days when I felt as if my life was over, I jumped on this board, and everyone made me feel as if my feeling were real and they gave me the good advice to hang in there. Don't give up and figure if today you can stand a few minutes, then maybe by next week you will have another couple of minutes that you can get around. We are here for you
keep us posted
mary
:angel:

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I am so sorry that you've had such a difficult time with your foot surgeries, its is very unfortunate.

I worked for years as a paralegal for a large malpractice firm in the northeast, and the attorney I worked for handled many botched bunion surgeries and successfully settled several during my time with the firm. Malpractice cases of any kind, including foot surgeries, are tricky because an independent medical expert must confirm that there is merit to the claim, i.e. they must sign a "writ of merit" which indicates that an actual mistake was made....and unfortunately, complications after surgery are not always due to mistakes - they are often risks which come with the territory. (My background in this made my decision to move forward with surgery all the more difficult, but I eventually decided for myself, that it was time to take steps to correct my problems, and I personally am glad that I did).

Perhaps a visit with an orthapedic surgeon would offer new perspective?

I hope that you can find help with your feelings of depression, it is important to treat these feelings as seriously as any disease or injury....they are real and can cause more damage and pain than your feet! Don't hesitate to talk to a doctor about those feelings...any doctor...they will hopefully be able to point your toward assistance if they cannot offer any themselves. If that is not an option, perhaps a local counseling agency or non-profit can offer some needed aide.

I hope that things improve for you...to anyone new to the boards and contemplating surgery, please read a variety a posts, you will find that all of us have had different experiences....and ALWAYS base any decisions you make for yourself on your own expectations, doctor's advice, ability to take time to heal (you need a lot of this!), and what you feel is best for you.

I'm also sorry about your situation. Unfortunately, they call the guy who graduates last in his class from medical/podiatry school "doctor." They aren't all properly qualified and it is somewhat difficult for us as consumers to check them out.

Anytime someone I know needs foot surgery, I tell them to call the nearest pro football or basketball team or major college athletic department and find out who they use. I promise you, these won't be hacks. The people at that level don't let just anyone operate on their athletes. I've had two foot surgeries (a cheilectomy and a neurectomy), both by a world known sports med ortho here in Birmingham who has operated on many pro athletes. I checked him out from stem to stern. And I had perfect outcomes both times.

My sympathies to you.

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Hi - I have read your post with great sympathy and can understand how angry you are. I had a bunion surgery in December on the National Health in the UK. I had already had one done years ago and considered this routine stuff and expected to be back teaching in January. This was done by a senior consultant and although I found him rude and arogant, I thought that as long as he does the job, I don't have to like him.
By February I was still in a lot of pain and was convinced that something was wrong. The consultant discharged me and said everything was fine. I saw a private orthopedic surgeon who had treated my neuroma and he said the x-rays show several problems. He is operating next month to remove the hardware, release a ligament which it appears was not done, and to generally have a good look at what has been done and do his best to correct it (like shortening the bone to reduce the pressure in the joint). I am furious that I am having to pay for this which I consider to be corrective work. I didn't create this problem and clearly I am not imagining it. I am seriously considering taking action.

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My saving grace is the private surgeon who is performing the corrective surgery. I have known him for 10 years and he was heaven sent at a difficult time in my life. I had been in two serious car accidents and my life was in ruins with shoulder and neck pain that lost me my job. No-one had been able to diagnose the problems, let alone attempt to put them right until I found him. Thanks to him I returned to work fours years ago and am now a deputy head (I think you say vice principal in the states). So, I have a lot of faith in this guy. I just wish I had gone to him in the first place!
I understand the way you feel - your frustration and dispair. I was in that place several years ago when I was being told I would never work again. I can only wish that you stumble upon someone like I did. Good Luck.

What exactly did you have done? What part of your foot is damaged now? Why do you feel everyone left you? I just had a procedure done and my foot is 10 times worse than it was before the surgery (with more deformity). I can relate with your despair, frustration, depression and feeling of hopelessness, but no one left me and disowned me because of not receiving a healing on my foot with this last surgery. Im so sorry to hear about this, and I truley understand because I can relate.

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I don't think that anybody could understand how foot pain/disability impacts every waking moment of our lives. Nobody could see your pain, either physically or emotionally.

I too was outright lied to by a podiatrist who told me the procedure had a 90% success rate. Later, in the Operative Report, he said something completely different. HE got angry at ME for the failed surgery.

Do you have copies of your Operative Reports? It is a good idea to have them. Also, I believe you have the right to request a copy of your entire medical report, which details each visit, discussion etc. Have you checked out footlaw lawyers? They are pods who now sue pods.

We are here to lend you an ear or any advise we can.

You do have a right to copies of ALL medical records - full and complete. They must be turned over to you within a reasonable amount of time...each state has different laws. They are allowed to charge a fee, usually limited by state law, so again you should check your state statute before paying for them. (My years as a med-mal paralegal taught me that many doctors/hospitals will attempt to charge more than legally allowed.)

Having the records may assist you in obtaining legal help. The first step all medmal attorneys take in pursuing a potential case is to request all records and investigate. If you already have that leg work done, you will save them from spending the money and manpower and may make them more willing to review your case.

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I know you are very frustrated over all this. I am not sure why you feel that you have no recourse for a better outcome. You're railed against two doctors - and that's OK. But what surgeries did you have? What were the outcomes? Not just "have pain" but the actual diagnostic outcome. We would all like to help you get better but we really need more information.
Oh, and where are you? Maybe we know someone reliable there that can help.

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Sounds like you had a cheilectomy, osteotomy or bunionectomy to begin with.
I would guess the cheilectomy maybe with osteotomy. I had that. I used a sports med ortho who is very well known and respected. There can be issues with that surgery. Perhaps they shave off too much or don't get proper alignment. Also, exercising the joint is imperative in recovery. Perhaps they did not communicate the need for that. My doc was very specific about it and what would happen if I didn't - painful or not. Scared the you-know-what out of me so I was VERY religious about the exercises as a result. Where are you? I would love to refer you to someone good to access your situation.

Is there any way to contact you outside of the public forum? I am uncomfortable giving contact info or personal info out in public right now.

Thanks,,,

This forum does not allow personal contact or posting of contact info. If you can just give us a city, maybe someone will have a good doc to refer you to. That much we can do here.

