A Short History?

Question

I am now 58yrs old,My medical history started with a major RTA when I was 17,impaled on a steering wheel hub,major abdominal surgery.
Whilst working with the Ambulance service I was stabbed in the chest by a drug addict,Major surgery on both lungs.
1992 major heart attack and arrest,1997 Stroke.2000 Heart Bypass,now to the question,
My GP thinks the bypass graft is breaking down and I am afraid he may suggest another graft with all the related pain ect and am getting to the stage were I think I have had enough and would rather let nature take its course.Am I right to chicken out,you can see from my profile i have had a good life despite all this,Thanks in advance for all serious answers.

Answer 1

Personally I would go for the graft to be redone, but its very much a personal decision and no one can make it for you.

Answer 2

You are in no way wrong for feeling that way. However, that is a tough question you've asked. How can strangers tell someone whether they should endure painful albeit life prolonging surgery? Most people haven't had to decide if they're willing to go through the pain of a major surgery for a 'chance' at a longer life. Do you think it's worth it? You could have all of those past problems and still be having a mind blowing, awsome life and you don't want to miss anymore of in which case- do it. Then again, some of us still believe there's another life after this and it's going to be better. You may feel like your body is a burden or is letting you down and if your content to go on, then surgery probably isn't worth the added pain. It could always shorten your life instead of prolonging it with complications of the surgery. You may feel your happy with what you've done with your life and find no need to accomplish anymore. Your satisfied- In which case, I'd say go enjoy yourself, tie up loose ends and make sure the people you love, know you love them. Make arrangments yourself to take the burden off them having to think about those things. And go do what you love most. Just because you turn down surgery doesn't mean you're going to drop dead right then, you'll just have the increased chance of it happening so be prepared. Who knows, you could outlive us all and prove your doctor wrong without surgery, and you could die on the operating table trying to preserve life. Something to think about. ...I hope I helped you in your decision. I'm sorry I can't tell you yes or no. Best of luck in which ever you choose to do.

Answer 3

Only you can decide Frank.

And its not a chicken ways out either. There would likely be a lot of discomfort in the final months.

From your profile, it looks like you have a lot to offer the family and contribute to thier lifes.

I would suggest by-pass surgery has improved greatly, even in the last 6 years so it might be worth having that detailed discussion with the doctors first - recovery might be a lot quicker than you think.

But its up to you. Thank goodness we are still able to make that decision for ourselves.

Answer 4

Under the laws of all the states and the ethics of medicine, the patient has the right to determine his own fate. It's your decision and yours alone. I suggest get some legal papers drawn up and put your wishes in writing, so if there ever comes a time that you are incapacitated those papers can tell the health care and legal communities your true wishes. Best wishes.

Answer 5

I can understand your thinking I have decided if I get cancer to reject treatment for the same reason sometimes it is better to do this then to continue suffering God bless

Answer 6

58 is a very young age to give up. You have had alot happen to you, but it just proves how resilient you are. You are a survivor.

Answer 7

don't chicken!! Everyone knows surgery & hospital stay is unpleasant. I just set the mode on numb and do it.

Answer 8

Hang on to life