I don't know if I'm posting in the right part of the forum, so apologies in advance if I'm in the wrong place.
My dad is 72 and both his knees are shot and have been for 15+ years. He also has severe back issues after an accident in work in the 80's which resulted in a laminectomy, now due to scar tissue he's suffered with back problems for 30 years. He retired 19 years ago.
Dad is overweight, he wasn't always overweight but over the years the weight has piled on, mostly after my mum's death 12 years ago. Growing up I remember an active dad who would go to the gym and out jogging.
His GP and previous pain clinic consultant both say he won't get knee surgery due to a high BMI, his weight is approximately 130kg now. He was 142kg at his heaviest.
Dad was rather active up until about 18 months and now the pain he's in is massively affecting his quality of life.
He's been under weight management previously and managed to get his weight down to 118kg (2017/2018) and a BMI of 41 this was about three years ago but a surgery referral was refused again because they wanted a BMI of less than 40. Last January his GP noting he'd put weight back on said if he got his BMI back down to 41 he would refer him, I sat there angry but kept quiet.
My dad is wasting away before my eyes, he can barely walk now around the house let along safely outside. His only activity is managing to very slowly walk his small dog with great difficulty and this has been greatly reduced in the last 12 months, although he doesn't give up. However, he struggles outside especially getting on and off pavements and he's had several falls outside over the last 12 months. Before much longer I'm certain he's going to have a nasty fall.
Dad's on a combination of pain meds including fentanyl patches (50) tramadol SR 150mg paracetamol max dose and oramorph 4 times a day. He's also got ibuprofen gel and the pain clinic consultant took him off amitriptyline and 4 times a day tramadol 2 years ago. The pain clinic was a waste of his time.
Dad's repeatedly spoke to GP in last few months due to excess pain which is also affecting his sleep, the pain is so great he can't sleep. His back pain has also got significantly worse, a recent MRI scan on his back confirmed there was nothing they could do other than pain management.
Dad has perfect blood sugar control, is not a diabetic, has controlled high blood pressure and cholesterol, he doesn't smoke and barely drinks. With his previous weight loss he reversed his sleep apnea and came off his CPAP machine after 7 years.
His pain is affecting his mental health although being a man he is not likely to admit it. I see a frail old man whose doesn't bother these days, he can't stand to cook or even use his own bathroom safely. He has a walk in shower with a step but even that is a struggle. He's just been approved for a disability facilities grant for a level access shower but it could be a 12-month wait for funding.
I'm his carer and his only family, I'm struggling mentally to see him like this as well as take on more of his care. I have my own MH issues and most days I wish I was dead.
Dad's due to have yet another telephone consultation with a GP who knows his history on Monday but I expect he'll just be fobbed off again. They keep referring to the risk of anaesthetic due to a high BMI... But I am aware a total knee replacement can be done with a spinal anaesthetic.
I would appreciate any advice or help or guidance.
My dad is 72 and both his knees are shot and have been for 15+ years. He also has severe back issues after an accident in work in the 80's which resulted in a laminectomy, now due to scar tissue he's suffered with back problems for 30 years. He retired 19 years ago.
Dad is overweight, he wasn't always overweight but over the years the weight has piled on, mostly after my mum's death 12 years ago. Growing up I remember an active dad who would go to the gym and out jogging.
His GP and previous pain clinic consultant both say he won't get knee surgery due to a high BMI, his weight is approximately 130kg now. He was 142kg at his heaviest.
Dad was rather active up until about 18 months and now the pain he's in is massively affecting his quality of life.
He's been under weight management previously and managed to get his weight down to 118kg (2017/2018) and a BMI of 41 this was about three years ago but a surgery referral was refused again because they wanted a BMI of less than 40. Last January his GP noting he'd put weight back on said if he got his BMI back down to 41 he would refer him, I sat there angry but kept quiet.
My dad is wasting away before my eyes, he can barely walk now around the house let along safely outside. His only activity is managing to very slowly walk his small dog with great difficulty and this has been greatly reduced in the last 12 months, although he doesn't give up. However, he struggles outside especially getting on and off pavements and he's had several falls outside over the last 12 months. Before much longer I'm certain he's going to have a nasty fall.
Dad's on a combination of pain meds including fentanyl patches (50) tramadol SR 150mg paracetamol max dose and oramorph 4 times a day. He's also got ibuprofen gel and the pain clinic consultant took him off amitriptyline and 4 times a day tramadol 2 years ago. The pain clinic was a waste of his time.
Dad's repeatedly spoke to GP in last few months due to excess pain which is also affecting his sleep, the pain is so great he can't sleep. His back pain has also got significantly worse, a recent MRI scan on his back confirmed there was nothing they could do other than pain management.
Dad has perfect blood sugar control, is not a diabetic, has controlled high blood pressure and cholesterol, he doesn't smoke and barely drinks. With his previous weight loss he reversed his sleep apnea and came off his CPAP machine after 7 years.
His pain is affecting his mental health although being a man he is not likely to admit it. I see a frail old man whose doesn't bother these days, he can't stand to cook or even use his own bathroom safely. He has a walk in shower with a step but even that is a struggle. He's just been approved for a disability facilities grant for a level access shower but it could be a 12-month wait for funding.
I'm his carer and his only family, I'm struggling mentally to see him like this as well as take on more of his care. I have my own MH issues and most days I wish I was dead.
Dad's due to have yet another telephone consultation with a GP who knows his history on Monday but I expect he'll just be fobbed off again. They keep referring to the risk of anaesthetic due to a high BMI... But I am aware a total knee replacement can be done with a spinal anaesthetic.
I would appreciate any advice or help or guidance.