My Podiatrist messed me up big time last June. All I needed was a chelictomy and a spur removed and WOW!!!! Now 2 1/2 weeks ago I had to have a complete fusion. That Dr messed me all up. I never had any relief after the chelictomy. I was actually worse. And the Dr thought I was "NUTS" I said finally "Im not making up swelling" I have pain daily and suffer every step I take. He had me go throught PT that made things worse, had me get an MRI, That cost 1,000 and all it took was a simple x ray to show bone on bone. My dad kept telling me this guy's a quack. I said he's trying everything to help. Then I woke up and knew he was giving me the run around for sure. he was milking my wallet and didn't even know what to do. He even thought I should see another Dr in his office to see what he thought he should do. he said you still have good motion. I said but Im bone on bone. So what if I have movement. Im in pain daily and cant even walk. Some of these Dr's are totally in the dark. They shouldn't be Dr's. Well finally I got my reports and X rays and found out he totally cut all my cartlidge in the trash. Or should I say he sent it in a container to the patholgy. The report said boney fragments in the contained and cartiledge. When I read it I said no wonder Im bone on bone. The X ray one month before my surgery showed a ton of cartiledge. So Im sure after the surgery it didn't just crumble away. That's my story and I wish you the best of luck. I wouldnt ever give up on trying to find a lawyer to help you.
Lisa

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Are you sure we can give out Drs names on here?

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Yes, we can post names. I have posted my surgeon several times as well as a couple of others.

First I would like to say sorry for your pain. I am 33 yrs old and have had my 3rd operation. I had a bunion removed, then I had that corrected and a few other things done, (march 06). NOw 1 week ago i had a fusion. I am a marathon runner and a mountain biker. This was a difficult decision.:eek:

I was in pain for 3 years. went through one year of pt didn't help, had my second operation, was in more pain, went through pt and pain therapy.:mad:

Finally I found a private podiatrist who has fused my toe joint. I had no other choice if i didnt want pain anymore. I want to do my sports again, which he said with proper shoes it shouldn't be a problem. To be pain free is my first goal.

I was also angry, and in pain from the moment i got out of bed. If I tried to be strong i would bike anyway and pop some pain pills at night. Instead of suffering with my problem and making it more of a problem i did something about it. The way you are continuing is not going to make you feel better or fix your problem is it? Maybe you need to manage your problem and stop dwelling on it! Being angry with doctors is not very healthy to yourself, nor will it bring you any further than you are. It seems the angrier you get the more depressed you get. Do you want that? A fusion is very extream , but so is the way you are acting!! I don't want to sound cold but come on, think of people who have a chronic illness, who should they be mad at?

a

I agree 100% with you! I have gone through a simular situation. Had multiple major surgeries and this past Dec. had a sesamoid bone removed by a podiatrist I thought I could trust in attempt to relieve pain and not go through a fusion at this point. Well my foot is worse now than before. Seriously worse. Yes, I was angry but what good will that do me in the long run. Ill just stay stuck and nothing will ever get done when its time. This fusion was on your big toe, right? Was it a painful operation? How long do you have to stay off that foot? Best wishes for a great recovery.

hello youfindme! It was very painful, it has been a long week!! I am now off hard pain pills, taking only advill 60mgs. I can't walk on my foot, crutches and a walker! on thursday is my post op appoinment and will find out if i get a camcast and then can walk on my heel!!:) Would be great!!

I think he man who wrote this should attack him problems and do something about them!! BE A MAN::: OR SHOULD I SAY A WOMEN

A

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i too am very angry at my pod. he said i could wear shoes again after toe fusion, but i cant. i am very depressed

Hi Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I have to admit that I can still wear shoes, but Im very limited as to what kind. Do you have to wear a slipper or just a sock when you go outside? How long has it been since your surgery? No one knows what pain is until they have lived with foot pain. Especially after youve have surgery and it doesnt work out as well as you thought it would. We cant have a foot transplant although it would be nice. I get very discouraged at times when I am reminded of my situation with every step I take, however, for me it sometimes helps to thank God that I have legs and can still walk. (not ignoring the pain and suffering though). Is there anything else the Drs can do to help straighten your toe? God bless! :)

hello jenevepas,
I did mention i was at a private doctor, which does mean i did pay for it myself. I never said you did not do anything, but at the moment you are not doing anything progressive to FIX the problem. I meant instead of dweling with depression and pain fix it!! Thats what i meant. About the man women thing , the more women i speak with the more i relieze we handle problems differently than men do. I guess it is an inside joke (if you are a women). Take care and i hope you are successful with your problem solving.:)

a

Well, I can say my pod ruined my life too. I am more sad and disillusioned with our whole healthcare system this time than ever. Jenevepas must be pushed to the corner with so much happened. I too was fuming when I was almost choked to death by the 2 paramedics in the embulance who abused me mentally and physically (telling me I made myself sick, wanted to kick me out of the car, deprive me of water, letting me rolled on the floor, sitting on me put my hand into my mouth, had my hand cut and gum bruised and tie me up all over, I request to see police and my husband instead of going to the hospital, they purposely didn't tell my husband our whereabout after they got rid of him who's following us and he's looking all over the island to locate me for 2 hours!!!),then the whole hospital staff screamed at me, denied me of water too, treated me like drug addict I found out after I pulled my medical record. they also gave me some kind of drug they insisted me to take to screw up my brain so that I lost all my sense of balance and almost fell on the ground when I got off bed to bathroom, after all that, as if it's not enough, all doctors and nurses who didn't know what happened in the embulence(?) except the first one put down that I was violent!!!! It is indeed the most violent event in my life though.And they didn't put down at all the drug put in the IV that screwed me up!!! they are all in together to cover up each other's A** I had tons of nightmare about being choked. Thought these people got punished for what they did? NO!!! it's all he said she said, plus police said that the EMS claimed just tried to help me nothing they could do, EMS head guy came back saying their paramedics didn't do anything wrong, the 2 criminals said that I bit them up and spit on them (I am a 100lb constantly sick for anything), lawyers said not interested, doctor didn't want to hear anything, phychachist (?) wanted me to go back again to again to milk whatever he could but switched the topic every time I wanted to took about this event which was the reason to see him. some other doctors got me tons of heat (got to see way more doctors because my body could handle all the physically mental and medical ordeals in the EMS and a few days of hospital stay). I am still so angry my blood's boiling whenever I think about it. Friends and families are sympathetic, but nobody really wanted to talk about it more even my husband didn't want to hear it. I guess human nature people don't want to deal with negative thought, not good for people's wellbeing. It's disappointed but I couldn't demand what I wanted except from my husband. I want to bring smile to people's face not a burden to them if they conceive it as burden.

