Things you never want to hear from podiatry patients

I thought that was just mine!!! And its always the ones who can't. Then they get to about a foot from the backrest and try to slouch down in a half half lie position.

Had a classic today

"I have hallox abducto valgus in my second toe."

Now thats a hell of a trick.

 

Superb! Did you take a photo?

My favourite of today was; "I've got Mortons"

Foot? Neuroma? Extension? Reverse extension? Have you stolen/borrowed shoes from Mr. Morton? Please throw me a bone.

Despite precise questioning (eg. "the LEFT, the RIGHT or BOTH? What where when how why) pt was getting upset when I was failing to understand precise complaint whilst he was nodding his head in the general direction of his feet saying "There". From my sight line he could have easily been indicating either or both. It just got more amusing after that. Natue of pain?

Sigh, it's been a lonnnnng day...

 

My response to this one has always been: It is better than working!

 

This made me laugh...and footman1972 you'll be a hero for saving us from those awkward situation when old ladies don't hesitate to whip off their tight!

 

That is so common Jon...I had one tell me it was a girl that was 'a bit rough', I checked the notes, and it turned out to be me....now that was a bit worrying!

 

mate when did you join the family? you on clinic in the next 3 weeks? they couldnt fit me in =(

 

Not long ago, some time this month I think...I'm not in during Easter, going to concentrate on the exams and viva etc but will be back on placement on the 20th. I've managed to arrange some days during the summer with the biomechanics and diabetes specialists which should be interesting!

After reading the thread i've realised how in control i am of myslef, and not making sarcastic replies to some of the things we hear..i thought no two patients are the saem, by the sounds of it they all seem to annoy you with the same stupid questions and comments!! =)

 

Re: Things you never want to hear from patients

I have named it the chiropody cough!!! - always makes me chuckle!!!:dizzy:

 

NEVER get a treatment from her! The big toe is the head, the gonads and by the malleolus.
You'll go in for back ache and end up with a cure for impotence!

 

• Where do you want me to sit?
• Its ok I'm strong, I can withstand pain.
• I used a screwdriver to dig out my ingrowing nail.
• My nail isn't healing (post-TNA) and I let the dog lick it everyday to keep it clean.

:craig:

(patient booked as emergency)
me: you said you had an ulcer (looking at feet)
Pt: yes
me: where is it? (looking even closer)
Pt: on my big toe (points to left foot)
me: I can't see anything
Pt: no it healed 6 months ago but I didn't want it coming back

Pt: (wanting refund) My orthotics don't fit my new shoes
me: did you take them with you to check the fit when buying the new shoes?
Pt: no

Mother: I think *** has an infected toenail. I noticed pus inside his socks when he puts them to wash
Pt: no its fine (refusing remove shoe)
me: well can I have a look at your foot please
Pt: (shakes head)
Mother: Come on *** show the nice lady your foot
etc etc etc
turns out he had been gaining "cred" with his peers by being able to squeeze out pus when he pressed his toe on the floor. He was afraid they wouldn't like him once it was healed.:empathy:

Pt: will it hurt?
me: do you want it to hurt?
Pt: ummm....
me: I'm happy to amputate or only mildly wound if you wish :butcher:
Pt: (nervous laugh) no that's fine, just wondered that's all...... hasn't it been cold lately?

DLTBGYD!!

 

Stranger things have happened....

PMSL

 

The most annoying things so far.....
1) He's incontinent and just had an accident, but you wont mind treating him anyway?!
2) (Patient reaching down, lifting foot up for a better view and quite easily reaching and pointing at ... whatever the problem was...) did you get the corn/hard skin/nail?
3) You have to do a DEGREE for THIS?
4) I bet you dream of feet
5) Do you do all your family's feet?
6) I cant possibily afford to see a private podiatrist once every three months (after talking about their weekly perm/hair do/round of golf!)

 

A current patient with an infected toe coming back to review:- "I got those antibiotics you wanted me to take, but forgot to take last night's and this mornings so took all three with lunch"!

Thanks for the humour!

 

• 
  
  Ah yes. I've had a lot of problems with ortho fits this past six weeks.
  ME: Erm, where are your runners? I need to fit these CFO today.
  PT: What runners?
  ME: Remember that advice sheet i gave you at visit 1?
  PT: (stops playing with crackberry) Eh???
  
  fast forward few weeks.
  ME: These are not runners. I dont' believe Gucci/Versace/DKNY/Coach makes runners worth wearing with proper support like we talked about etc etc etc.
  PT: What? I paid $435 for these! Whilst we're at it they don't fit in my ($500!!!) ballet flats.
  ME: WAving my white flag, self referring to the Metnal Health Centre down the street. Is it jsut me?:bang:
  
  Fraoch

 

PT: Oh I've never had a pedicure before.
ME: Don't worry you are not having one now!

 

I always answer "No I'll just cut the ends off."

 

Here's one that I hate hearing from diabetic patients.
"My last podiatrist gave me an ulcer."

And one that really bugs me...
Me: Hello, I'm Dr. J, what can I do for you today?
Patient: You're the podiatrist...you tell me.

 

I get that a fair bit! I usually reply with

"well you could tell me what hurts or I could just guess, how would you like to do it"

But I'm sure there must be a better answer.

Much like those patients for whom the question

"where does it hurt"

Completely confuses them!

Happy days.

 

Morning all,

For years I have been puzzled by patients who make an appointment.

