Dad been offered a knee replacement at age 85. Crazy?

[paul_1607]

Bit of background....

He takes warfarin also. Last few ops hes had (knee, hip) have not gone well at all - hes had complications, his last knee one just didn't work. Every time hes ended up with extended stays in hospital.

Now the consultant is saying he can have another knee replacement if he wants. Surely at his age and with his history its very high risk indeed?

Thing is with Dad, as some on this forum will remember, he treats the medical profession badly. He expects to click his fingers and they fix things. Hes also one for making out things are worse than they actually are. Part of me is wondering if this consultant has had enough of his moaning and basically said, "look I can't do any more, have an op or don't".

Dad gets around. He can walk 1/2 a mile or so - yes hes tired afterwards but hes 85. He admitted his other problems (polymyalgia) cause him more pain and his knee isnt that bad.

He doesn't even take all the painkillers the GP gives him. (another story that one)....

I dunno I just think the potential risks are just way too much. He could end up worse off. Months in hospital or worse the op could finish him off.

I know Dad - if he was at the end of his tether with pain he'd let everyone know. For him to say, its not that bad, and still not be taking full dose of painkillers....

(I had back problems and I'd be counting down the minutes to next codeine)

Of course, he wants to chat with me to basically make the decision for him....

[bowlingbun]

He does NOT need a knee replacement if he can walk that far. I had mine when I couldn't walk round the supermarket any more, nearly crying with pain.

[paul_1607]

He does NOT need a knee replacement if he can walk that far. I had mine when I couldn't walk round the supermarket any more, nearly crying with pain.

My thoughts exactly. Hes 85. He was telling today how he walked down the Betting Shop. I just checked it on google maps - round trip 1/2 mile.

And when he said its not that bad and he doesn't even take the painkillers the GP prescribed him... Honestly....

Bit annoyed with the Consultant to be honest. Yes Dad is VERY annoying and expects miracles but I think hes said this to shut him up....

The risks for Dad to have that OP are crazy. Especially when he can still walk, says its not that bad, and doesn't even take the full dose of painkillers....

[Stephen_16071]

Hi Paul,

I hope we're friends now, I'm only 42 and my knee cap on my right leg actually wriggles around. As a full time carer with no family support I just dose up on painkillers..

My point, that you won't like, is that in 2019 nobody should be taking Warfarin which is unstable and requires regular blood tests.

Mum has been on Apixaban which actually also helps her heart condition, there are also three other new drugs to consider. Talk to Dads GP about this.

But I agree that knee replacement is crazy, if your Dad can walk over half a mile.

[paul_1607]

Hi Paul,

I hope we're friends now, I'm only 42 and my knee cap on my right leg actually wriggles around. As a full time carer with no family support I just dose up on painkillers..

My point, that you won't like, is that in 2019 nobody should be taking Warfarin which is unstable and requires regular blood tests.

Mum has been on Apixaban which actually also helps her heart condition, there are also three other new drugs to consider. Talk to Dads GP about this.

But I agree that knee replacement is crazy, if your Dad can walk over half a mile.

Hi Stephen - Of course we're friends!

Well I wasn't aware there were alternatives to warfarin. And yes he has blood tests regularly - its a nightmare.
Things is hes got other blood disorders too which means his INR range is different to everyone else too so dunno if this makes any difference,

[paul_1607]

Give Dad his due hes clever....

Managed to turn this around into yet another reason why I've got to visit him this weekend. Apparently, he needs to see me to discuss how hes going to proceed with this..... Jeez he has no limits.

Sort of fell apart a bit when I said "so when do they need to know then". Avoided that question but turns out - next appt in 6 months! OMG.

[Stephen_16071]

I remember the dreaded INR results with Mum, phone calls saying stop Warfarin for two days or increase it by half a pill....

The district nurse turning up and Mum screaming while they took blood.

Since Mum has been on Apixaban she has been fine, no blood tests. Maybe the thought of no regular blood tests would tempt your Dad?

I wish you nothing but good luck my friend.

[Denis_1610]

. . .
Bit annoyed with the Consultant to be honest. Yes Dad is VERY annoying and expects miracles but I think hes said this to shut him up....

The risks for Dad to have that OP are crazy. Especially when he can still walk, says its not that bad, and doesn't even take the full dose of painkillers....

Hello Paul. I am not sure the consultant said this just to shut Dad up. If the operation should go ahead there will be aftercare and medication and pain and aggro. It would be easier for the consultant to say a firm "No".

Have you tried to have a few words alone with the consultant, where you could state your concerns and Dad's lack of co-operation? This could be instructive on both sides.

[paul_1607]

I remember the dreaded INR results with Mum, phone calls saying stop Warfarin for two days or increase it by half a pill....

The district nurse turning up and Mum screaming while they took blood.

Since Mum has been on Apixaban she has been fine, no blood tests. Maybe the thought of no regular blood tests would tempt your Dad?

I wish you nothing but good luck my friend.

Yes I'll have to look into that....

Hes fine with the blood tests though. Not sure if the DN is fine though because they keep teling him to walk to the surgery because he is able but can't be bothered.

[paul_1607]

. . .
Bit annoyed with the Consultant to be honest. Yes Dad is VERY annoying and expects miracles but I think hes said this to shut him up....

The risks for Dad to have that OP are crazy. Especially when he can still walk, says its not that bad, and doesn't even take the full dose of painkillers....

Hello Paul. I am not sure the consultant said this just to shut Dad up. If the operation should go ahead there will be aftercare and medication and pain and aggro. It would be easier for the consultant to say a firm "No".

Have you tried to have a few words alone with the consultant, where you could state your concerns and Dad's lack of co-operation? This could be instructive on both sides.

Im hoping to speak to the consultant to be honest. BUT, I hear what you're saying but Dad can badger people to within an inch of their lives lol. GP already refuses to visit him at home any more....