My MIL was just told that she needs to have stents put in both legs due to bad circulation problems - she has diabetes and has been using insulin, but doesn't monitor her sugar at all and eats horribly.

she plans to not have the surgery, since it's not going to take away her arthritis pain - both knees have been replaced.

I'm afraid that if she doesn't have the surgery she'll lose both legs due to the blockages and her increased danger with diabetes - anyone have to deal with anything like this???

thanks in advance!

I have a very high awareness of the circulation issues and monitor myself very carefully. In my case I have an odd combo of problems as I suffer from very low blood pressure rather than the more usual constriction of the vessels. Of course it is the high blood glucose that affects the vessels and of this lady wants to keep her mobility then proper diet and blood glucose monitoring are a must! But same people just cannot be told these things which is very frustrating. My awareness is extra high after seeing my neighbour through multiple amputations in the last years of her life--this came from lose of ciculation and gangrene. By the time you get to that stage it is way too late and all the regrets in the world will not get your feet back. It was bad for her but left her husband with terrible guilt for not 'making' her look after herself better over the years. However I am not at all convince that nagging ever acheived anything. People either understand the consequnences of their choices or they refuse to face them....

I suffer from the exact same thing, Rat.

It is somehow always on the back of your mind and I always take care to make sure I move about regularly during the course of the day.

I'm under strict docs instructions to head back if I start getting any leg pain.

My dad has the low pressure to and had trouble with ulcers. but he doesn;t follow any of his health guidelines. watching him taught me to do a little better, drink little alcohol, don't sit or drive for long periods, even those terribly attractive support sock

Yes, they are truly fetching!

My big concern here is the cold. I suffered big time last year. Ended up in an argument with the doc because a toe turned purple and went daft. I thought it was frost nip and she insisted it was chilblains. I think not.

It is a concern though - I just don't think my circulation is good enough to withstand temps of -14 again.

It's interesting to be able to talk to someone with the same problem! Do you also have issues of getting pain in the extremities with sudden temperature changeas like a hit shower--I hate that!

I think some of my friends just think I am a terrible whiner. If I'm not paranoid about the extreme cold, I'm equally paranoid about the extreme heat (like we have in the US at the moment).

Currently I am being good and typing from the sofa with my feet elevated. Hey, ergonmics are not my main worry....

well, we've chatted with her and she won't budge - now she's having trouble walking, but she refused to do the therapy after having both knees replaced, so it's bad added onto bad...

I understand her fear, but... this ain't going to turn out well, I fear!

Yep, I get the same problem.

I also suffer in the heat. I haven't done for a couple of years, but sometimes in a really hot summer, my feet - one in particular, swell up to wonderful proportions.
The pain is practically unbearable.

If it gets really hot, I've discovered that long floaty skirts work better than anything at minimising the problem. No shorts or bikinis for me! I keep the legs as cool and shaded as possible.

I have just found out the my dad is losing he other leg, I have no one to talk to as my partner works overseas and my 2 year old is aslweep in bed, my dad has gone from working 4 days week to in hopsital one leg then another. His op is tomrrow I feel so sad for him..... My mother is in a EMI home as well

God I am telling everthing, and crying at the same time....but I am a bit lost I need to know any information or help and web sites about this what can he do, what can I do, etc etc.

I am sorry to hear that. I don't suppose I can offer very much help but I send you my best hopes and wishes for you Dad.