General Medical issues thread

[JohnK]

I had to google how much 6 stone was... :shock:

6 stone is there as a transit point to bigger and better things....

 

[Cossie]

Boss has day surgery tomorrow, medial meniscus tear, it's big so I think a repair is out of the question. Up to 6 weeks hobbling, hence our 2017 plans are already in disarray!

 

[love_the_life]

Boss has day surgery tomorrow, medial meniscus tear, it's big so I think a repair is out of the question. Up to 6 weeks hobbling, hence our 2017 plans are already in disarray!

Hope it goes well for her tomorrow.

 

[whatmeworry]

Mum's OA in her knee is getting worse. She might have to wait 2 years to get her op.

Might have to buy her a wheel chair.

 

[Pushka]

Mum's OA in her knee is getting worse. She might have to wait 2 years to get her op.

Might have to buy her a wheel chair.

Sadly private health insurance is what would help her get surgery faster. Lots of gaps though. Mum gave up private insurance about 3 years before she died - at 84 as she did not have any chronic health or joint issues and if something went wrong it would be acute and therefore straight into the public hospital. And that's exactly what happened. I'll need to keep it until I no longer 'need' it.

I'm supposed to have surgery on a big toe as I no longer can flex it - the action when walking. But I am delaying until I can no longer stand it as I do not want to spend 6 weeks in a moon boot and even then they aren't sure it will fix much and may require a permanent straightening which puts me right into nanna shoes that I will never wear.

 

[penegal]

My family member had their endoscopic Ultrasound yesterday performed by their preferred Gastroenterologist. He had prepared the report before the patient left hospital:

...

Better outcome then expected but the remaining stone has got bigger so a cholecystectomy is recommended.

Good to hear they are on the improve.

 

[QF WP]

No, improvement will be post-operative...which has been set as 7 March. Remaining gallstone has grown since last ECRP. Now 4cm in diameter.

What is the expected lay up time for a gall bladder removal, my learned doctors??

 

[bosox76]

No, improvement will be post-operative...which has been set as 7 March. Remaining gallstone has grown since last ECRP. Now 4cm in diameter.

What is the expected lay up time for a gall bladder removal, my learned doctors??

If done laparoscopically I would have thought a few days. If it gets converted to an open procedure then much longer. Although I preface my response with the fact that it's been many years since I did surgery. Perhaps others could give a more accurate answer.

 

[coriander]

I'm supposed to have surgery on a big toe as I no longer can flex it - the action when walking. But I am delaying until I can no longer stand it as I do not want to spend 6 weeks in a moon boot and even then they aren't sure it will fix much and may require a permanent straightening which puts me right into nanna shoes that I will never wear.

My wife had that very big-toe joint fusion procedure two years ago - she still has some pain in the toe which the surgeon has dismissed as "just a bit of nerve pain". To my eyes, the toe now has a bit of a permanent lateral bend in it. Apparently a lifetime of high heels causes/exacerbates the condition, but Mrs C has never been one for high heels. The promise of "pain-free within 4 months" was slightly "optimistic".

 

[Pushka]

My wife had that very big-toe joint fusion procedure two years ago - she still has some pain in the toe which the surgeon has dismissed as "just a bit of nerve pain". To my eyes, the toe now has a bit of a permanent lateral bend in it. Apparently a lifetime of high heels causes/exacerbates the condition, but Mrs C has never been one for high heels. The promise of "pain-free within 4 months" was slightly "optimistic".

See - this is what worries me. Even prior they have raised concerns. I get nerve pain now. It just randomly strikes. Enclosed high heeled shoes are intolerable but I can manage open toe ones but only for special occasions. It's the same toe that now has a black nail because of walking a lot and anti coags. It's the same leg that was impacted with the disc prolapse 30 years ago. Peg leg.

 

[whatmeworry]

Sadly private health insurance is what would help her get surgery faster. Lots of gaps though. Mum gave up private insurance about 3 years before she died - at 84 as she did not have any chronic health or joint issues and if something went wrong it would be acute and therefore straight into the public hospital. And that's exactly what happened. I'll need to keep it until I no longer 'need' it.

I'm supposed to have surgery on a big toe as I no longer can flex it - the action when walking. But I am delaying until I can no longer stand it as I do not want to spend 6 weeks in a moon boot and even then they aren't sure it will fix much and may require a permanent straightening which puts me right into nanna shoes that I will never wear.

Unfortunately she never has had private health insurance. Even if she got insurance now, would probably not eligible for Knee Replacement Surgery as she has had Knee problems for at least 30 years. I suggested she pay out of pocket but she shut down that suggestion.

Anybody have suggestions for wheelchairs? I see so many types and prices...

 

[KitKat]

If done laparoscopically I would have thought a few days. If it gets converted to an open procedure then much longer. Although I preface my response with the fact that it's been many years since I did surgery. Perhaps others could give a more accurate answer.

If done laparoscopically, usually next day home if no complications (majority).
If gets converted to open, few days stay....3-5

 

[cove]

One of my 5.30 am hydrotherapy buddies had a shingles shot this week. Because he is over 70 he got it for his favourite price of zero. He said it didn't hurt a bit.
He does 150 sit ups as the start of his hour in the warm pool.

 

[JohnK]

Anybody have suggestions for wheelchairs? I see so many types and prices...

How about a mobility scooter? I have been thinking about getting one for mum and dad.

 

[love_the_life]

My mother has had a mobility scooter for many years. She has bad legs, though not actually arthritis in the knee. The scooter gives her lots of freedom to get around. She lives in a country town so it is probably easier as she can tootle down the street and then park it outside shops, just using a walking frame for in the shops.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Mr FM's Mum had a mobility scooter - she was in her mid 80s and having a few problems with falls. She didn't want a frame, so the scooter was great for her. She used to rampage around the rerirement village visiting all her friends on it.

 

[QF WP]

If done laparoscopically I would have thought a few days. If it gets converted to an open procedure then much longer. Although I preface my response with the fact that it's been many years since I did surgery. Perhaps others could give a more accurate answer.

If done laparoscopically, usually next day home if no complications (majority).
If gets converted to open, few days stay....3-5

Many thanks for the early responses. Laparoscopic was recommended. Got very good vibe regarding the surgeon: Dr Phil Lockie - Surgeon (well he's Irish, can't be a bad guy )

 

[whatmeworry]

Problem with a mobility scooter is getting it into a car, not to forget travel.

Plus price is another issue and my mum has never driven a car.

 

[Major]

One of my 5.30 am hydrotherapy buddies had a shingles shot this week. Because he is over 70 he got it for his favourite price of zero. He said it didn't hurt a bit.
He does 150 sit ups as the start of his hour in the warm pool.

As I am over 70 I asked my GP about a shingles shot on my last visit. Apparently the Govt. has reduced funding and the surgery (2 doctors) only receives 5 doses per month. They have started a waiting list starting with the 79 year olds and working down.

I can wait, spend a couple of hundred and purchase from a pharmac_ or find another GP with stock...going for the last option

 

[coriander]

I can wait, spend a couple of hundred and purchase from a pharmac_ or find another GP with stock...going for the last option

Being under 70, I stumped up the $205 - it's only a little over two dog vaccinations !