The Perils of Treating Loved Ones: My Wife's Ingrown Nail Surgery
Introduction
As a podiatrist, I've learned that treating family members can be a slippery slope. My wife's ingrown nail surgery reminded me why it's best to draw a professional boundary when it comes to loved ones. Let me share our story.
Unique Feet
My wife has some of the most interesting feet I've ever seen. Her toenails grow up instead of out, and some even grow into the edges! She's a podiatrist's dream (or nightmare?). When she complained about her toes, I jokingly told her to see a qualified professional – not me!
Referring Her to a Colleague
I sent her to my partner, Dr. Feldman, who performed a matrixectomy procedure to permanently remove the ingrown nail edge. All was well until she noticed redness around the nail edge and worried about an infection.
She asked me for antibiotics, but I wisely told her to consult her doctor (Dr. Feldman). He prescribed antibiotics, and all was well... until six months later when a small piece of nail started growing back!
Lessons Learned
I was relieved I hadn't performed the surgery myself, as it would've been a never-ending "toe-tal" disaster! Treating loved ones can lead to endless scrutiny and criticism.
Now, my wife needs occasional maintenance to remove tiny spicules, but not by me.
Next week, I will share the husband-and-wife wart treatment. Can you guess who it is?
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