topic Re: Serious question - age related. in Community Spirit

Serious question - age related.

jean2579 — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:48:09 GMT

Ok, nothing these days seems to work any longer,

Last week I had a second cataract surgery, and now have been told that both knees need replacing.

Neither of these operations could be cheap, and I am very conscious of the limited health resources.

I am now wondering whether I should just grin and bear it and learn to live with the pain or get on a waiting list to have the surgery. There are very scare resources and at age 70 I wonder if I am wasting these when they could be put to better use for younger people and particularly children who can go on and have a productive life and contribute financialy for a long period.

What are your thoughts? Should there be an age when such surgery is limited, or should everyone be able to access the resources?

Re: Serious question - age related.

lionrose.7 — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:52:25 GMT

Nobody should have to live in Pain regardless of age.

My sister has just had a knee replacement and is now free from pain, recovery is a bit longer but she is fine now, she is 70

Re: Serious question - age related.

boris1gary — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:53:41 GMT

@jean2579 wrote:
Ok, nothing these days seems to work any longer,
Last week I had a second cataract surgery, and now have been told that both knees need replacing.
Neither of these operations could be cheap, and I am very conscious of the limited health resources.
I am now wondering whether I should just grin and bear it and learn to live with the pain or get on a waiting list to have the surgery. There are very scare resources and at age 70 I wonder if I am wasting these when they could be put to better use for younger people and particularly children who can go on and have a productive life and contribute financialy for a long period.
What are your thoughts? Should there be an age when such surgery is limited, or should everyone be able to access the resources?

Everybody needs access to quality healthcare. Don't put off knee replacement surgery, you could well end up in a wheelchair. There will be no "grinning and bearing it". Humans first, cost second, please don't fall for the hype - everyone is important, age is irrelevant.

Re: Serious question - age related.

tasfleur — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:54:19 GMT

Totally agree with you Lionrose and Boris xx

Re: Serious question - age related.

punch*drunk — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:53:55 GMT

Go on the waiting list, 70 is still young, you need your knees.

Re: Serious question - age related.

green.fields — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:54:18 GMT

Everyone is entitled to have their health problems fixed, you are only 70 Jean. It's a known fact things start going downhill as we age, get it fixed if you can.

Re: Serious question - age related.

grandmoon — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:55:05 GMT

I am around the same age as you.

3 Years ago i had both my hips replaced, before that I could hardly work and was in a lot of pain and taking a large number of pain killers.

Now I can stand and walk without pain. I am now back doing volunteer work and feeling great.

I say go and get on the waiting list.

Or as my grandchildren would say "Go Girl Go for it"

Re: Serious question - age related.

the_hawk* — Tue, 20 May 2014 00:01:50 GMT

You have contributed to the country and if the pollies have wasted the taxes that have been paid over your life time that is hardly your fault, then consider that these same pollies that live like royality and spend our tax $$ on things like dud fighter jets and then expect people to work till they are 70 I think you are more than intitled to have a quality of life.

now go get on that waiting list

Re: Serious question - age related.

lloydslights — Tue, 20 May 2014 00:17:48 GMT

Shouldn't we class any medical procedure, or any counselling for that matter, as a Research and Development expense? If people hadn't been treated in the past for ailments, some of the current day options wouldn't even be available today.

Look at the advancements in treating burns. How long ago was it that the thought of joint replacements was "pie in the sky". How would Fred Hollows have advanced his knowledge if people hadn't undergone eye surgery . 40 years since Fiona Cootes was treated. Pacemakers. The treatments for those suffering the effects of the various Cancers. There has been so much progress so far.

You are donating to Science the opportunity for advanced procedures for today's young to benefit in the future. Who knows, those future 70 year olds, just might be comfortable enough physically (and mentally) to enjoy their retirement.

DEB

Re: Serious question - age related.

lloydslights — Tue, 20 May 2014 00:28:13 GMT

Actually, my 40 y.o. SIL was advised that she was too young for a knee replacement.

(Excessive exercise in the gym lead to the specialists visit)

DEB

Re: Serious question - age related.

bluecat*dancing — Tue, 20 May 2014 01:22:54 GMT

Go on the waiting list, Jean.

