Diana W
02-14-2008, 11:14 AM
My partner, John, is 72 years old and suffers from Type 2 diabetes and heart failure caused by an enlarged heart - the ejection rate was 17% at the time of his crisis a year ago but has improved to 40%+. He needs a hip replacement (second time), a knee replacement and an ankle replacement. His bones are eroding and he has been told that the muscle might come away from the hip if he doesn't have a replacement soon, but the surgeon is reluctant to operate because of his heart problem and says that he will see him in a year's time. If the muscle comes away John will be left with a permanent limp, but I am more worried about the pain and how he will get around. John is not into denial but is certainly into avoidance. He wants to travel overseas (saying that countries such as the UK and Italy have repicrocal health arrangements), even though he can't get medical health travel insurance. He still rides his bike and gets up on a ladder to cut the hedge. I am concerned but how to help?