Sandra

Sandra is in the middle of the back row

Sandra is a podiatrist. I met her for the first time yesterday afternoon in Sheffield's Central Health Clinic. My own health centre arranged the appointment for me before Christmas.

That was before my last HBA1c blood test result came back with an encouragingly reduced score that caused my doctor to say, "You are now out of the diabetic range. You are not diabetic or pre-diabetic. You are in the normal range".

But Sandra wasn't having any of that. She could see my medical history on her computer screen and advised that though my lifestyle changes and weight loss had been very helpful, I was still pre-diabetic in her book. 

It's all very confusing.

Anyway, Sandra inspected my feet, tested the blood flow and the sensitivity of my toes and concluded that there were issues that I should pay attention to. She has been studying people's feet for twenty six years so she knows what she is talking about.

Sandra was bright and quick-witted with a no-nonsense style. Still passionate about her chosen sphere of healthcare, she has heard it all before. When she was pricking my toes and asking if I could feel anything, I said, "Maybe". She said, "No, not maybe. The answer can be only yes or no."

The way she spoke about feet and toes really pressed home the keypoints she wanted me to take from the appointment. She urged me to check the soles of my feet daily with the aid of a mirror. She encouraged me to use foot cream but not to get that cream between  my toes and she spoke of the importance of drying my feet carefully and thoroughly. She also cut my toenails and measured my feet, advising that my left foot is longer than my right foot - something that I never knew before.

I told Sandra that she should make YouTube videos about foot care and thanked her for the consultation and her advice. I said, "It has been a privilege to meet you" and I meant it. As I was about to leave, Sandra handed me an NHS podiatry services leaflet titled "Moderate risk of non-healing wounds and amputation" (Diabetes information and advice to help your life and limbs).

It's hard for me to explain but in the way she went about her work, Sandra was exceptional. She had knowledge, experience, forthrightness and kindness - a winning combination. Because I understand things much better now, I plan to give my feet closer attention in the future - just as if Sandra was in the room watching me.