It really sucks. but, what can you do? constantly getting my blood pressure high, ruined my health further more and let these criminals bucher me again? He** no. I had to take care of myself and my affair first before I spent my time and energy to worry about these people being punished.

I totally agree with Jenevepas, these pods if not all, are buchers. I havn't had any doctor (not just pod) that I feel truely care about your wellbeings. It seems to me all they know about are KNIFE & DRUGS. Maybe I haven't have to fortune to meet a good one yet. I seemed Titchou has a good one. I'd appreciate if you can refer me the doctor. I'd really want to know what happened to me and my foot. I don't feel good at all and I really worry about my health.

I had a stage I posterior tibial tendenitis, after getting bad attitude and indiffence from the first 2 docs, the 3rd seemed give me lots of hope. the reason I kept going to doctors is that I know if I don't take care of the condition, my foot would be deformed and collapse. This last doc was young and energetic, willing to listen to me and explain to me. He was very smooth and confident about what he was doing. You couldn't help but lean toward his opinions. He told me surgery was to only way to heal my foot. Even though the radiorlogist's (?) report showed no torn on my tendon, he said he knew better than them because he's the expert. He pretty much guarantee me that I could dance and do anything after 6 weeks when the cast is off. It's just such easy simple surgery no big deal at all. I asked him about physical therapy, he told me it's after the surgery, not before. all doctors pretty much don't like or hate to hear about ultra sound, infered (?). I search a lot but didn't go to ******. not much indepth information on my condition. the 2nd opinion said that surgery might help who knows, I just had a touch one. with repeated assurance and confidence of my last pod who pretty much certain I'd be cured 6 weeks after surgery, I went for the knife I never went to any surgery all my life, just LASIK not long before. I naively think that I can handled that easily. Long story short, lots of pain and suffering and other drawbacks most of you experienced, everything went down hill after the cast taken off less than 5 weeks, esp after first , deal tired everyday, shooting pain esp physically therapy this doc said would do me good (I was the one who requested it at the beginning, then I consulted him before I went because things were not good with my foot) pain wake me up every night, I could hardly work without getting punished by more pain later, I get weak, need to wear tons of cloth, heat pad all night long, still sneeze every day. One night I had enough I cried for hours because I found out you could physical therapy to regain the strength and let your body heal yourself. Surgery is really controvesal on stage I patient. When we called after surgery because he left before I woke up that he didn't even need to do anything to my tendon but just clean up the scar tissue he claim, I am sure I have way more scar tissue now before I am way worse than before, bruise area 3 time's bigger, pain 3 times bad. The ironics is that the 6 groups of eccentric exercise I found in web didn't help me to raise up on my toe just after 3 time's exercise!!! (not being able to raise on your toe is one characteristics of posterior tibial tendonitis. I couldn't do in since last oct when I first to see doc) the sad part is that the surgery makes me so weak and sick I could handle the exercise and be bed ridden for a few days after that. I dear not to do anything stupid to ruin my surgery foot. went to see another pod, gave me bad feeling about praying on me, just try to make me come to see him with ton's of few minutes visits like the other doc. instead of helping me.

sorry for such long story, there's just so much in my mind. can somebody please help to shed some light as to what happen to my foot and body, somebody get good doc to refer.

I am going to resume those exercises once I get a green light. I will be the guinea pig. If I get good result nurture myself to return normal, I'll let you folks know.

I understand jenevepas frustration, I am sick of the current healthcare problem, All doc except the dentists in my life made me more sick, I am sure many people with chronical condition have the same situation. You think it's good to constantly putting all kinds of drugs in your body and being cut repeatly? I don't know how to fight the buchers and drugger, but I think if everybody gets more healthy and refused to take the docs that don't meet our standard, it'd help to weed out a lot of docs that don't do the public much good.

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jenvepass,

Why don't you fuse your toe and have the pain be gone? From the post fusions it does seem that almost everyone is happy? Perhaps it would work on you? My thinking is anything to be pain free!!

a

jenvepass,
Please, take a deep breath. I don't think anyone is saying that what you are feeling isn't true. If you feel it, it is real. I know what it means to be depressed because surgery doesn't work. I've have 8 in the last 3 or so years. I've laid in bed and watched my foot start to dissolve and bubble and ozze stuff. I know what it feels like to be in pain for years and not being able to get out of a wheel chair, or get to the bathroom without someone carrying you. I also know that I have the ability to choose how I respond to it. There were days when I just didn't think I wanted a life like this. Then i think that there are others far worse off then me. There are children dying of cancer and will never be able to have a family or any life as they will die soon. there are soldiers coming back from war with nothing and no one to take care of them and they have lost limbs, sight and all hope. If they can go on, so can I. I have forced myself to get out of bed and start to move. Yes, it hurts like he**, but I do it anyway. I watch dancing with stars and watch Mills dance with only one good leg. She still is beautiful and full of life. That is what I aim for and I know some day I will get it.. maybe not this year maybe next, but I will get it.
Mary
:angel:

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wow, thumb's up. that's the spirit we need. seems a lot of people have foot problems that really affect thier lives. it'd be nice to find the cure. my condition (posterior tibial tendonitis) according to text book and most docs, no cure. the surgery that shouldn't have happened makes me way worse than before (was ok now I am disabled. stupid and naive of me to want to trust the pod with so much hope) but, I have high hope that I can get myself back to where I used to be (except the big scar) if only my body can handle or I am given green light to do those exercises that help me to stand on my toe just 3 times of exercise.

those were touching and beautiful thoughts of Mary. Another thing I want to say is that don't underestimate the healing power of our mind and our body if you train them in the right way, i believe

i still dont know what is wrong with your foot(feet), but can you walk or bound to a wheelchair? depression is a disease which needs to be treated. debbie g

Jenevepas: Don't stop posting. Believe it or not, we would like to help you. I know that it is very depressing. I had a blotched surgery. I was so angry and depressed. I did make my last appointment with the pod and basically told him off. Not meaning to but I just let loose. I don't usually swear in public but, I cryed and screamed and said that this was a cluster f-----.

I tried to file a claim but, I could not get another dr to say anything was wrong with the surgery. It was obvious that my heel was not on properly. It sticks out to the side. It still is not correct. I go for my 12th surgery in May. The doctor that is going to try to fix it said "why didn't you file a law suit against this guy" Unfortunately, the two years have expired.

