My husband is 77 years old. He has had two heart attacks (2009 and 2011) and 7 stents. He was in the hospital in December 2020 with a fib and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He also has diabetes, HBP, cholesterol, kidney failure, hypothyroidism and is in remission from Cll/sll blood cancer. Everything is being managed with medication and weekly blood tests and doctor’s visits.
Recently, he went to the orthopedic doctor for severe hip pain. An x-Ray was done which showed severe arthritis in the left hip. The doctor does not recommended a steroid shot because they usually don’t work for any extended time and may cause a risk of infection since he is a diabetic. The only other option is a total hip replacement. I plan on talking to his heart doctor because I understand there are great risks and even death. Could I get any advice or suggestions?
Did anyone raise the issue of an arthritis friendly diet, eliminating or at least reducing the foods that can aggravate it?
The anesthesia was the hardest part for him. He spent about five hours in recovery, he just would not wake up. Finally he did. He experienced some cognitive decline and I was concerned that was going to be the start of dementia for him. He was a bit loopy for a couple of months following the surgery but did return to his baseline.
Rehab is very important following this type of surgery. He was there for nearly three months, continuing to gradually improve, and was then able to return home using a walker.
Naturally, your DH has to speak to his doctors about the viability of his surgery with all his other existing health conditions. But removing general anesthesia from the picture removes a HUGE potential threat. Good luck! 😁