Like any bloke, Craig loves his sports and his family.
He has fond memories of his early 40s; working as an electrician, enjoying playing cricket with his mates, watching his favourite footy team, and spending time with his baby daughter.
While living with Type 1 diabetes, Craig refused to let anything hinder his zest for life. Little did he know his life would take a turn when he experienced a heart attack at the age of 42.
Saved by a quadruple bypass surgery in hospital, the heart attack left him with a permanent spinal injury that affected his movement and balance due to lasting damage to his central nervous system.
“This moment changed everything,” Craig says. “The uncertainty of walking again was terrifying, and the idea of my daughter growing up without her dad to run around with, that really killed me.”
Acknowledging the life-saving efforts of the hospital, Craig also sensed the nursing staff rushing his discharge to free up beds, leaving him feeling neglected as a patient with overlooked concerns.
“The hospitals do their best, but it feels like they’re rushing you out rather than giving proper care.”
“I ended up with pressure sores on my feet during my hospital stay because I couldn’t move, and the nurses didn’t reposition me. What’s worse, they didn’t even notice the sores at all.”
People with diabetes and nerve damage are at increased risk of pressure sores because of the prolonged pressure on their bodies, leading to chronic infection, reduced mobility, and pain.
After 8-months in hospital, Craig was discharged and referred to EACH for ongoing mobility support.
Craig says EACH’s support has given him the confidence to live life his way.
The EACH podiatry team diagnosed Craig with chronic pressure sores, which resulted in his toe being saved from amputation when an ulcer later appeared on his foot.
“I had to go back to the hospital with a diabetic ulcer on my foot. If it wasn’t for EACH podiatry, they would have removed my toe because that’s the easiest thing to do, but their diagnosis spared it.”
Today, at the age of 50, Craig still has his zest for life.
He walks with the assistance of mobility crutches and frequently attends appointments with EACH’s Podiatry team to address his pressure sores and prevent any future complications.
“EACH Podiatry is exceptional. They listen and offer diverse solutions from their extensive expertise. I can’t praise them enough; they’ve prevented me from returning to hospital due to complications.”
“EACH helped me to drive again, something I thought wouldn’t be possible. This gives me the freedom to visit mates at the cricket club, go and attend footy games, and move around town.”
Craig also receives care from EACH’s Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Physiology services to manage his diabetes and mobility, while his NDIS planner is managed by the EACH Support Coordination team.
“The healthcare system can be overwhelming, but EACH is experienced in it. That’s why I always check with them first what services they have before navigating the broader healthcare system.”
The EACH Podiatry Team provides assessment, education, advice and treatment if appropriate, to reduce the effects of illness, disease and prevent further foot and lower leg problems.