I feel for you. It is very hard, not to mention very painful. The severe pain also causes depression (like I had to tell you that).

Take care. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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I really am sorry for your troubles....and truly wish we could offer you a referral to a doc who could at least give you a better idea of your medical options...someone we know and trust. But without at least a state, I really don't know what else to do for you.

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Interesting. I hope I live long enough to need a fusion! I was told my cheilectomy w/osteotomy should last 15 years or more. Then am facing an implant - which he wouldn't venture a guess at as the implants that will be available then will be significantly different from those available today. And after the implant was no longer working would come the fusion. I'm a runner and I also insist on wearing heels so I've done a good bit of damage to both great toes but only had the one fixed.

Anyway, am still sorry for your situtation. Should you everget near Birmingham, AL and want to just see what might be done for you, I highly recommend Dr. John Gould. Wouldn't let another doc operate on my feet!

if toe fusion would help, why dont you do it with another dr? its not easy, but why are you so against it? i still dont know what condition you are in. are you in a wheelchair,did you have amputation? please explain it to me. i am very angry,also and yes i would like to beat the sh--out of the dr. debbie g

Now I am a million times worse. Plus I am moving far away and I know no one here has referrals where I am going...

OK. Where are you moving to? Perhaps one of us knows someone there. I used to help moderate another foot board. I have names from many of those people. Please at least give us a chance to recommend someone for just an informational visit. It can't hurt to talk with someone whom others have recommended as a result of their own experience. I NEVER recommend a doctor because he is nice or has a good beside manner. I ONLY recommend on with whom I've had a positive outcome - good bedside manner or not. I don't care how nice he/she is...only how good they are at what they do.

jenevepas,
I have been following your story and the many posts and my heart goes out to you and to all who have had similar experiences. This is all so unbelievably unfair. For what it is worth, you said that you were planning to file complaints with the medical boards, and I am wondering if you have actually done so? How long ago did you undergo these procedures? I live in Canada, so things may be a bit different, but have you tried contacting a regulatory organization that can advise you what to do and if warranted, they will do a formal inquiry into the member's conduct? Then if the professional is found to have behaved improperly, the organization may suspend or terminate their authority to practice and may levy a fine. If you are not satisfied with the actions taken by the regulatory organization, you may be able to appeal them through various channels including the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Ombudsman here in Canada anyway. I know I may be grasping at straws for your situation because you have talked to so many lawyers and looked at all the angles no doubt. But you never know, it may trigger something over-looked and I just had to respond to your dire need for help. I sincerely hope that you never give up the fight to right this horrible wrong and make those responsible, accountable for their actions. And more so, I hope that you are able to trust a competent surgeon to make you well again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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RE the fusion I absolutely refuse to have my toe permanently sticking up in some lame attempt to make my foot into a rocker....I had these ops to have a FUNCTIONAL and PAIN FREE foot..these *******s destroyed that and actually put me into this screwed up position.

i think you need to inform yourself a little better about the operation...... Maybe being so misinformed is the reason you won't do it. Interesting!!!!!!:rolleyes:

a

I think it an uphill battle to sue thess A**h****. Not to be negative. I don't know how you can tackle it either. I've tried and hit many brick walls from different angles. Had been to serveral ordeal including my mom's cancer treatment here. so much you-can-believe-it events and, so much attitude from the so call health care professionals that sent your blood pressure to the roof, yet, it didn't seem there's much you can do about it. In my opinion, they should all go to jail period; and if they have the lousy attitude like they have now, their sentense should be more severe. so that they'd take people's health more seriously. can you imagine you can get away with it after you hit and injure somebody with or without intension? But, reality is these people do have license to "kill" (not cure), as I mentioned. I couldn't believe it so redicuously hard to straighten up these jerks. I couldn't believe this is the country we live when it happened, simply no justice for victoms like us here. I finally gave up for my own sanity. It really sounds like Canada is a way better territory in that area. I am sure the lawyers would jump on it to get a class action suit if you can find some patients get wrong the same way with you. But how? Well, if you found any angle, please let me know. I don't know how many lives the two EMS, the two oncologists and my pod who schedules gazzillion 1-2 minutes appointments/day. Many people he sees I can tell are not knowing what he's doing. I don't know of anybody spend so much time to research as me. Still I bit his bait. The guy is a super smooth operator and exellent business man. I just found out the lady referred me to this doc also has tons of pain after her plantar fasia surgery for over 6 months and began to complain about it. I do hope you can do something about these A**h**** who enjoy. One thing for sure is that the lawyers are not interested, no bucks for them. They would feed you why you can't or shouldn't pursue it to justify their action/or non-action. They usually wouldn't point you to any other govenment or other entities to do something about it to make them look bad because somebody else can do something they are not willing to. Anyway, I hope you find your answers to keep your peace. we all need that, esp. at times like this. although, at times, you have to give yourself a break away from this and let your body relax a bit after some release, if you hold your anger 24/7, you'll give damage to your own body both emotionally and physically more than any physical condition in the long run. Not to be an insensitive jerk, just want to help. Let's just throw as much curses to all those A**h**** as we can and try to recover and heal ourselves as much as we can as well since we can't do much about them for now.

oh Jenevapas, while I was eating the homemade flexseed macodamia (?) nut britle, I thought about the free legal aid here in Hawaii. I remember you said that you lost your job. Maybe you have something similar in your area that offer free lawyer/lawyer advice for the low income. oh, you still have to pay for the expert

jen, please tell me what condition you are in regarding your feet. you are so angry-toe fusion is not the end of the world. i really want to know your condition now- i cant find it on any of your posts. debbie g

Titchou I am trying not to give away every bit of information in case somehow I can do something legally later (really dont think it could happen but just in case) and I am sure the things I have written here in anger would be used against me. If there was a private way to talk sure I'd say but this site doesn't offer that convenience...once I could really use.

I am in the process of figuring out how to file the complaints...I truly do not believe however from what I have gathered that it would have any effect on the doctors. I am fully aware of how these things get swept under the rug and patients written off as complainers...I have seen it many times. Since his records do not reflect what he told me...which is my word against his as I have no proof...there is no official avenue other than just "complaining" that he didn't do what he told me he would do. There simply isn't enough evidence. None of the damning things he said are written down...the records and my word is all there is...and if it isnt written down it didnt happen...so they say. Plus none of this will make me feel better ..it would just be a little justice since these guys get away with this all the time.


