I was asked this today

[heel79]

Buddy of mine who is diabetic, heart failure, 73, but looks like Adonis, asked me today if given these choices, what would I do. And what is wild, I think my answer was something he was considering.
HIs two choices.
Have vascular surgery on a leg and basically was given a 50-50 chance of surviving the surgery.
Or, have leg amputated.

I said amputation, because could still play golf, and enjoy kids, grandkids, etc.
He then said life expectancy probably not a year or two anyway. I said, "Stick." As in Seinfeld. Amputate.

What a choice to face. He was totally matter-a-fact. Still strong as a bull and zero percent body fat. I think he is going to let them cut it off.

 

[wmheel1287]

Buddy of mine who is diabetic, heart failure, 73, but looks like Adonis, asked me today if given these choices, what would I do. And what is wild, I think my answer was something he was considering.
HIs two choices.
Have vascular surgery on a leg and basically was given a 50-50 chance of surviving the surgery.
Or, have leg amputated.

I said amputation, because could still play golf, and enjoy kids, grandkids, etc.
He then said life expectancy probably not a year or two anyway. I said, "Stick." As in Seinfeld. Amputate.

What a choice to face. He was totally matter-a-fact. Still strong as a bull and zero percent body fat. I think he is going to let them cut it off.

So his life expectancy is only a year or two anyway? What is his life expectancy without either surgery? Does he have a DVT?

 

[05C40]

I'm assuming this is a hypothetical situation, not a real life choice. The operation on the leg with a 50:50 chance of survival strikes me as not beimg a choice that an MD would actually offer.

 

[CHAMTRAIN]

I'd do the vascular surgery, but I'm a gambler by nature.

 

[heel79]

I'm assuming this is a hypothetical situation, not a real life choice. The operation on the leg with a 50:50 chance of survival strikes me as not beimg a choice that an MD would actually offer.

Not a hypothetical. That is what he told me doc said. Actually I thought he said 56 percent and will clarify tomorrow. I would be surprised if they would give that kind of specificity on survival rate.

 

[heel79]

So his life expectancy is only a year or two anyway? What is his life expectancy without either surgery? Does he have a DVT?

Not sure. Basically no circulation at bottom of leg. It is crazy to see this guy. Looks like fittest person ever. Shitty genes. He has had 7 heart attacks, but none in like 15 years.

 

[wmheel1287]

Not sure. Basically no circulation at bottom of leg. It is crazy to see this guy. Looks like fittest person ever. Shitty genes. He has had 7 heart attacks, but none in like 15 years.

Yeah, sounds like something that has to be done. In that case, I would say amputation, especially if he is that strong. He should keep in mind that it will take him several weeks (6-8 best case) before the stump heals enough to even begin to put the sleeve on it that has the pin to connect to a prosthetic. If he's diabetic, do they really think he will heal well enough and quickly enough for that? I think he is more likely going to be without a leg or prosthetic for a long while. My dad is an amputee and the care for the stump is no joke. I would think diabetes would exacerbate that 1000X...especially if the concern is circulation based anyhow.

 

[gtyellowjacket]

Not a great choice but if it's me, I'm cutting that leg off.

 

[Ddseddse]

I don’t know what the recovery time for amputation is. What percentage of those two years would it be, and what would the negative impact on quality of life be during that time period.

Not making any recommendation, just stating questions I would want answers to if I had to face a decision like that.

 

[farce©]

I don’t know what the recovery time for amputation is. What percentage of those two years would it be, and what would the negative impact on quality of life be during that time period.

Not making any recommendation, just stating questions I would want answers to if I had to face a decision like that.

Yeah, not enough info to offer an opinion. I would have 100 questions for the doctor and want multiple alternate opinions from various providers.

 

[heel79]

Yeah, not enough info to offer an opinion. I would have 100 questions for the doctor and want multiple alternate opinions from various providers.

I think his concern is that take leg off and he does not live long anyway and much of that time gone to recovery and adjusting. My question would be if they tried to do the vascular procedure and they start to lose him could they then pivot and then amputate. What a crappy choice