Frail and older (>60 yrs old) people do poorly after surgery

[Sunshine]

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This is a very interesting article and likely pertains to many of us, myself included.

[agate]

I've had an instinctive feeling that I should back off from suggested surgeries since about that age. It's a continuing debate between the eye doctor and me about the cataract surgery even though it's one of the easiest and safest operations. Other surgeries that have been suggested haven't been proposed a second time, and I'm going my merry way. The last surgery I had was when I was 47. When I hear about other people's surgical nightmares, I realize how very lucky I am.

[Lazarus]

Yes. Yes. Yes. From my husband’s experiences over the last 5 years that is our hard learned lesson.

[funnylegs4]

Very interesting. The questions they mentioned seemed like questions all patients should consider before having surgery, not just older patients. In my case I would rather be functional. It seems the frailty is the main problem since I'v heard of older people surviving some pretty intense stuff medically. Doctors should know by now that handing a patient a little pamphlet is pretty useless. Not even people my age read those.

[Howie]

I'm 67, and never had surgery, and never will. Just my personal view.

[Lazarus]

I'm 67, and never had surgery, and never will. Just my personal view.

That is what my husband always said. He proudly told people he had never been to a doctor. Then when he was about your age he had a problem on the bottom of one foot. Turned out to be a problem related to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Almost lost the foot...critical wound care saved his foot and all his toes. Took several surgeries. He has had more life saving surgeries since then. Yesterday he turned 83 and we are ordering seeds for the next farming year.

I guess it all depends.

[Howie]

Having a wife like he does makes a big difference. But I'm alone save for one cat, and have made all the preparations for my death. I've had a good life, and am ready to see what's next.

[agate]

Howie, i sounds as if you're taking leave of us. We'll miss you and that cat who does so much for you will miss you because she has a built-in need to be helpful as has been noted quite often.

I'm not ready to see what's next. There might not be any "next." I don't find that prospect very appealing.

[funnylegs4]

I'm 67, and never had surgery, and never will. Just my personal view.

Keep an open mind that when the time comes you may want a surgery. Sometimes people don't realize that they want a treatment or to live with a certain condition/disability until it actually happens. I pray that you will live a long healthy life. I respect your choice of course.

[funnylegs4]

That is what my husband always said. He proudly told people he had never been to a doctor. Then when he was about your age he had a problem on the bottom of one foot. Turned out to be a problem related to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Almost lost the foot...critical wound care saved his foot and all his toes. Took several surgeries. He has had more life saving surgeries since then. Yesterday he turned 83 and we are ordering seeds for the next farming year.

I guess it all depends.

I'm so glad your husband's foot was saved. You never know how you feel about surgery or disability until it happens. My friend who is diabetic had eye surgery age 64. I know it's more risky for diabetics to have surgery but he always bounces back and I hope your husband is around for a long time.

[Howie]

Death is a strange thing, a real mystery, but has been faced by every human since the dawn of time. That makes it an inescapable but natural part of life.

[funnylegs4]

Death is a strange thing, a real mystery, but has been faced by every human since the dawn of time. That makes it an inescapable but natural part of life.

Very true.

[agate]

Death is a strange thing, a real mystery, but has been faced by every human since the dawn of time. That makes it an inescapable but natural part of life.

How true. But I just don't quite see feeling ready for it.

[Howie]

But ready or not, here it comes eventually.

[stillstANNding]

My mom just had surgery for adhesions from previous, remote surgery causing a bowel obstruction. She did very well at 94. Unfortunately, the medical care was not excellent and that caused congestive heart failure. Still, it’s clear she’s in pretty good shape considering.

Also, question everything!
ANN