question: I have seen an orthopaedic surgeon who has advised me to have a total hip replacement. Several years ago the garbage can fell on me knocking me down, and screws were inserted in the femur. It has been getting increasingly difficult to walk without pain, and I now use two crutches. I take no medicines, am 87 and have no health issues. The surgeon said that the position of the screws would mean they would soon penetrate the pelvis, making it impossible for me to walk at all and to be in constant severe pain. Today I went to my G.P. to be cleared for the surgery. She heard a heart murmur, and has suggested they might want to do an Echogram. Haven t heard back from the surgeon yet, but could this prevent me from having the surgery? The thought of pain progressing and being unable to walk has me very concerned.