Miriam Margolyes fears 'I wouldn't recover' as she refuses to undergo essential operation

Miriam Margolyes has admitted that she's refusing to have a certain operation because she's fearful that she wouldn't "survive." Speaking to Dr Oscar Duke on a recent episode of the health-themed Bedside Manners podcast, the BAFTA-winning actress was asked if she could recall a specific moment in her life when she first "felt old."

It prompted Miriamto recall when she first had an issue with one of her knees and was left unable to bend the joint. She subsequently had to undergo knee replacement surgery.

Dr Duke noted that this type of procedure is "no small feat" and requires a "lot" of physiotherapy and recovery, to which Miriam replied that she was "frightened" of having the operation as she believed she "might die".

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Once she completed her research and found somebody for the job, Miriamunderwent the surgery and claimed that now, her "scar is better than my face". However, when quizzed about her current mobility, she made a frank admission.

She continued: "Well, this knee that he replaced is pretty damn good. This knee, which he didn't because I opted not to have both done at once, this knee needs to be done. It will not be done. I will not have any more operations."

When asked why, Miriam explained: "I think I wouldn't recover. I've had a TAVI, which is a replacement aortic valve done outside the chest, not with open-heart surgery.

"It was extremely well done, but I think that I am vulnerable now, and I don't think I would survive an operation, so I'm not having one."

She added that the only scenario where she would go under the knife now would be if it were required to save her life.

Knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged areas of the joint with metal or plastic. It is a common treatment for discomfort and stiffness caused by osteoarthritisand can significantly improve a patient'sdaily life.

The NHS says replacements could last up to 20 years, but it can take several months or even longer to fully recover from the surgery. Other conditions treated with knee replacements include gout and sports injuries, although this isn't common.

A TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a common heartprocedure designed to boost blood flow by replacing an aortic valve (one which doesn't completely open due to aortic stenosis).

According to the British Heart Foundation, some of the benefits could include relief from pain, breathlessness, fatigue, and dizziness, more energy, improved mood and mental health, and a lowered risk of heart failure and death.

Miriam, 84, has been open about her TAVI in the past, telling the Table Manners podcast that she had an "aortic valve replaced by a cow's aortic valve".

She added: "I don't know how common it is. I'd never heard of that operation. But it saves you from having open heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive."

You can catch Miriam Margolyes Discovers New Zealand on Friday, August 22, from 9pm to 10pm