Serious question - age related.

[jean2579]

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?

[lionrose.7]

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

[boris1gary]

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@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?

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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.

[tasfleur]

Totally agree with you Lionrose and Boris xx

[punch*drunk]

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

[green.fields]

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.

[grandmoon]

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"

[the_hawk*]

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

[lloydslights]

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

[lloydslights]

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