This is a battle that can't be won. The profit driven insurance companies have assured to that by getting the laws changed in their favor. The lawyers know this and wont even bother unless it is a home run case like he left his watch inside you or cut off the wrong leg.

RE the fusion I absolutely refuse to have my toe permanently sticking up in some lame attempt to make my foot into a rocker....I had these ops to have a FUNCTIONAL and PAIN FREE foot..these *******s destroyed that and actually put me into this screwed up position.

What I want is proper function and no pain....I cannot have this from all evidence....I have heard of NOBODY getting better from this condition and many getting worse with more work...someone needs to stop these butchers from chopping everyone up...again something that wont happen...hence the depression...I know there is NOTHING can do about any of the aspects of this...thats why I am screaming about it here now..and yes I realize that will have no effect either but I have to do something...there is simply nothing I can do to change any of this...

Something tells me that your attitude may be the biggest hurdle in your recovery. I have seen both OS as well as pods screw up surgery. I think that your assessment of podiatry as a whole is flawed. Pods get by far more training in foot and ankle surgery than any OS. So with that said I think you are making yourself look silly by blaming podiatry. I am trying to be real here and I just don't see any lawyer in the U.S. turning down a case if it is as bad as you say it is. Frankly, the laws in this country favor of the lawyers not the docs. Even with the pain and suffering caps there is still quite a bit of money that can be made by the lawyers. You are just dead wrong.

I have had multiple surgeries on my foot.........and I had a pod that chopped me up. I understand you being mad........I really do. I was angry too.
That being said I have been BLESSED with a FANTASTIC pod now that was able to fix my botched foot... I ended up with a fusion.........my toe barely sticks up and I have adjusted really well to it and can do alot of things I couldnt do before . I would be in bad shape if it werent for my current pod.......I am sorry you had such bad experience's.

dlh, how can your toe barely stick up? mine is up 15 degrees. how long ago was your toe fusion,can you do normal acitivities and wear regular shoes? debbie g jen, you are hiding something when you dont tell what condition you are in. this cant ruin your case because the drs know what condition you are in now. toe fusion is supposed to take the pain away and allow for normal activity. i am still waiting-this is my 3rd surgery and i want my foot back and my life back. i couldnt walk before the fusion and i am waiting for the day when i am pain free and can wear my shoes again. i would never go down without a fight. get yourself better and then go for a law suit. again please post back and if you are able to walk and how much pain you are in. debbie

**** Off Podiatry!

Jenevepas: I don't intend for this to sound mean - only as a statement of fact and a logical argument for the choices. OK?

So, you really have only two choices when it comes to doing something about your foot: 1) fix it or 2) don't fix it. Those are just the facts of the matter. Whether you want a fusion or not is not the point. It's whether or not you want to be pain free. Now, that might be a fusion or it might be an implant. We aren't doctors so we can't tell you. But we can tell you who a reputable doctor is who can give you an valid opinion. And that won't hurt you at all. At least then you could make an informed decision for #1 or #2 above. Just because you go to the doctor and get his opinion does not mean you have to follow thru with it. You have the choice to take the advice or not. It would just be investigative. Make sense?

Additionally, I agree that doctors who botch things should be made to pay in whatever manner is appropriate for the mess up. The only problem with that is that no amount of money will make your toe better. Even if every lawyer in your town was willing to take the case pro bono and nail these guys to the wall, your toe will still be just like it is when you deposit the settlement check.
Do you really believe that it would hurt less if you got $100,000 from the doctors? I can tell you definitively that it won't.

Think about it for a while - with your logical side, not the emotional one. We'll be glad to find you a good doc to get a valid opinion. Then it's up to you after that.

Jenevepas: I don't intend for this to sound mean - only as a statement of fact and a logical argument for the choices. OK?

So, you really have only two choices when it comes to doing something about your foot: 1) fix it or 2) don't fix it. Those are just the facts of the matter. Whether you want a fusion or not is not the point. It's whether or not you want to be pain free. Now, that might be a fusion or it might be an implant. We aren't doctors so we can't tell you. But we can tell you who a reputable doctor is who can give you an valid opinion. And that won't hurt you at all. At least then you could make an informed decision for #1 or #2 above. Just because you go to the doctor and get his opinion does not mean you have to follow thru with it. You have the choice to take the advice or not. It would just be investigative. Make sense?

Additionally, I agree that doctors who botch things should be made to pay in whatever manner is appropriate for the mess up. The only problem with that is that no amount of money will make your toe better. Even if every lawyer in your town was willing to take the case pro bono and nail these guys to the wall, your toe will still be just like it is when you deposit the settlement check.
Do you really believe that it would hurt less if you got $100,000 from the doctors? I can tell you definitively that it won't.

Think about it for a while - with your logical side, not the emotional one. We'll be glad to find you a good doc to get a valid opinion. Then it's up to you after that.

Excellent advice.

**** Off Podiatry!

I don't know about anything of Jen's condition or what exactly went wrong with his op. But I don't doubt a bit that he was not informed before the surgery that he could have whaterver the problems he has now. I know there's not an chance I'd let my pod cut me open found out my tendon's ok and sewed me back again for nothing but all sorts of problmes, pain and suffering, the one and only scar (a big one too) in mybody. this is insane!!!! Only now I know what sugery really means to your body. Regardless the how bad the screwup, nobody should have to go through this.

I believe Jen's got his facts straight first hand about the legal aspect of it. I don't think it's easy to go after the docs at all. Jen made it very clear, it's your word against theirs. The docs screw up your health, that doesn't mean they screw up themselves if not technically, at least legally I am certain. You think your consent form agrees with what the pod told you? I didn't even remember I saw the consent form. But I am sure I signed one. must be mixed inside the whole bun of paperwork they hurried me through. you think they are stupid. their a** is covered, I am sure of it. It's human nature, you want to be able to trust your doc, you want to believe in the promise, and you definately want to be good again esp. they presented to you the only option. I don't think the law is in favor of the patient's. How many times you've gone through surgery? 1, 2, 4? the docs have been through hundreds or thousands surgery procedures, they know all the angles and we don't. How much you understand the procedure and consequences and how much has been explained to you? Based on what you make the decision. How many times your doc tell you it might cause headache, stomache, heart problem such and such like those ad on TV when they give you some drug? (my experience was none, none of the docs told me anything. everytime you have to ask them, the answer always minor or safe. one wellknown nose doc (according to his web) who's attitude's everybody under his feet, looked into my eyes and uttered the word "no" point blank. while there's a long list with the side effect) Don't you think they are in big trouble if they are in the law and order business? Don't you think people's health are as important as not to put innocent people in jail? If there's recording of doc's conversation, if there's camera in the embulence, you don't think their bahavior will be different and more careful about what they tell you and how they treat you? but, they are docs, they save people's lives. I don't doubt they do, esp. the emergency ones and we need them and depend on them. Yet, it doesn't mean they should take their patient's health so lightly and free to ruin people's life without consequenses. Well, I just have enough of it. I'd like to avoid the docs like a plague if I could manage it myself. try not to get sick instead of taking tons and tons of pills they gave. I am sure I know more about my condition than any doc I saw conbined. It's just a matter of how much you care. It's sad, you even have to take the DIY route in the medical field that requires a lot of training that we don't have.

