am i right to refuse operations?

Question

im only 50 but three different departments at the hospital want to operate on me. hip, enlarged prostate and throat enlargement. I fear MRS and three chances of getting it worry me, should i wait..

Answer 1

Obviously, you can refuse any surgery.

I would suggest to you that you prioritize the surgeries that are the most significant to your long-term living and quality-of-life. In other words, assuming that the prostate problem has the potential to create a real threat to your long-term living, that should be your first priority. On the other hand, if the throat enlargement is potentially cancerous, that should be your first priority.

Whatever you choose, focus on getting that surgery done, seeing it through to it's conclusion and recovering from it. At that point, you can "consider" whether you are up for the next surgery. But take it one step at a time, focusing on the one that has the most potential benefit to letting you live a long and happy life.

"Slow and easy wins the race."

Answer 2

I would say that it depends on how severely each problem impacts your daily life. If you are able to urinate without difficulty then the prostate can wait a bit, if there is an enlargement in your throat, but you are able to eat and breathe without trouble, and they have ruled out goiter, then you can hold off on that one. If your hip is painful and you have degenerative joint disease, I would not wait, the longer the joint degenerates the more damage is done the greater the damage to surrounding tissues.
I'd get each one done six months apart. While in the hospital, be observant, if the nurse that walks into your room doesn't wash before caring for you, insist that she do so first, the same for anyone that comes in the room to do something for you. Hand washing is the best line of defense against MRSA. The last time I had surgery, I put a sign on my door, it said "If You Don't Wash Your Hands on Entering my Room, don't bother to come in at all."
It was amazing, only had to remind one person...the doctor...and I got no nosocomial infection, tho two other people on my floor did!!

Answer 3

what's MRS?
I hear if not taken care of then every guy by the time he reaches old age will have prostarate problems...however if not taken care of it can become cancerous, so you best get that checked out. There is some herbs and medication you can take to reduce that swelling but you better have the doctor check that out.

Throat enlargement could be a result of any infection within your body, or it could be thyroid, or something to do with your heart...so yes, get that checked out by the doctor too.

As far as the hip is concerned, taking care of it means you will walk better and it will save you from a few falls, but "might" have a long recuperation time. Maybe it's just the fluid that needs help or maybe you need a replacement part. And, you might need someone to take care of you (get food, etc.) till you recuperate. If you're not falling now then maybe you can put it off till you get the above other 2 things taken care of.

If you feel you need a second opinion (by a second doctor, then get that). But, don't wait...do it now. Get a blood test. And get done whatever they suggest. You're still young enough to recover quickly.

Answer 4

I know what you mean I refused a throat op and will need hip replacement some time soon. When it comes to prostate problems though I suppose you really have to weigh up all the pros and cons. I've decided that if I do have to go into hospital I'll be demanding people was their hands if they only look at me! Why are we so bad at insisting on good codes of practice, service etc?

Answer 5

If the operations are life saving, then it is worth the risk. However, a good hospital will not have a high risk of MRS. Any MRS cases are a matter of public knowledge at a public hospital. Ask your doctors about your concerns. Get it in writing to be safe. Your doctors should understand your feelings and concerns.

Even though cases of MRS are more common than they used to be, they are not common by any means.

Answer 6

MRSA is not as common as the press would have you believe. Before you are admitted you will be tested to see if you carry the bug if you do you will given antibiotics. I caught MRSA following a hip replacement ,but not in hospital but from the district nurse who came to remove my staples but after 10 days antibiotic I was given the all clear And 8 Months later has a knee replacement with no trouble at all. Go to the hospital , have the treatment you will be fine.hugsssssssss

Answer 7

Hi it depends on the quality of your life, if you think you can manage without medical intervention then don't have the operations. The fear of contracting MRSA is a very real and possible one, perhaps you could find out the extent of cases in the hospital that you have been referred to. Wishing you luck.

Answer 8

You could always get sicker and sicker and wait for complications, the chronic stages of your conditions, or a permanent disability brought on by waiting. After all you know better that some schlep who only spent 7 years a medical school and several more as an intern before he was allowed to give you any advice at all.

Answer 9

My dad is 69 and had a hip operation in March on the NHS. He recovered really well and now is fitter than ever.

I'd get your operations done if I were you, if my dad can do it so can you. Good luck!

Answer 10

have the operations abroad if you are worried as no where else has MRSA, however youare probably more likely to be ill through not having the operations