Question
My hubby was seen by a doctor the other day. When we left the office we had appointments to see an ortho dr, a cardiologist and have a sleep study done.
We have known for a while now that he needs his hip replaced and that he snores and stops breathing as he sleeps. This has now affected him in daily life causing him to suddenly choke and gasp for air. The biggest issue I am having is with his legs. For a long time now he's gotten horrible swelling, sores on his feet and legs etc. They kept telling him the sores were warts and the swelling was excess fluid for which he was given fluid pills. Now they say there are clogged arteries in his leg and no pulse to be found. He is looking at bypass surgery to replace the artery. How long and what would be the affects of not having this done right away? He doesn't want to have it done until we have money in the bank to keep us going while he is out of work for 3 to 6 months. I'm worried letting it go will lead to worse and bigger problems. Thanks
Answer
From what you have described your husband really needs to get these problems taken care of immediately. There are a lot of potentially serious or even life threatening complications resulting from putting this off any longer.
If need be feel free to seek out a second opinion, which is always a good idea when facing prolonged treatment or surgery.
Answer
The by pass surgery usually involves placing shunts into the affected arteries to allow them to remain open and blood flow to continue.
Implications of not getting this surgery done include, increased risk of infection to the limbs, resulting in potential for amputation.
When blood supply is reduced so is your bodies defensive mechanisms.
While money is a huge factor in any medical situation. It appears from the information provided that your truckie needs this surgery to continue a normal life.
In addition following the surgery there is usually approximately six weeks before recommencement of employment is advised.
Take care of you during this time. But don't let money completely control your decission.
Answer
Get these things taken care of!!!!!!!!
If you want your truckie to be around for a long time. Get these things taken care of.
There are so many related health hazards here that are LIFE THREATENING.
Not to mention the fact that the poor fella has no idea how good he will feel after he is sleeping better, pain free, and able to move more freely.Visit us at
Answer
I am so frustrated and discouraged. Hubby (Joe) was seen by the ortho guy today. He told him he's too young and too heavy to have his hip replaced even though he admits it's gotten much much worse since 2000. He can't lose weight when walking across the road hurts him so bad. He needs to rest just to walk through the grocery store. They also told him they don't do hips until age 50 or 55. Joe is only 40!! I am so angry, scared, sad etc and he is as well. He is so tired of living in pain. They gave him celebrex, glucosamine/chondroitin and percosets which of course are no help on the road. I'm lost as too what our next move should be. Any ideas?
He goes on the 27th for the sleep study. The vascular people have as of yet called him for an appt. We just got back from 8 days out today and I called the referral people again to try to get things moving.
Answer
How did the sleep study go? As far as the hip replacement I had one done in 1982 at 32 yrs old now 53 still in there. Doctors are amazed that it has lasted this long! I weighted about 285 @5'11" then now about 240 still way too much. That operation was one of the best things I ever did. I couldn't flex my right hip far enought to tie my shoe or even put a sock on without problems. It's hard to believe a doctor would denied him an operation that could relieve so much pain and make a person so much more productive. That's just terriable, check with another doctor