Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate
Diabetic Foot: Rosa’s Amputation
Background
Rosa, a 63-year-old homemaker from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, faces an open wound on her foot that has become infected. She is a diabetic for 15 years, lives in a small village with no regular medical services.
Presentation of Symptoms
She notices a small cut on her foot but doesn’t feel pain due to peripheral neuropathy. Over weeks, the wound becomes infected and develops into a deep ulcer. When her family finally takes her to the nearest city hospital, Rosa requires partial amputation. Her story highlights the critical need for diabetic education and timely access to healthcare in underserved areas.
Patient Overview
– Age: 63
– Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras 🇭🇳
– Condition: Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Key Symptoms
- An infection that causes severe complications.
- Open wound with redness and swelling.
- Drainage and foul odor from the ulcer.
- Fever and fatigue.
- No pain due to neuropathy.
- Swelling and redness.
Diagnosis & Treatment
- Diagnosis: Infected diabetic foot ulcer requiring immediate care.
- Treatment Plan:
- Antibiotics to control infection.
- Surgical debridement of the wound.
- Partial amputation due to advanced tissue damage.
Complications
- Loss of mobility post-amputation.
- Financial strain due to prolonged hospitalization.
- Lack of timely care results in gangrene and amputation, limiting Rosa’s mobility.
Cultural and Family Support
- Rosa’s family relied on home remedies before seeking care.
- Rosa’s family initially tried herbal remedies
- Village lacks consistent medical outreach for diabetic education.
- Her family later collected resources to transport her to the nearest hospital.
Today
- Good Outcome: With rehabilitation and a prosthetic, Rosa regains some independence.
- Bad Outcome: Without follow-up care, the infection recurs, leading to further amputations.
