WSET.com - ABC13Last Minute Miracle Part 2

Reporter:  Danner Evans  l  Videographer:  Dan Heffner

Shawn Dolph is a 39-year-old diabetes patient facing a below the knee amputation because of something called charcot foot.

It's his chance to be able to walk on both feet again without pain.

But he had a foot reconstructions surgery in early January, so it's still early on. We wanted to find out how patients are doing who've gone through the surgery. We wanted Shawn to meet one too.

That's when we introduced him to Jackie Atkins.

"I had a charcot and it collapsed and they told me I needed to have my foot/leg amputated," Atkins said.

But her doctor told her to get a second opinion.

"Which I did and I'm so grateful. I would not have a foot today," she said.

Her last minute miracle came 10 years ago.

Now Dolph, who just had the corrective surgery, is meeting just one success story. They were quick to compare their procedures.

"Mine was higher up on the leg," Atkins told him.

She also told him what's to come.

"You'll have these for life," Atkins said pointing to a scar on her leg.

Dr. Charles Zelen, the surgeon who performed both of their surgeries, said this is an important step to keep him motivated for the months of healing to come.

"It's very easy to think about getting a big surgery and then wondering in your mind, 'Goodness gracious, how many has this doctor done? Is this surgery going to last the test of time?'" Zelen said. "The nice thing about him seeing Jackie is, 'Yes! These surgeries do last. Yes, these people have smiles on their faces! Even 10 years in the future.'"

"Yeah Shawn will (be okay). If he can adjust to lifting that thing when he gets out of bed he'll do."

This surgery is promising help for all of the people suffering from charcot foot. But one thing Zelen wants to drive home is that you don't have to ever enter his office for treatment if you take care of your diabetes and feet.

Here are some links to help you learn more about charcot foot.

Diabetic Foot Blog

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 

Foot Health Facts

Medscape Reference

Get more information about Dr. Zelen's practice.