NEW LOOK FOR HIGHWAY RUNNER BLOG!!

I took my laptop to Rehab today to show Ken the numerous e-mails and good wishes we have received. (And, we thank you all so much!!) Ken happened to ask if they had WIFI here??? I doubted if I would be able to use it if they did, but I gave it a try. Much to my surprise, I was able to go on line using their WIFI!!! I have had sooooo much fun, playing around with our BLOG at my leisure. Of course I could use the WIFI at the TT parks, but they are often very slow and, besides, I have other things to do.

Today I added our picture of greeting as background to the title. Using this WIFI, I get instant gratification!! But, will test it at home using the cell phone. If it takes too long to pull up with the picture, it will have to go.

I’ve also added a BLOG list of BLOGs we follow most often. It also tells which have new postings. Just click on the BLOG I want to view and instantly I’m there. I only put a few on the list because I’m not certain if I will like it as well as the Bookmarks I am currently using.

We’ll try is out for a while and see if we like it!!

THEY WORK YOU HARD IN THERAPY!!

Ken continues to improve and build up his strength at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Virginia. Things are more difficult with the restricting hip brace, but they want him to do everything for himself. So, he has Physical Therapy every morning and Occupational Therapy in the afternoon to help him learn ways to cope.

Here is Ken and his Therapist, Jonell on their way to Occupational Therapy (Check out the Red Hot Chili Pepper pants!!! Borrowed them from his son, Mike, to have something large enough to fit over the big brace. Everyone on staff loved them!!

Jonell works with Ken and puts him through his paces -- Lifting a bar while improving his balance.

Performing a task while standing and balancing.

But he still needs to dress himself. Pulling up his pants!!

Almost got 'em up!! This is not too hard!!!

Now for the "silk" stockings.

Upper body work.

Looks like they are having too much fun!!

Using free weights.

Now we get to the group activities. “Shaking a Cocktail” using hand weights. This is as close as we get to Happy Hour!!!

Batting a Balloon. It’s not Pickleball but its kinda fun!!

KEN MOVES TO REHAB

Good News. Ken was moved to Rehab Tuesday afternoon. We thought several days ago that everything was set, but then learned that Medicare has toughened its guidelines, and no longer approves single joint replacements for Rehab. We were sweating it, but I guess Ken had enough extenuating circumstances that he was approved after all.

They worked him hard today; he had about three hours of physical therapy and occupational therapy, about 1 1/2 hours of each. He was shuffling along so fast, I told him he would be on that Pickleball Court in no time!!! Go, Ken, Go.

LATEST ON KEN'S CONDITION

Thanks so much for all of your kind thoughts!! Ken is doing well now, but you should see his hip BRACE!!! He won't be playing Pickleball for a loooong time!!!

Ken was doing a lot better yesterday (Saturday after surgery on Friday). Then they removed the epidural and gave him pain medicine instead. He has been soooooo sick all day today. Has not felt like eating (and the food is good -- I've been eating it). Doesn't feel like doing his exercises. Has not been walking with the PT. I'm worried that he is not getting any movement.

Learned today that Ken will be going to ReHab tomorrow (Mon), if he is doing OK and if they have room. I was very relieved that he had been approved for ReHab because I don't think I could manage him at home yet.

The Doctor just stopped by and is pleased with the surgery. Apparently, there was a lot more to this surgery than the original hip replacement because some older parts had to be removed before the new ball and socket could be inserted. There was the possibility of some nerve damage in the process, but everything appears to be good.

PS. Ken ate his Sunday dinner and seems to be feeling better (6:15 pm).

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!!