It's very difficult to decide...
There are times when Life gives us hard choices and we need to pick one of them. Dad was doing alright but from past few days his legs were getting swollen. Initially we were thinking, its because of he not doing any exercise and sitting for long hours, but then the question that came to mind is why now, why it did not happen earlier. So we decided to take him for a full check up, at the hospital where he had undergone the pacemaker surgery.
It was done in 2010, kudos to him, preserving all the records at one place, even though he does not remember anything now because of Dementia. It took me few hours to go through all of them, and find out the relevant ones. He was fitted with a pacemaker in 2010, and he wrote down the dates of admission, operation, discharge etc. And then he used to carry the pacemaker card with him, while traveling (as he should not undergo through the scanner in airport), but I could not find it. I asked him many times, but he firmly denied saying he does not know ( which is normal for him). Interestingly just before going to hospital, he somehow remembered and found that out. So that was a lovely long term memory spiking in at the last moment, which usually happens with such patients.
The batter life would easily span another 3-4 years, so that was some good news.
He is least concerned about anything, but then the doctor prescribed many tests, which was necessary to figure out the issue.
Not happy with just this glass of juice at lunch, but he coped with it after taking the second juice.
All his reports are normal, but the echo report is concerning, with severe MR and TR.
The doctor prescribed some medicines, saying its not concerning given his age, but I usually cross question about the implications and he said, the only way this can be fixed is through a open heart surgery, which is not recommended for his age. We can still speak to a cardio surgeon, if we want to, but we should go ahead with the medicines and do another echo after one month, and then consult.
Since I was not aware of these terminologies, I was not able to put up much in front of the doctor but after coming to home, when I searched and read through some articles, this sounds like a very concerning issue. I sent the reports to few of my friends who are doctors and they advised to consult other doctors, and cross check if the medicines given are going to help or not. We are preparing to see other doctors, but things are going to be tough for sure. Seeking divine help to guide us on the right path, do you think, it would be ideal to go ahead with an open heart surgery, if that's the only choice ?
He is ignorant of all these, and does not look like he needs an open heart surgery !! Praying God to help us go through the time......
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