April is Limb Loss Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the challenges faced by people with diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of lower limb amputation, and those who live with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing complications such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems), and foot ulcers. These complications can lead to infections; in severe cases, amputation of toes, feet, or legs may be necessary.

Limb Loss Awareness Month is an opportunity to bring attention to how to reduce diabetes-related amputations, improve healthcare access and diabetes education, and support at-risk individuals.

Let’s take a deeper look at one patient’s experience dealing with lower extremity amputations—and how he successfully manages his condition today with remote temperature monitoring (RTM).

Gary M., a retired Navy electronics technician who served during the Vietnam War, is familiar with the aftermath of conflict and the courage it takes to face battles long after leaving the battlefield.

Watch his inspiring story now, and read more details about it below:

From Vietnam Tours to Civilian Life

Gary’s military career started after high school when he was drafted into service and went to Vietnam. However, his role did not end with his tours; it marked the onset of challenges that would test his resolve unexpectedly. Despite being wounded, he received a Purple Heart and continued to serve on river patrol boats before eventually transitioning back to civilian life.

The Silent Foe: Peripheral Neuropathy

It wasn’t until years later that Gary began experiencing tingling sensations in his toes, progressing to a loss of feeling in his feet—a classic manifestation of peripheral neuropathy. A common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, but it can also result from injuries, infections, and exposure to toxins.

Gary developed peripheral neuropathy from exposure to Agent Orange, a weed killer used by the U.S. military to expose enemy hiding spots during the Vietnam War.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage, often beginning with pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet. If not treated early, it can lead to severe issues like ulcers or amputation. Numbness is particularly risky because it can make injuries hard to notice until they become severe.

“I never felt the immediate effects of Agent Orange, but over the years, I started feeling tingling in my toes. And then, it got progressively worse as I got into my forties,” Gary says.

Despite the encroaching numbness in his feet, Gary continued to pursue his passions—golfing, e-biking, and spending time with his family—but the discomfort and threat to his mobility could not be ignored.

Lingering Impact of War

During a routine doctor’s visit, an undetected infection in Gary’s toe resulted in amputation. Once you have a foot ulcer, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively common. About 15% of people with diabetes will get a foot or toe ulcer, and around 14% to 24% of people with diabetes in the U.S. need amputation after they get an ulcer.

Losing his toe next to the big toe was a big setback, showing the dangers of chronic conditions that affect mobility. “I got treated, but it was so severe that they had to amputate my toe,” he recalled.

Discovering a Limb-Saving Solution

Gary and his healthcare team didn’t want him to risk further limb loss. That’s when he was introduced to the Podimetrics SmartMat Program through the VA. After expressing interest in trying it, he received it in the mail.

He recalls how easy it was to set up and use. “When I received the SmartMat in the mail, I took it out of the box; it was very easy to install,” Gary says. “It takes 20 seconds for it to go through its cycle while I scan, and after the screen says [my scan] is saved, I step off and go about my daily routine.”

Impressed by its ease of use, Gary continues to use it regularly.

He diligently checks his feet, and his wife, Karen, helps him regularly. But he says knowing the SmartMat is helping monitor his foot health has turned out to be life-changing. One day, Podimetrics called to inform him that an issue had been detected. He talked to his doctor and found out he had an infection that could be treated early.

This timely notification enabled Gary to address the problem early, showcasing the program’s proactive foot care management effectiveness.

“I use a SmartMat because it works. It’s reliable, and I depend on it because it can be life-saving. I don’t want to lose any more toes than I already have,” Gary says. “It’s really easy. It’s 20 seconds out of your day. What’s that? For the safety of your feet?”

Conclusion

Gary’s story sheds light on the often unseen struggles faced by many individuals living with chronic health issues that can lead to limb loss. His journey also highlights the crucial role of innovative solutions, like the Podimetrics SmartMat Program, in managing preventive foot care. Gary’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, empowerment, and quality care required to confront these challenges effectively. It also underscores the importance of accessible healthcare and support systems in ensuring a better quality of life for all.