My mother just had breast reduction surgery.

[Garion_55]

Normally that might not be a big deal, but she is 75 years old. The first doctor she went to refused to do it because of her age.

It took about four hours she got out of surgery was very groggy due to the anesthesia. Now she's resting on the recliner seat.

She got through it very well no complications. I'm kind of pissed at the first doctor wouldn't do it. He made her feel bad like she was too old.

Anybody else out there have some kind of surgery out there that they were told they should not have?

[applegrove]

1. There is risk and longer healing time for surgery when you are older.

Something like 25% of seniors who break a hip end up dying despite hospital care. Maybe that is why he did not suggest it. Does your mom have a heart condition?

[backtoblue]

2. Glad your momma is healing well

I've been begging for a hysterectomy since I was 25. At 39 , "nope, still too young"...

Endometriosis and impossible for me to have any more kids. Have one awesome kid, but only after three miscarriages.

[pnwmom]

4. Have you gotten a second opinion? That's ridiculous. n/t

[backtoblue]

6. Three over the course of the past ten years

I agree that it's ridiculous. All three drs just wanted to put me on birth control.

And I guess I'll rant about one of my miscarriages while I'm at it

Four months along, I started bleeding. Went to my obgyn and he REALLY wanted to use a new toy called a vaginal ultrasound. I saw the fetus on a big screen monitor. Head down and no heartbeat.

He immediately turned it off and apologized that I saw it.

He scheduled a D&C at the hospital, but they made me wait 24 hours because ...abortion...

[MaryMagdaline]

8. So sorry you had to go through that

[backtoblue]

10. Thank you Mary

It was very rough to go through, but I was able to see first hand the war on women and our reproductive rights.

Since I have my med records from the procedure, I'm thinking about telling my story to my state legislature.

[pnwmom]

15. Wow. That would be wonderful if you did. They need to hear from more people like you. nt

[pnwmom]

9. I am so sorry, backtoblue.

I can see why you're ready for that part of your life to be over with, and you should be able to make the decision, not some doctor.

[backtoblue]

12. That seems like it was so long ago...

Life is hard. Sexist repubs want to make it even harder on women.

My experience opened my eyes and solidified my views on women's health, turning me into an unapologetic liberal.


I'm proud to be that nasty woman in my neck of the woods.

(Well, when I'm not plotting my escape from here... )

[Maru Kitteh]

16. Find a female OBGYN surgeon and go to her directly. Don't take NO for an answer.

Don't leave until you have what you want.

It's how I evicted my uterus.

[leftyladyfrommo]

18. When I was about 35 I had a doctor ask me if

I didn't want to go ahead and have a hysterectomy since I didn't want children. She said it would protect me from cervical cancer.

I did not have one symptom. I was fine and now I am 70 and I am still fine.

I don't trust the medical profession at all.

[sinkingfeeling]

19. Wow, I was just about to turn 40 when I had mine. Same reason; endometriosis.

Of course, that was over 30 years ago and I think surgery was the only treatment.

[Ilsa]

21. And check your labwork.

If you are chronically anemic from excessive bleeding, it might help you build your case as far as insurance is concerned.

Find a female OBGYN. Talk to her about whether she will remove ovaries and tubes as well as uterus. Discuss what that means.

Good luck to you. I've been lucky as far as my uterus not misbehaving. But I know far too many women whose lives significantly improved after removing the uterus.

[Ohiogal]

3. Why shouldn't she have this surgery if she's in otherwise good health?

For one thing, it helps prevent back and shoulder problems.

75 isn’t ancient, by any means.

I would be pissed at that first doctor, too. He sounds like an arrogant ass. Who obviously has no idea the discomfort women endure in this kind of situation.

Best wishes to your mom for a speedy recovery!

[elfin]

5. Also helps with rib pain

Have a friend who had it done much younger and over 20 years ago than your Mom, but she was in constant discomfort until the reduction. She also HATED the way men reacted to her ample figure so that it seemed to be the reason why they did not relate to her as professionally as they should in the workplace.

[nini]

7. My mom had a hip replacement at 90

and had a-fib.

She said if she died on the table it was ok... she couldn't take the pain anymore.

She did ok and had 3 more years.

[KT2000]

11. my friend did not have surgery

when she was in the hospital with a broken hip. It was a terrible break and she was in terrible pain. She was also 90 years old. They determined it was too risky so they kept her in an unconscious state with pain meds for a couple weeks.

The hospital transferred her to a nursing home in the next town in an unconscious state from the pain medications. She was kept in this state for days until the nursing home's doctor decided something needed to be done as keeping her like that was not humane. They did the surgery which fused the break such that she was not able to walk but she was relieved of her pain. She was free of pain and alert for the rest of her life - a few years.

The original hospital has a high death rate due to the age of most patients (they serve a retirement community). I feel they made their decision based upon how it would look in statistics rather than care for the patient. When I objected to her being sent to another town, I was told "It doesn't look like she is in condition to care one way or the other."

Healthcare is full of competing interests - save money, keep good statistics, heal people, obey rules from Medicare and insurance companies, fill out computer programs successfully, and get paid!

[Croney]

13. Good grief, she's only 75! Of course she should have surgery if she wants.

I'll be 75 in November. My secret desire is to have lipo on my flabby arms. I probably won't, but I'll be damned if anybody is going to tell me I'm too old.

[Doreen]

14. I was told for two years that I was to young to have

knee replacements and that I had to wait until I was 65. I was 44 and by the time 65 rolled around I would have been long ago bed ridden. Then Obamacare mixed a little with medicare and I was allowed to get knee replacements at 46. I am so glad I was able to not become bed ridden by 50 because I was well on my way.

[smirkymonkey]

17. I'm sorry she was treated that way. It's terrible the way doctors judge women who

want to control their bodies.

I had breast reduction surgery years ago and I am glad I did. I was always very top heavy and it was hard to find clothes to fit my smaller frame, not to mention the unwanted attention I got from men. Also, I just feel so much more comfortable in my body. I am happy for your mother that she was able to do it. Women should be allowed to alter their bodies at any age.

I hope she is healing well and on the road to recovery. I am sure she will feel great relief once she is completely healed. Just be kind and caring toward her. I am sure you will.

[sinkingfeeling]

20. I'm going to be 71 soon and have been considering breast reduction since I turned 65.

I absolutely hate my breasts. Went through life as a 34C from age 13 until I hit 60. I weight about 10 pounds more than I did when I was in college, but now wear a 38D bra. I look top heavy and can't find dresses that fit both top and bottom.

[Ilsa]

22. Who knows, you might be bigger than a 38D, and

If you complain of neck, shoulder, and back pain, it'll help your case.

I had reduction surgery and it was the best thing ever for me. My center of gravity changed. Didn't need ibuprofen or tylenol anywhere near as much. But I lost some sensitivity, too.