From the time we are young, life is a series of decisions. But I’ve noticed that as we get into our “golden years”. more and more of these decisions are about our health.
When I was diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy 2 years ago, I was told my eyes would continue to worsen, and at some point I would need corneal transplants. The doctor said I have to decide when it is bothering me enough for surgery. For people with my stage of Fuchs at that time, she said 50% get the surgery and 50% elect to wait. I decided to leave it alone. But now, two years later, it is getting difficult for me to read and to see clearly in bright light. I’ve decided it’s time to go forward with the transplants. My first eye is scheduled for surgery later this month.
Recently I had an x-ray on my knee which confirmed that I have “”severe arthritis with bone on bone complete joint space narrowing.” Like so many of my friends who are my age, a knee replacement is inevitable. Although there are things I can do in the short term to help it (PT, various types of injections, draining the fluid, a brace, etc.), they are all temporary fixes. The doctor said when all else fails, I have to decide when it is bothering me enough for surgery. Right now, it doesn’t hinder my daily living activities too much, but it does bother me on longer walks or hikes, standing for long periods, and when I first get up after sitting for a long period. I’ll put this one on the backburner for now as I try non-invasive Physical Therapy and losing weight, which has helped with previous flare-ups of my arthritis.
In addition to my stage 1 prostate cancer, I also have the typical prostatic hypertrophy and overactive bladder that most men my age experience, resulting in urinary issues like- frequent urination, increased urination at night, difficulty in starting urination, weak stream, etc. There are medications and surgery that can help with the symptoms- I asked my urologic oncologist at what point I should consider treatment for my urinary symptoms. He said it depends on my quality of life and I have to decide when it’s bothering me enough to take action. I am in no hurry to add more medication to my regimen as I am aware of the potential side effects, and I’m certainly in no hurry for a TURP (transurethral resection of my prostate), which is no fun either. So this one is also on the backburner for now. I just make sure I keep an empty bottle in the car for emergencies, and I revisit the issue with my doctor at my 6-month check-ups.
Wait- there are more! I can’t raise my right arm straight up- I’m guessing it’s a torn tendon. Is that bothering me enough to have surgery? My oral surgeon asks if the benign fibromas on my tongue and gums are bothering me enough to get them removed. My ENT doctor asks if the chronic nasal congestion is bothering me enough for nasal sinus surgery. My dermatologist asks if the age spots (“solar lentigines”) on my back and head are bothering me enough to get removed. And if I have another severe episode of diverticulitis, my gastroenterologist says I may need to consider a partial colon resection to prevent a future perforation. The medical decisions we face seem to pile up as we age. I’m just thankful that none of my current conditions are life threatening and my decisions are mainly just an annoyance. My approach is do my homework, get the facts, make a decision and then try to forget about it- go to my next live concert, go for a hike, or plan the next vacation. Life moves on, and you have to enjoy every moment!
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