his life expectancy would be less than one-half and probably more in the neighborhood of one-third of that of a person of Thompson's age.[2]
Thompson again visited Dr. Pellegrin in the middle of July 1964. At this time Thompson complained of increased pain in the knee and some swelling and redness about that area. He was also experiencing a recurrence of the vein problems and the doctor noted evidence of phlebitis. Dr. Pellegrin testified that he was considering two procedures for relieving the intermittent claudication: (1) order Thompson to stop smoking and (2) perform a chemical sympathectomy. He explained that smoking causes blood vessels to contract. As the pain which Thompson experienced in his legs was due to decreased circulation smoking may have been a contributing factor. Dr. PellegrinThompson met again with Dr. Olpin, a vascular surgeon. Dr. Olpin's records reflected the following notation: "Detailed discussion of proposed lumbar sympathetic block held with patient. He will call in for an appointment when he completes his lab work." Dr. Olpin testified that, to the best of his recollection, this discussion consisted of an explanation of the purpose of the operation, the technical procedure involved and the possible complications which could arise from such a procedure. Dr. Hodge, who also saw Thompson on August 10, testified that he assumed he also had conversations with Thompson with respect to claudication and varicose veins.
It must be recognized from the foregoing that Thompson suffered from and was made aware of two serious ailments at the time of his examination by Dr.