A diabetic foot ulcer led Joliet man to seek help at Ascension St. Joseph

Michael Nawa, a retired steelworker living in Joliet, IL, never imagined that a small foot wound would upend his life. Yet, when a callus on his foot cracked and became infected, the severity of a diabetic foot ulcer became all too real. What began as a minor issue quickly turned into the risk of losing his mobility and independence. Michael sought help atAscension St. Joseph Joliet’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, for the advanced wound care he needed to help him heal. 

Diabetic foot ulcers is a symptom that affects up to 15% of people living with diabetes, often leading to infections and even amputations if untreated.

Advanced treatment for foot infections

Michael’s journey started when he was referred to our wound clinic by Dr. An DuyLe, his podiatrist. The infection on his foot had worsened despite treatment, and immediate advanced care was needed. Dr. Le performed an incision and drainage procedure in the operating room to address the infection, followed by the application of an allograft, a regenerative therapy designed to accelerate healing. IV antibiotics were also prescribed to tackle the infection aggressively. This initial phase of treatment marked the beginning of a year-long healing process for Michael.

“From the first day, I knew I was in good hands,” Michael recalled. “Dr. Le and the entire team were incredibly supportive. They were with me every step of the way, and that meant the world to me.”

One of the key treatments that supported Michael’s recovery was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), an advanced therapy that delivers oxygen to wounds in a pressurized environment, helping to reduce healing time for chronic wounds. Over the course of 40 HBOT sessions, Michael experienced the benefits of this treatment. “It was an unusual experience,” Michael shared. “It felt like being underwater—the pressure was there, but the extra oxygen really made a difference in my healing.”

In addition to HBOT, total contact casting was used to offload pressure from the wound, allowing it to heal without further irritation. Weekly debridements were performed to remove dead tissue and promote the growth of healthy tissue, which is important for preventing infection.

Compassionate care every step of his recovery

But what Michael valued most wasn’t just the advanced treatments—it was the human connection he found at the clinic. “You develop relationships with the staff,” Michael said with a smile. “Every week, I looked forward to my appointments—not just for the treatment, but for the chance to catch up with everyone.”

This emotional support is at the heart of St. Joseph Joliet’s care philosophy. The staff knows that dealing with a wound can be overwhelming, especially when healing seems slow. “There were times when I thought the wound would never heal,” Michael recalled, “but the team was always positive, reminding me that sometimes it feels like nothing is happening, and then suddenly you see progress. That kept me going.”

His time at the clinic wasn’t just about healing—it became part of his life. Michael deeply appreciated the care team’s unwavering kindness and support. One of the best, most unexpected parts of his journey was the relationships that developed along the way, making his visits feel personal and uplifting and creating a warm and encouraging environment throughout his treatment. Michael's healing journey culminated in a special celebration—ringing the bell to mark the end of his treatment. “It was bittersweet,” he admitted. “After a year of coming every week, it felt strange to say goodbye, but it was also a huge relief to be able to move forward.”

Regaining independence after foot surgery

As a retired steelworker and passionate golfer, he now looks ahead to a life where he can once again enjoy the activities that matter to him—like playing a round of golf or taking a long-awaited vacation with his wife.

"I couldn’t mow the lawn, I couldn’t even walk my dog. I had to rely on others just to get around," Michael explained, reflecting on the limitations his foot ulcer created. Now, with his wound healed, he’s eager to regain his independence.

For those hesitant about seeking wound care, Michael has a simple piece of advice: “Don’t wait. Take care of your feet, especially if you’re diabetic.” Having witnessed the struggles of others in the waiting room—patients facing more severe complications—Michael emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “I learned that something as simple as a callus can become a serious problem if you don’t take care of it,” he said.

Managing your foot health is important if you are living with diabetes. Ascension St. Joseph Joliet, provides advanced foot care and wound treatments to help you get back to doing what you love. If your wound is causing you pain and discomfort, don’t delay care. Make an appointment today by visiting our website.