DON RICKLES is facing an amputation horror!
The legendary 87-year-old funnyman has a frightening flesh-eating disease, and experts told The ENQUIRER he may have to lose a limb to survive.
In a shocking disclosure in early December, Don’s handlers revealed that the King of Insults was being treated for a potentially deadly infection, called necrotizing fasciitis, in his leg.
“Don underwent three surgical debridements – a removal of the infected tissue – and a skin graft, which forced him to stay off his feet for a while,” his rep said.
While the official line is that the condition was discovered quickly and treated successfully, medical experts told The ENQUIRER there is a good chance the vicious disease will return – and doctors may have to amputate the limb to save his life.
Alabama-based infectious disease expert Dr. Donald H. Marks, who has not treated Rickles, told The ENQUIRER: “This is an insidious disease that may come back with a vengeance. Rickles is definitely at risk of losing a limb.”
And Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Troy, Mich., who also has not examined the comic, said that “necrotizing fasciitis is quite possibly the worst infection someone can get. It can kill within hours if not treated.”
Rickles hasn’t been the same since his son Larry died of respiratory failure at age 41 two years ago, according to a source, who adds that the only things that keep him going right now are the love of his wife of 48 years, Barbara, and his comedy shows.
