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Sleep Apnoea sufferer refused gastric band operation
An OSA sufferer from Stoke on Trent is taking his case to court after his local health authority refused him Gastric Band surgery, because he's not obese enough.
You can see his story here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14084455
We know that OSA , left untreated, gives rise to other disorders. This poor man has severe Type 2 diabetes weighs 22 stones and has a BMI of 42; he's 62. As a diabetic, presumably he is on a strict diet, but that is not going to be enough. I don't know if he is taking his diabetes medication regularly (Metformin) to try to keep his blood-sugar in check, he doesn't say. He certainly needs to lose weight.
But the irony of the situation is that, with a BMI of 42, he is not big enough to justify Gastric Band surgery: no-one with a BMI of less than 50 qualifies, according to the PCT in North Staffordshire.
What is your opinion? Do you think the PCT should think again, or has this man neglected his health for many years and now puts the blame on the health service for refusing him the treatment he needs?
Is it the same scenario as the guy with bronchitis who smokes 20 a day? Does the health authority have the right to refuse treatment where there is evidence of abuse?
Views: 507
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on
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Excellent points Rosemary. You also have the right to keep on boasting after doing so incredibly well with all that weight loss, along with Suzie on here - Well Done girls :)
Rosemary Kemp said:
Too right! Not only will he have an incredibly restricted diet but he will have a lot of pain for a while. It doesn't necessarily lead to the sleep apnoea disappearing either. I have lost over six stone now (as I keep on boasting about - such a show off) but I still have obstructive, central and mixed apnoeas. I may eventually be cured but it isn't very likely. Much better though. No question about that.
All surgery carries risk as well. If it saves the man's life and saves him and the tax payer from even more interventions to keep him well, then the damage limitation of the operation is worthy. I am just so relieved that I didn't have to go through yet more surgery. Being cut and operated on is no fun. Fast weight loss can also lead to bags of skin and infections under the skin so if you can do it any other way, I am sure that it is a good idea to try!!
Rosemary
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