Given what he's already gone through, do you think that another surgery would make him feel overwhelmed? Sometimes too much medical attention can have that affect, pushing someone into the personal query of whether he/she can deal with all the challenges.
And walking again after hip replacement surgery will be a challenge.
I think his eye surgeon should definitely be consulted. He/she's the best to know what your husband's specific eye issues are and whether or not they would be affected by less than ideal emotional and physical health right now.
From what I've been told of my upcoming cataract surgery, no bending is appropriate, and eye patch needs to be worn for a day or too (which would compromise the vision of some who already has walking difficulty), and he's probably not walking normally now anyway after the hip surgery.
You should probably mention the meds he's taking now as well. I'll take eye drops before and after, 2 different kinds, so we did discuss meds and interactions.
In addition, the surgeries in my case are scheduled early, there's another early follow-up visit the next day, another in a week, and the following week the second eye is operated on. That's 6 medical visits in a month. Then I have another appointment for new glasses.
Cataract surgery does not require general anesthesia. Mild sedative to knock you out briefly while they numb the eye and put in drops to fully dilate the eye. You are brought awake during the procedure and do have to lie still, though there is some kind of device that holds your eye open. The procedure itself is very quick. I had both eyes done last year, and the world looks much brighter and more vivid, not to mention no longer blurry.
The replacement heart valve surgery shouldn't matter. Other heart disease *might* matter, because cataract surgery, like most procedures, can be stressful; but just make sure the surgeon is aware of it.
The mobility issues aren't relevant. Most people having cataract surgery are necessarily older, and therefore the facilities are set up to suit them.
The dementia may be relevant, depending on how advanced it is and whether your husband is able to follow instructions. Note: he doesn't have to *remember* what to do, but it is essential that he does as he is told when he is told to do it.
The cataract surgery will be a major benefit to your husband. Go ahead with it unless there is a REALLY good reason not to, as advised by his surgeon.
Are you confident that you will be able to cope with the after care? It isn't complicated or difficult, but it is important to follow it through properly and if your husband is a "bad" patient that's another point to think about - perhaps you'll want some help with it.
PS - lung issues? Does he cough much? - they won't like that, if he does.
Hmmm . . .my mom, after breaking her hip, and a mirad of other health issues, had cataracts done. She CAN SEE.
My husband had cataracts done. HE CAN SEE.
Now I know that my 74 yo husband has issues . . but HE CAN SEE NOW.
My 88 yo mom, has some issues . . .but she can SEE NOW.
Here is the rub . .
Mom . . memory and cgnitive issues. Mobility is ok, but limited. At 88, I'm glad she can SEE better. . BUT: I still fear that because she can see, it will get her into trouble when she's driving the car. Yes . .she still has a valid DL and registration and insurance is all paid up. Her hearing is shot. And I don't think she's as alert as she should be for driving. But who am I to judge, or issue any lawful, or medical determination that she can't drive , or live alone for that matter.
Husband . . .at 74 , I'm thankful he can see better. He has balance issues, hell he has a lot of issues. He broke his back in several places 3 times in his life. Most recent last year. Pain is the most prevalent problem in his life. But now, because he can see MUCH BETTER, he can function better and be more positive - most of the time.
Back to my mom. SEEING has made a world of differnce for her at the present time. Perhaps if she had the cataract surgery earlier . .maybe two years ago . .
She wouldn't have sidewiped a firetruck. She would clean her house better She would continue to paint oils and water colors She would open up her blinds and look at the outside world . . perhaps wildlife in her own backyard. She would notice the roof leaks she has in her own house. I'm sure I can go on with a few more.
But alas, she sleeps a lot, and is a shut in now. But her eyes are Better!
He needs to be still during the procedure, he will be awake and needs to follow their instructions. Then you will need to give him lots of different eyedrops at different intervals afterwards.
Can he do what is required before, during and after the surgery to ensure the best results? Can he communicate if he has any adverse problems after surgery?
I would decide based on those things.
It is not uncommon to get an infection that will leave you blind if it is not addressed immediately when you notice the symptoms, black foggy vision is the most common that my friends and family have experienced. My dad lost an eye because of not getting back to the doctor pronto.
And walking again after hip replacement surgery will be a challenge.
I think his eye surgeon should definitely be consulted. He/she's the best to know what your husband's specific eye issues are and whether or not they would be affected by less than ideal emotional and physical health right now.
From what I've been told of my upcoming cataract surgery, no bending is appropriate, and eye patch needs to be worn for a day or too (which would compromise the vision of some who already has walking difficulty), and he's probably not walking normally now anyway after the hip surgery.
You should probably mention the meds he's taking now as well. I'll take eye drops before and after, 2 different kinds, so we did discuss meds and interactions.
In addition, the surgeries in my case are scheduled early, there's another early follow-up visit the next day, another in a week, and the following week the second eye is operated on. That's 6 medical visits in a month. Then I have another appointment for new glasses.
The mobility issues aren't relevant. Most people having cataract surgery are necessarily older, and therefore the facilities are set up to suit them.
The dementia may be relevant, depending on how advanced it is and whether your husband is able to follow instructions. Note: he doesn't have to *remember* what to do, but it is essential that he does as he is told when he is told to do it.
The cataract surgery will be a major benefit to your husband. Go ahead with it unless there is a REALLY good reason not to, as advised by his surgeon.
Are you confident that you will be able to cope with the after care? It isn't complicated or difficult, but it is important to follow it through properly and if your husband is a "bad" patient that's another point to think about - perhaps you'll want some help with it.
PS - lung issues? Does he cough much? - they won't like that, if he does.
My husband had cataracts done. HE CAN SEE.
Now I know that my 74 yo husband has issues . . but HE CAN SEE NOW.
My 88 yo mom, has some issues . . .but she can SEE NOW.
Here is the rub . .
Mom . . memory and cgnitive issues. Mobility is ok, but limited. At 88, I'm glad she can SEE better. . BUT: I still fear that because she can see, it will get her into trouble when she's driving the car. Yes . .she still has a valid DL and registration and insurance is all paid up. Her hearing is shot. And I don't think she's as alert as she should be for driving. But who am I to judge, or issue any lawful, or medical determination that she can't drive , or live alone for that matter.
Husband . . .at 74 , I'm thankful he can see better. He has balance issues, hell he has a lot of issues. He broke his back in several places 3 times in his life. Most recent last year. Pain is the most prevalent problem in his life. But now, because he can see MUCH BETTER, he can function better and be more positive - most of the time.
Back to my mom.
SEEING has made a world of differnce for her at the present time. Perhaps if she had the cataract surgery earlier . .maybe two years ago . .
She wouldn't have sidewiped a firetruck.
She would clean her house better
She would continue to paint oils and water colors
She would open up her blinds and look at the outside world . . perhaps wildlife in her own backyard.
She would notice the roof leaks she has in her own house.
I'm sure I can go on with a few more.
But alas, she sleeps a lot, and is a shut in now. But her eyes are Better!
Whats my point.
Hell , I don't know. I'm confused myself
I would decide based on those things.
It is not uncommon to get an infection that will leave you blind if it is not addressed immediately when you notice the symptoms, black foggy vision is the most common that my friends and family have experienced. My dad lost an eye because of not getting back to the doctor pronto.