Re: Serious question - age related.

bright.ton42 — Tue, 20 May 2014 02:12:37 GMT

I agree, go on the waiting list. You might live another 20 years and have every right to be pain free and get all the

help you can.

Re: Serious question - age related.

catsnknots — Tue, 20 May 2014 04:34:02 GMT

@jean2579 wrote:

I am now wondering whether I should just grin and bear it and learn to live with the pain or get on a waiting list to have the surgery.

Go on the waiting list... I don't know where you live but where I work the wait list is not too bad... I see people every week that have had joint replacements... most of them over the age of 65. It is worth it I promise... that amaizing change in their lives is astounding.

If you want to talk about it on a resource base you cost more to look after if you can't walk and get around. To have to have full time care because the only reason you can't look after yourself is because of crook knees costs way more than the surgery....

We want you healthy and independent .... it is better for the bottom line...

Re: Serious question - age related.

cherry*135 — Tue, 20 May 2014 04:51:29 GMT

It is your right to receive medical treatment (including operatons) the same as any other person in Australia, no matter what their age is, Jean. Go ahead and put your name down.

You would have, I assume paid a lot of tax yourself over your working life.

Re: Serious question - age related.

*crikey*mate* — Tue, 20 May 2014 05:33:44 GMT

@jean2579 wrote:
Ok, nothing these days seems to work any longer,
Last week I had a second cataract surgery, and now have been told that both knees need replacing.
Neither of these operations could be cheap, and I am very conscious of the limited health resources.
I am now wondering whether I should just grin and bear it and learn to live with the pain or get on a waiting list to have the surgery. There are very scare resources and at age 70 I wonder if I am wasting these when they could be put to better use for younger people and particularly children who can go on and have a productive life and contribute financialy for a long period.
What are your thoughts? Should there be an age when such surgery is limited, or should everyone be able to access the resources?

I haven't read any other post in here - but here are my thoughts

what a beautiful selfless gesture.

BUT - you take whatever you can get and do whatever you have to do to get the best out of life possible.

You do whatever you think your body can handle, because regardless of your age or affliction, nope cant think of the right words to write without getting mocked or getting a keelhauling

but if you are up to the help available - i reckon you take it.

Just my opinion.

All the best with it and I hope that soon you will be pain free.

Re: Serious question - age related.

serendipityricho — Tue, 20 May 2014 05:41:16 GMT

Jean♥--go for it -dont feel guilty.........................Richo.

Re: Serious question - age related.

legarlu — Tue, 20 May 2014 06:20:38 GMT

I feel really sad that the op even has these concerns. We live in one of the richest countries of the world abundant with

billions of dollars of natural resources yet the government cries poor. The average person has to tighten their belts and go without

the basic necessaties. What has happened to our Country, . What we should be taking

for granted eg health, education , food and shelter the government wants to make these inaccessible and expensive.

Shame. shame.

Re: Serious question - age related.

bjackson0000 — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:18:42 GMT

Who is to say you're not going to live to be 100 and go on to win the senior's marathon after your surgery? You only live the once and you are entitled to the same rights as anyone else on the planet. I hope you go ahead with it.

Re: Serious question - age related.

jean2579 — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:12:16 GMT

Thanks all, I had the anthroscopy x rays today and now have to see the doc in a few days for decision.

My Husband is very frail and on a walking frame and is reliant on me to a great degree.11

If I cannot attend to the myriad tasks of running a household, driving and caring for him, I amits not sure what will happen.

This has all happened in the past two weeks. It is very confusing.

We loooked totally ridiculous today when we went to the supermarket, him pushing his walker and me hobbling along with a stick and hanging onto the opposite wall. At least I didnt fall on my backside like my 14 month Granddaughter does as she learns to walk.

Getting old is the pits!!! I was going to say something else,but I would get into trouble.

Re: Serious question - age related.

boris1gary — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:15:19 GMT

jean if you are in NSW there is home help available for you and hubby, if you need to spend any time in rehab after your op it should be able to be organised from there. It costs a little but it's well worth it.