During their assessment/treatment they explain how they managed to 'get that ingrowing toenail out' the previous evening with a needle, match, bread knife, stihl saw........ :butcher:

Love patients. They're funny

Sun is shining, ah spring

 

I have hard skin on my balls he then told me it was the balls of his feet

 

This is a funny thread. I always get:

1. Will you just cut a bit more off on there *reaches down to show me even though she says she can't reach*

2. Sorry about the smell of my feet i was busy today & didn't have time to wash them

3. I'm on warfarin so don't cut me

4. Do you enjoy touching people feet

 

Re: Things you never want to hear from patients

I guess you sussed out she's, perhaps, interested in a life time supply of podiatry treatment. or was that tooo obvious?

 

Re: Things you never want to hear from patients

I like to stick to the graspable, bite size ideas... that we focus on diseases that affect the foot, like strokes and heart attacks'....and I guess you know that people with diabetes are at risk of major foot problems', yeah my mother's aunt lost her leg because of the sugar'. '.....yeah so we want to avoid those sorts of problems'..... having re read that , maybe I've just been confusing them all further?

 

The patient who is 25 min late for a 30 min assessment: can you not still see me for 5 minutes and tell me what the problem is?
Me: yes, you're late and we need to re-book you.


Pt: Can i wear these (orthoses) inside my socks?


Pt: they won't fit in my sandals/flip-flops will they?

Pt: Do i need an appointment to come back and see you or can i just turn up?

 

You might jest Chris but I have a patient who does just that - swears by it - means he can go barefoot in the house (except for his orthoses and socks!)

Mental!

Robin

 

A true story!

Receptionist answered the surgery door to slightly agitated octogonarian.

“Hello Can I help” (recognises pt. but aware pt has no appointment).

Slight confusion and flustered “ oh, Oh, I want to speak to the lady chiropodist”

“Ahh…… I’m sorry she’s not here today. Can our other Podiatrist, Barrie help you?”

“ I want to see the lady chiropodist”, becoming more agitated.

“Yes, I understand, you want to see Yvette”, continues the receptionist

“I DON’T want a VET, I want the chiropodist

 

PT: I couldn't do your job!

Me: No, it does take a lot of intelligence and patience...

 

I continue to enjoy the most:

"why do I need the orthotics for both feet?"

however now I am pregnant I am starting to get alot of new favourites, like patients asking why would I use child care

"can't you just bring the baby to work with you?" and yes, they are serious.

 

PMSL!!

Ummmm

http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=41729&highlight=caption competition

 

I have private clinic and I actually did just that My baby (and now 3 yo) is at work with us (my husband & I) 3 days a week and day care 2 days (to play with other children). The patients just love it. The oldies love chatting to her and the children relax faster with her and toys around. It cracks up the patients when she says "come on, sit down" and then proceeds to hand them a magazine and cup of water

On another note:
Pt came in today at 12.30 pm for her "one o'clock appt"
Receptionist: "but your appt is not until 3 pm and the podiatrist is at another clinic"
Patient: Oh yeah that's right I forgot it was changed to 3 pm
Receptionist: "Did you want to come back?"
Patient: "no I'll just wait here and she can see me when she arrives" and promptly walked into the treatment room and sat down!
Receptionist: "but we have other patients scheduled to be seen first"
Patient: "but it's far too difficult for me to go and come back - I'm not moving until she sees me" !?!?
Admittedly this lady has severe lymphoedema and obesity issues BUT REALLY!

RStone

 

Sounds like she has more issues than just that!

 

Old girl hobbles in on her walker, listing heavily to port, collapses in the chair, looks at me "It's terrible gettin' old, isn't it"


AND YOU TOO LADY, YOU KNOW WHERE I'M STICKING THIS BLACKS FILE BABY!

 

In a similar vein, a certain tall lecturer at Huddersfield Uni was once questioned by a student nurse observing us training, that she didn't realise it took three years to learn how to cut someones toenails! To which our great lecturer replied Well I didnt realise it took three years to learn to wipe sombody's arse.

:bang:

 

EPC patient - 1st Visit of Two

Pt : I have these orthotics i got a few years ago from someone else, can you backdate me a letter to my health fund so i can claim for the shoes i bought 3 months ago?

pt: I still get pain in the balls of my foot (pts terms for can you help me with these orthotics for free on my EPC!)

pt: I can manage my nails and feet myself blah blah (but still wants a treatment)

After a full vascular and neurological test and treatment

pt: Do i not get a foot massage??



now im generally quite a placid person - but this time i had to bite my tongue!!

 

When completing a domiciliary treatment on an elderly patient, having taken as full a medical history as possible and checked from the table what tablets etc. were currently prescribed:

"Oh, my son said I should show you this...."

A green card with emergency numbers for von Willebrand disease.

 

Dr Davis by any chance?

 

was asked yesterday by an old dear if I was a pedifile! Think she may have been a little confused

 

My personal favourite is....

My pedicurists wants you to cut them this way please

 

"I didn't think I needed that - medication, orthotic, night splint, physical therapy, etc."

To which I make an immediate referral out to see if not doing a thing for the next doc with cure them.

 

Not just your patients! I then have to tell them......."No, it's actually easier if you mount it from this side " I think it's to do with the arm rest being down.
Now what really scares me is when the oldies try and jump of the treatment chair before I even lower it!

"Why do my nails get so hard and thick?" At least 5 times a day!!!!

"You must see some sites" or variations of this ie "you must see some ugly feet" I'm actually surprised at how often I hear this comment.