Saturday, November 1, 2008

HIP SUGERY A SUCCESS!!


PATIENT DOING WELL!!!

Early this morning (Friday 10/31), we arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. Ken’s hip surgery was scheduled for 9:15 AM. We needed to be here at 7:15 AM. He was taken down to prepare for surgery at 8:30, but Dr. McGlynn, his surgeon, had a couple of patients ahead of him.

Mike and Diane came to the hospital at about 10:00 to wait with me, and to be here when Mike’s Dad came out of Recovery. I was glad they were here because it turned out to be a long, long day. Besides, Diane is a nurse and it helped to have her explain all this stuff to me.

We later learned that Ken was not actually taken into surgery until about 11:30. At about 2:30 PM, Dr. McGlynn came to the Waiting Area to explain to us about the surgery. He started with, “It’s about 2:30, so you know we did a LOT.” Turns out, instead of just replacing the ball, he had to replace the ball AND the socket and add some additional screws to hold the apparatus in place. Fortunately, he did not have to replace the shank that went into the femur. He said Ken was awake, talking and doing well. I gathered from what he said, that the new joint is more “heavy-duty” than the previous one, and should be nearly impossible to dislocate. Also, this weekend, Ken will be fitted with a hip brace that he is to wear for about six weeks. This will restrict movement and give the hip sufficient time to heal completely.

We expected Ken to be in his room about an hour after talking with the doctor. But, while in Recovery, his blood pressure dropped and had to be brought back to normal and stabilized before he could be released. It was about 7:30 PM when he was finally brought up to his room with his new hip!! WHAT A DAY!!!

You will want to know, Ken is looking good and strong, and seems to be doing quite well; joking with the nurses; can’t get enough to eat; and is once again in control of the TV remote!!!

Thanks to everyone for all of your concern!!

4 comments:

Mark and Chris said...

We figured surgery date must have been moved up when we didn't see you at Chesapeake Bay. Sorry we missed you but I am sure we'll see lots of you both this winter in Florida. Best wishes to Ken for a speedy recovery.

P.S. Everyone knows that remotes are for guys! I think it is part of the instruction manual actually;).

Silly Willy and Fluffy said...

TRICK OR TREAT, NOW USE YOUR FEET!!
Have a speedy recovery. It won't be long before you will be playing picleball again! We will keep you in our prayers. Bob & LaVerne
Silly Willy and Fluffy

P.S. Keep those smiles a comin!

Mitch and Barb said...

Glad to hear the surgery went well. It's probably a good thing he'll be in a brace that restricts what he does or he'd be out trying to tear up the pickle-ball court.

Both of you take care. Keeping you in our prayers.

Show Us The World said...

So glad he is doing well. It sounds like a very long day for both of you. You will both be in our thoughts and prayers as he heals.
The Showalters