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?

[bluecat*dancing]

Go on the waiting list, Jean.

[bright.ton42]

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. 

[catsnknots]

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@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. 

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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... 

[cherry*135]

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.

[*crikey*mate*]

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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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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.

[serendipityricho]

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

[legarlu]

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.

[bjackson0000]

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. 

[jean2579]

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.

[boris1gary]

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.