Go with the FLO: Text service saved my feet

SHANE Holdsworth praised text messaging system FLO for helping him to manage his condition

A TEXT messaging service has been hailed a success by a Springhead man who claims it saved his feet.

Shane Holdsworth opted in to a text message reminder service after it was recommended by Oldham Podiatry Service.

Shane regularly attends Oldham Podiatry Service, which is run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, to have his feet checked to prevent complications caused by having diabetes.

This lifelong condition can cause Shane's feet to go dry by preventing them from sweating. It can also cause a lack of feeling ­- known as neuropathy ­- which means any damage may go unnoticed.

He said: "Previously I tended to neglect my feet, which caused problems as they would crack or get ulcerated."

This neglect meant Shane had to attend about six appointments with a podiatrist every three months for treatment as well as going to hospital, which clashed with work and other commitments.

He said: "It's far too time consuming and I just wanted to manage my feet better myself to see if I could do anything to help.

"I'm really worried and don't want my feet to get any worse - I don't want to lose any toes, which is a real risk."

Shane began using a text message reminder system called FLO to self-manage his condition and help him spot potential issues.

A video featuring Shane's story can be viewed in the online version of the Oldham Chronicle article.

Shane said: "It's a great idea. It's only a text once a day and it helps me get into the habit of regularly checking my feet. The big difference is that now I'll spot when the slightest thing comes up and I can get it checked before it becomes a bigger problem."

FLO acts as a prompt for Shane to check his feet and contact Oldham Podiatry Service at the first signs of concern.

Clinical specialist podiatrist at the service Debra Drury said: "FLO is a constant reminder to patients about the education we give them throughout their treatment. We've seen early success of using FLO with Shane but we want more of that success, so patients can get on with their lives and fulfil their potential."