Podiatrists ruined my life... - Foot Problems Message Board

jenevepas · 03-28-2007, 10:05 PM

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.

ICC · 03-29-2007, 03:11 AM

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

lostmary · 03-29-2007, 06:57 AM

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

KatieArrigo · 03-29-2007, 12:43 PM

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.

Titchou · 03-29-2007, 04:27 PM

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.