A long time member of the Metalfab team and our Business Development Manager , Ryan Stacey, has experienced some health issues throughout the last two years. In the following article he details his experiences and provides some insight on Diabetes in general.
I would like to take this opportunity to open up about health challenges I’ve been facing in the last two years. Many of our clients may not know the complete story, so I want to take this opportunity to explain what I’ve gone through and provide some useful information about living with diabetes.
I hope that others can learn from my experience, as I believe in raising awareness. So, here we are.
The Challenge Of Diabetic Neuropathy
Two years ago, I attended a conference, and, like many of us do, I decided to walk to a ball game after the event. Seems pretty harmless, right? By the time I got back, I discovered that I had developed blisters on my feet.
I couldn’t feel anything since I have diabetic neuropathy, a common disease among diabetics. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I took my shoes off and noticed the damage. Neuropathy is nerve damage induced by excessive blood sugar levels, which frequently dulls sensation in the foot. For many, this means that injuries go unnoticed until they become serious, as was absolutely the case with me.
The small blisters on my feet soon turned into something far more dangerous. Over time, they worsened and became infected, and what began as a minor inconvenience turned into a two-year ordeal. The wounds reached all the way to the bone, and I even had a bone infection at one point. This resulted in multiple treatments, including a cast and several long stretches off work.
For those who may not know, wounds caused by diabetes often take a very long time to heal. Diabetes affects circulation and the body’s ability to fight infections, meaning even small injuries such as blisters can turn into big medical issues. In my case, the wounds on my feet have taken two years to heal, and it has been a really slow and frustrating process that has significantly impacted my ability to work.
How This Has Affected My Work
To my customers, I want to say thank you. Many of you stuck by me through this difficult time, even when I was unable to serve you the way I normally would. Some of you may not have known what was happening behind the scenes, while others did, and I appreciate the patience and understanding you’ve shown over the past two years.
During this time, I’ve been working from home as much as possible, trying to keep up with my responsibilities and my commitment to you despite my physical limitations. The infections in my leg and foot made it impossible for me to continue my normal routine. I had to forgo travel—which is something that’s a large part of my work—to focus on my recovery.
I’m currently wearing a cast, but the good news is that I’m getting close to the end of this chapter. In a few weeks, I’ll be seeing a specialist, and if everything goes well, I’ll be able to return to my regular work, including traveling across the Maritimes and beyond.
The Reality Of Living With Diabetes
My story is far from unique. According to Diabetes Canada, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 14 million Canadians. This includes diabetes (type 1 + type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed) and prediabetes combined.
Managing it is a never-ending balancing act, and even minor mistakes can have major health implications. For me, it was walking too far without realizing how much damage my feet were sustaining. Many of us who live with diabetes understand that simple, everyday activities can have huge implications.
Diabetic neuropathy is a particularly challenging aspect of the disease. It dulls the nerves, especially in the extremities, like the feet. This makes it easy to overlook injuries until they become serious.
It’s also important to note that managing diabetes requires a lot of attention and discipline. Blood sugar levels need to be closely monitored, diets need to be managed, and medications must be taken as prescribed. Any lapses in these areas can quickly cause complications, which can be life-altering.
What I’ve Learned And What You Can Take Away
If there is one thing I’ve learned from my experience, it’s the significance of being proactive in treating diabetes. If you have diabetes, my suggestion is to educate yourself as much as possible. Don’t disregard minor issues; instead, learn to predict possible situations with proactive care.
Check your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetic neuropathy. If you notice any sores, blisters, or signs of infection, see a healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major one. According to Diabetes Canada, foot problems are among the most serious complications for people with diabetes, but they’re also preventable with the right care.
As I move closer to recovery, I’m looking forward to getting back to work at full capacity. I’ll be traveling again, meeting customers face-to-face, and returning to my normal routine. I’ll definitely be doing so with a newfound respect for my health and a deeper understanding of the importance of managing my diabetes.
To those who have supported me along the way, thank you again. And to those living with diabetes, remember that there are resources and help available to us.
