Kate has annual check ups with her ophthalmologist. Several years ago, the doctor mentioned that Kate had a cataract in one of her eyes. We’ve been following it since then, but it had not reached the point at which surgery is recommended. That changed in her most recent visit in December. After a brief discussion, we decided to pursue the surgery in January. Since then, I have had serious doubts as to the advisability of this procedure. Although such surgery is much easier than it used to be, it still requires the use of anesthesia that is reported to have potential negative effects on Alzheimer’s patients. We have a preliminary appointment scheduled with the doctor two days from now. I am considering canceling.
This morning for the first time I posted a question on the Caregivers’ Forum of the Alzheimer’s Association. I pointed out the following things I was considering in an effort to make the wisest decision for Kate.
1. Kate, age 77 in one week, was diagnosed 7 years ago.
2. We have maintained a high quality of life to the present time.
3. She does have some vision problems. She has a cataract in one eye and 20/60 vision in the other.
4. She has trouble recognizing people in person and in photos. I can’t be sure how much is a result of her Alzheimer’s and how much is her vision.
5. She expresses no vision problems, but I observe she is much more careful going up and down stairs or curbs than she used to be, especially at night.
6. I believe she is in the early-to-middle part of Stage 6 of 7 stages of Alzheimer’s.
7. I can’t predict the future, but my guess is that in 6-12 months having had the surgery might not matter.
8. It is possible that the anesthesia alone might effect her in a way that would reduce our quality time together.
The responses I got from my post avoid giving me a specific instruction as to what I should do, but they reinforce my concerns. I just heard from Virginia, Ken’s wife. I had asked for her thoughts. Her reply provides additional weight to my uneasiness in moving forward with the surgery.
When I consider everything, I feel the risks outweigh the gains. I would love to improve her vision but not at the cost of shortening our quality time together. I intend to cancel the surgery. Tomorrow I will contact the ophthalmologist.