Everyone in this board has his problem one way or another. It's not easy. I have to give a lot of credits for people here who hang on there well and suport each other after so many operations. we've all be through a lot, some of us already got a lot of grieves from the docs on top of the physical and emotional turmoil, I'd say how about we respond to our member from the angle of helping and suporting or simply sharing while we were given a space to vent. I believe that's what we are here for.

Phil...how dare you. You have basically just called me a liar. I have talked to over 50 lawyers and yes they will not take it because laws and caps...they have told me this. I am dead wrong? Your belief in my story doesnt lessen it and in fact makes me more upset that you would take the time to attack my view. But I guess since you cant see it being true it must not be...nice...thanks. Again...how dare you. Oh sorry I offended Podiatry...I guess their egos are more important than my health. The extensive training you mention didnt help either of mine stop from screwing me up. And it is OBVIOUS that my attitude moved the bone wrong and screwed up the ops...why did I miss that. Why is it people that have nothing nice or helpful to say cant keep it to themselves? What joy do you get out of making someone feel worse? Maybe you can call the 50 lawyers I spoke to and tell them how they are wrong ok? Really...since you seem to have all the answers and know that I am the problem and a liar...

Tichou...I am aware I am emotional...because I have lost almost everything over this..and no, money would not make my feet better but it would help me to live as I have no job or insurance and this and the lack of money is due to the failed operations. It is also about them not getting away with this...justice. You also will not be able to give me a reference where I am moving...I promise. It is far and uncommon.

It is also not FIXABLE...maybe it can be made a bit better than now but it is not fixable...fixable means natural function...I know because again I have been to 12 docs over the years getting different views on this.

I am deleting this account and not coming back...I wouldnt want to upset Phil anymore and continue to be dead wrong. Since I am to blame for all of this as he says there is nothing left to do. And apparently making myself look silly is much more important to avoid then feeling good and living a good life. I hope you never have to live like this Phil...I guarantee you would change your tune...must be nice to be so self righteous now. I really hope you got some great ego boost or felt better trying to break me down...hope it made you feel important and better than me.

Done.


So what is the cap in your state? No one is trying to break you down.

[QUOTE=debbie g;2906394]dlh, how can your toe barely stick up? mine is up 15 degrees. how long ago was your toe fusion,can you do normal acitivities and wear regular shoes? debbie g

debbie g
my fusion was 2 years ago. I am 15 degrees too.......it sticks up but it is barely noticable to anyoneand doesnt bother me at all. Yes, I can wear most shoes, only a half inch heel and no pointy toed shoes but im good with that.I can do most normal things, stairs...squatting...I can tip toe but use my other toes. It took over a year to adjust and I still swell if I over do it but my I dont have the pain I use to have anymore.

thanks dlh, there is hope-i just dont know when it is going to come. debbie jen, i hope you dont stop posting. you are actually saying what we all feel. remember you went to the dr in the 1st place-to find out what was wrong with your foot. they didnt give you the initial foot problem. its like a disease-when something is wrong with our bodies we go to the dr. they are supposed to fix it. if you never went to the dr in the 1st place where would you be right now. debbie g

dlh,
Hi Dawn! REMEMBER ME?I was just browsing here and saw that you are still posting.It's been some time since I posted.My feet are my feet...LOL I live with them everyday and live with the same crap.Unfortunetly they will never be normal again. I hope to hear back from you.If any of you care to check my postings go ahead and if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them.
Sue

Sue,
How are you doing? Are your feet getting better. IT's been a long time since I heard from you. Update us as to how you are doing.
Mary
:angel:

**** Off Podiatry!

jen, glad you are posting. i thought you said toe fusion could help. dont give up. do you still have a law suit. debbie g

**** Off Podiatry!

boy do i know now how bad a fusion can be. how do you know it will cause you pain in other places? if the fusion will help with pain go see an othopedic surgeon. what exactly happened to you? debbie g

I know. When you fuse a joint, another one has to take the brunt of the fused joint. I'm not a fan of podiatrist either. Your comment about the ingrown tonail is CORRECT. I had a podiatrist fuse the wrong joint.

That was the start of my problems. In two weeks I am going to have another surgery. Don't want to but I can hardly walk. I am still having thoughts about it. On Friday I almost called and canceled.

I had a good podiatrist but he moved so they tried to stick me with another doctor in the same office. I had casts for orthodics made and was quoted 250.00 for the price. The office lost the casts and now they want to charge me 375.00 for new ones. I am livid!!!!

hi jen, anything new that you are doing?

**** Off Podiatry!

what is your degree in? and how old are you may i ask?

**** Off Podiatry!

Jen, I think my mind must be playing tricks on me. Yesterday when I read your post, it said female under your name. Today it says male. Do you change it to hide your identity??

I am sorry you have had such a bad outcome with your surgeries!! Some podiatrists do not deserve to be practicing but some are VERY GOOD! All of them go to school and they either graduate at the top of the class or at the bottom of the class....but they are all still doctors!! They call it practicing medicine for a reason......

People come on these boards for all kinds of reasons. Some because they have problems that just won't go away and some because of failed surgeries! Some come for advice before surgery and then go on to heal with no problems. Some come on for support and company while they are healing.

You have a right to complain about your surgeon...if that is what you choose to do but you should not be complaining about the profession as a whole!! Some podiatric surgeons are fantastic at what they do. I have had multiple surgeries but because my body is just not healing. I have the world of confidence in my surgeon and trust him implicitly! In fact, I am off to have my whole previous surgery revised today and spend another 8-12 weeks NWB. That is just the way it turned out.

