Larry Miller suffers bone infection, foot ulcers

Larry Miller's health suffered another setback this week when doctors discovered a bone infection and diabetic ulcers on his foot.

Doctors performed outpatient surgery on Miller's feet Wednesday. They also inserted a PIC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line.

Miller will undergo six weeks of IV and hyperbaric chamber therapy on an outpatient basis, according to his wife, Gail.

"They don't mess around when it's a bone infection," Gail Miller said Thursday evening.

The hyperbaric chamber provides an atmosphere of 100 percent oxygen, which is supposed to promote healing.

Miller, the 64-year-old entrepreneur, car dealer and owner of the Utah Jazz, was hospitalized early last summer for 59 days after suffering a heart attack. While in the hospital, he also experienced gastrointestinal bleeding and other problems associated with gout and diabetes. A few weeks ago he was hospitalized for nine days to undergo dialysis to remove excess water weight.

Miller has regained some of his strength and mobility since then while undergoing daily physical therapy sessions in his home, but he has continued to have problems, especially with his feet and water retention.

"All the problems he's having are associated with the diabetes," Gail said.

Miller, who turned over the operation of The Larry Miller Group to his oldest son, Greg, this summer, hopes to attend the Jazz's season opener Tuesday night in EnergySolutions Arena.

---

E-mail: drob@desnews.com