Last year, I had relatively minor surgery. I had a bladder sling installed to help with incontinence. I was under general anesthesia but sent home the same day with a catheter. It worked for awhile and then quit working. However, 2 weeks later, I had 3 blood clots, one very large one, develop in my right leg. I was on blood thinners for 6 months. The first 3 months I was on total bed rest with home health nurses coming by to give me injections. I had not had a blood clot in 20 years but when I've had surgery before, they put me in anti-embolism stockings. They didn't do that this time.
Now, I need two total knee replacements. The surgeon is aware of the blood clots. He says I will have to be on blood thinners for 6 months for each leg. I can't have both knees done at the same time.
I'm scared of having the surgeries now because of the possibility of clots but I'm 59 years old. From what I hear about Obamacare, if I get forced onto that, I won't be able to get knee replacements. I'm on Blue Cross Blue Shield now.
I'm not sure what to do. I can no longer walk more than just around the house without assistance. I need the surgery but I'm frightened. I'm also frightened of waiting.
Do you have any suggestions?