Sophie:angel:

I had one botched surgery. Fortunately, I was able to have it redone ten years later. But I suffered several years of discomfort and depression knowing that I had to had the surgery redone because the doctor didn't know what she was doing. You have to always get a really good recommendation before having any orthopedic surgery.

even if you get a great recomendation it doesnt mean the surgery will work. i think i blame myself for a failed bunionectomy because i was on my foot too soon and therefore had to have toe fusion. . i will never know who is at fault, but i have to live like this and its sad.

Jen, I think my mind must be playing tricks on me. Yesterday when I read your post, it said female under your name. Today it says male. Do you change it to hide your identity??

I am sorry you have had such a bad outcome with your surgeries!! Some podiatrists do not deserve to be practicing but some are VERY GOOD! All of them go to school and they either graduate at the top of the class or at the bottom of the class....but they are all still doctors!! They call it practicing medicine for a reason......

People come on these boards for all kinds of reasons. Some because they have problems that just won't go away and some because of failed surgeries! Some come for advice before surgery and then go on to heal with no problems. Some come on for support and company while they are healing.

You have a right to complain about your surgeon...if that is what you choose to do but you should not be complaining about the profession as a whole!! Some podiatric surgeons are fantastic at what they do. I have had multiple surgeries but because my body is just not healing. I have the world of confidence in my surgeon and trust him implicitly! In fact, I am off to have my whole previous surgery revised today and spend another 8-12 weeks NWB. That is just the way it turned out.

Sophie:angel:

Sopie, I am quite puzzled by your last paragraph though. Why do you think your body is not healing? And why do you think your surgeon did a good job and you still trust him so much after the fact that you have to revise your whole previous surgery? I really really have a hard time to understand that. Is there something wrong with your body/immune system or anything that doesn't function? If you find out the culplit, it may help to improve your condition. NWB and inactivity is really bad for your bone, your muscle and your soft tissues like tendon. All would get substantially weakened if you can't use them. I've read many books and mostly, I really feel the consequence so strong with my surgery and 6 weeks' NWB. I could walk leisurely >10 hours on and off before surgery, now I can't handle >1 hour 10.5 weeks after surgery despite all my rehab efforts. I didn't even had anything done for the surgery like what many of you have, i.e. reconstruction the foot etc etc because it is a mistake. my pod just cut me opened saw nothing to be done and sewed the opening back.

Honestly, I don't have much positive feeling about doctors. screwed me up all the time, may be my body is so differently weak n crappy they don't know or rather don't want to know, may be all my problems are pretty much chronical, maybe my standard is too high asking too much from the health care professionals. to me, it's not a good job even if the doc didn't do anything wrong with the procedure if they don't look at your whole physical, emotional health (well, you can forget about this part already with them) and found the source of the problem help and guide you through with their professional knowledge and experience, finding all the options and discuss the pros and cons with you for you to balance everything making a the health decisions that has more certain positive outcome for your body. I don't want docs to cover or supress my symtoms but weaken my body or other part of my body in the long run. I need docs to tell me why and how so that I will take care of myself and not to have the same problem any more in the future. To illustrat my point, one of my not so bad stories. I sneezed uncontrolably and shaking violently 3 hours after yoga exercise, feeling very weak and cold, all docs told me I had allergy even though I insisted the trigger was not from any outside factors(some gave me hard time when I mentioned it). tons of drugs were given to me, and all of them ended up in trash can. one charged >$700 to inserted some medal (something like mirror) into my nose for 1 min and made my nose bleed and sore for at least one week. I had to called many times to find out what's the finding after my suffering because the doc wanted me out right away (I've been waiting for 80 minutes with appointment). well, in the end, I found out the best way to provent the problem is strengthing after exercise, drink plenty water (hot better) get a good and long massage (that alone takes care of the problem) heat pad and sweating under layers of quilt follow by good sleep.

I'd never think any good can come out with lots of medications and surgeries on your body unless they are the only options and the benefits absolulely outweight the trauma. I am sure not everybody think so and I understand that. But I firmly believe lots of docs are responsible for wakening our bodies and creating way more sick people with their current approach to "take care of us". I believe we don't need that much drugs and surgeries to take care of some of our problems if we know it better. docs are not interested even though it's better to our body. Those distorted miserable looking face/noses/skin, shrinking lifeless legs in the waiting room told me some people have suffered and weakened for a long time to reach that state. It horrified me. I really wish everybody is getting healthier and stronger as we grow older, at least not getting sick.

**** Off Podiatry!

**** Off Podiatry!

Sophie,
How is it going? sorry to hear you are having another surgery. Like you my body didn't heal. After 11 days in the hospital, 10 on Morphine, 2 months on a vacpac my foot has finally healed. Now I have RSD due to excessive pain, and I am starting to see a Pain Management spec doc in 2 weeks. RSD can be caused by somthing a simple as a sprain, but the symphatic nerve in the spine turns on and can't turn off. You know how I love my doc and trust him very much. He thought I had RSD over a year ago, but i wanted it on the back burner till we could get the foot to heal. Keep me posted on how you are doing, and how the surgery is going? My thoughts and prayers are with you
Mary
:angel:

The problem with medicine is not limited to podiatrists. M.D.s cause plenty of problems with iatragenic medicine. However, the reason I am on a foot board is that a dermatologist surgically removed about 1/4 of the tissue on my toe looking for skin cancer. Of course there was no cancer there. Instead of doing a small shave biopsy to check for malignancy, and then taking out margins if there was a problem, he chopped off part of my toe. It has been over a year and a half and I have not been able to wear a shoe in all this time. It seems that I have nerve damage in the scar where he did the surgery. The whole surgery was completely unnecessary. I did not know that surgery on the foot could cause pain. If the risks were mentioned to me I would have insisted on a shave biopsy for what was a very small area.

When dealing with doctors it is really buyer beware. I am very cautions about having any medical procedure and I still got hurt. I do not excuse doctors who hurt me and make me worse. If the net result of medicine is not a healthier patient than something is wrong. Doctors are not compensated by making a patient healthier. They are compensated by procedures, each of which has a different billing code. As long as they conform to a standard of care they are protected from malpractice lawsuits. The results of a procedure have no effect on a doctors income.

I think that a diagnosis of RSD is a cop out on the part of doctors for surgery that has caused nerve damage. I believe that there is a difference between RSD and nerve pain from a neuroma or nerve damage. The dermatologist who did the surgery on my toe claimed RSD but I am on medication for RSD and it did not affect my toe pain. I know what RSD feels like and it is a burning pain. The pain I have in my toe is pain caused by pressure. Since the feet are subject to pressure from standing, walking, shoes and toes pressing on each other they are much more sensitive to surgical procedures than other parts of the body. Unfortunately, I did not know this before my surgery. I have been told by podiatrists that I have a neuroma or nerve damage in the scar on my toe.

I have thought about the problems with medicine a lot. I dont believe that change will ever come from doctors or insurance companies. It can only come from patients but I am not optomistic about this occurring.

never did i realize what a horrible outcome i had. i assumed everything would be fine. doctors are not gods and i guess we learn from mistakes by making us more aware. when a persons life changes drastically, we cant look beyond it. i think we need to have more positive attidudes because negativity will get us nowhere.

**** Off Podiatry!

Jen, you may not wish to hear this, but until you have some sort of resolution to this chapter of your life, you will never move on. I recognise your anger and bitterness, as well as the need for recognition that this was not your fault and someone should take responsibility for what has happened to you. I had a serious car accident which was clearly not my fault and my life was ruined - well that's what I was told and that's exactly how it felt. I was told I would never be able to teach again and that there was nothing to be done for me. I fought for nearly 4 years to win compensation. I was followed by private detectives and my actions videoed. I was so bitter and twisted by what had happened. In the end I did recieve a payment but it hardly covered my losses for treatment and loss of income. I had to move on because the alternative was to sink. It took a great deal of effort, physically and mentally, but I made it. I recognise the place you are in because I was there too. I wish you luck in finding a resolution so that you can move on. I am not being trite or in anyway dismissing your suffering - this is not a 'pull yourself together' post. I write in real understanding of what you are going through, but if you cannot find resolution you will be stuck in this place forever.

i totally agree. you can and should fight, but with a goal. what is your goal?

I cannot fight..there is no arena or method left. I tried and they won. Can't sue...can't get his license revoked...cant get social security because I am too young and can apparently go be a Wal Mart greeter even with butchered feet and pain...and more importantly cant get back what was STOLEN from me. All I can do is come here and ***** about it and that does nothing either. People say DO SOMETHING and stop complaining...to them I say What? What can I do that will change anything? Absolutely nothing. The best I could ever hope for is a life far far below what I had and that is not acceptable.

I have lost all faith and see no point in anything since you can bust your *** and be good only to have someone ruin it all and then you cannot do anything.

My goals would be 1. To be functional and pain free 2. To be reimbursed for my financial losses 3. For The doctors to be punished and publicly apologize.

No chance any of them will happen. So they win. **** them and **** the people who empower them like insurance companies and lobbyists.

If you want to go to a butcher and let him operate go ahead. They are your feet and you can destroy them as you wish. Bury your head like a good ostrich and trust the man in the white coat.

You cannot win against big money and business...and healthcare is one of the biggest.





I give up...good bye.

jenevepas...I hope that you are still around to read this. Please don't feel that you have wasted your time here. You brought up an important subject. Yes, it is scary for all of us to read what you have written, but unfortunately it is a reality that surgery can and does go wrong and people need to see both sides so they can make an informed decision. For me, I know that I will think long and hard if I ever consider going under the knife again and that is partly because of what you have said. In one of your posts you said that even if you could help one person...well consider me that one person...and look at how many views your threads has generated!! You may have helped more people then you will ever know.This healthboard, and the many topics that are available, is a Godsend. Every post on here is a valuable resource and worth it's weight in gold.

You have been dealt a lousy hand and it is so sad to see how bitter this has made you, can I blame you, no...I would probably be the same. But I think that you are a real fighter and stronger then you know. I hope that you never give up.

I wish you all the best and thank you.
tootsie

jen, you listed your goals which would be mine, also. reality sets in and goals have to change. i want to wear a pretty shoe again, painfree of course, and i want to stop agonizing and thinking about my foot. i am not there yet, but i have hope that i will be. you are so not there, but little by little you will be. where are your everyday life goal? somehow you have to work just to make a living, where is your family-you need them. i know the self pity only too well, but there has to be a little break from it.

Debbie, Your words could describe my case! A podiatrist has ruined my life...
The "corrected" foot is far worse than the foot situation before the surgery.
(I have pain that I didn't have before, and have had to cut back on my work--as
a nurse). I'm grateful that you warned against a second surgery, because that is exactly
what I have been considering. How are you coping with the pain and addressing
the problem in every day life? (we must remember--podiatrists aren't true M.D.'s
and many of them have complexes about it). I suggest you read Jerome Groopman's
book, "How Doctor's Think"--especially his chapter, "Surgery and Satisfaction".
Thanks to you, for now, I'll live with the present flawed foot..and wait for technology
to catch up eventually. I fully believe it will...seeing what miracles have been wrought
for wounded soldiers coming back from Iraq. Please keep us posted.

Ruth

I cannot fight..there is no arena or method left. I tried and they won. Can't sue...can't get his license revoked...cant get social security because I am too young and can apparently go be a Wal Mart greeter even with butchered feet and pain...and more importantly cant get back what was STOLEN from me. All I can do is come here and ***** about it and that does nothing either. People say DO SOMETHING and stop complaining...to them I say What? What can I do that will change anything? Absolutely nothing. The best I could ever hope for is a life far far below what I had and that is not acceptable.

I have lost all faith and see no point in anything since you can bust your *** and be good only to have someone ruin it all and then you cannot do anything.

My goals would be 1. To be functional and pain free 2. To be reimbursed for my financial losses 3. For The doctors to be punished and publicly apologize.

No chance any of them will happen. So they win. **** them and **** the people who empower them like insurance companies and lobbyists.

If you want to go to a butcher and let him operate go ahead. They are your feet and you can destroy them as you wish. Bury your head like a good ostrich and trust the man in the white coat.

You cannot win against big money and business...and healthcare is one of the biggest.





I give up...good bye.
Just read this second post...Interesting--the three points you make are just what
I'd like for my foot: a functional foot and free of pain; reimbursement for my
losses; and to punish the Pod.....
...I'm on disability now--due to pain in the operated foot; I can punish the
podiatrist by continuing to report how bad he is..and spread the word. I can
vow never to let a podistrist, surgeon, anyone put knife to flesh again...without
getting many different opinions from the cream of the crop.

Ruth