On Tuesday morning, Helen checked in to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for hip replacement surgery. Readers may recall that one year ago, Helen replaced one of her knees in March and another knee in June. For those procedures, we had to check-in at 5:30, but, to demonstrate her true love and devotion for her dear husband, she scheduled this visit for 9:30 so I had time for coffee.
Although we would rather be doing anything besides face another surgery, we both agree that, if this has to happen, the surgeons and staff at the University of Tennessee hospital are the ones to do it. The care is exceptional, the surgeons are incredibly skilled, and everyone involved from check-in to check-out is efficient, professional, and always greet us with a smile. Check-in took just a matter of minutes before a friendly hospital volunteer walked us to the changing room.
Once in the changing room, Helen was issued a surgery gown, an blue hair net, and, at these prices, a pair of what has to be the most expensive socks on the planet to take home with us. The only thing that has changed since her previous surgery is that the surgery gown is now made cloth instead of blue paper. She held them up for the camera.
Around 10:00 Rachel, an associate minister at our church knocked on the door to visit us. Rachel came bearing a smile radiant enough to fill the room and offered words of comfort. Two nurses arrived at about the same time to wheel Helen to the pre-op room, but Helen refused to leave until Rachel had time to lead us in prayer. Then Helen was rolled away. “See you later, honey!” “Thank you Rachel.” We left things in the hands of the surgeon.
After about an hour and a half in the waiting lounge, her surgeon, the same one who performed my hip replacement last year, invited me to join him in a small consultation room. I held my breath for good news. Helen was his third surgery for that morning and he had the look of someone who needed a break. The news was all good. Helen did fine and the surgery went well. Thank you again, Rachel…prayer helps.
I grabbed some lunch and went to meet Helen in her hospital room. She wasn’t there! Finally, after about another 30 minutes she came rolling in with a cadre of nurses bringing machines, tubes, trays, and IV’s dangling from poles or attached to her in some way. Helen was awake and smiling broadly (as she always is). So far, so good.
A lab technician soon followed her to the room to begin a round of tests by drawing blood samples. Although Helen came to the room in a good mood, things always change when needles are in the vicinity. Fortunately, she was still a little loopy from the anesthetic and the technician completed her work without incident.
Within about an hour, a physical therapist to assess Helen’s condition and offer a few words on how to regain the strength in her hip and legs. The therapist was very thorough and explained things well enough that even a loopy patient could understand. Next, she helped Helen untangle the jumble of tubes and wires before standing her up for her first steps. Bear in mind, she had her replaced only a few hours earlier. Nevertheless, she was up to the challenge and, assisted by the therapist, walked out to the hall and back to the bed. Modern medicine is something else!
I hung around in the room for a few more hours, but I’m not sure she knew I was there as she drifted off a few times, still under the effects of the anesthetic. After coming around, she ordered a breakfast meal off of the menu on the room television screen, and allowed me to leave. Ordering that breakfast meal made me hungry.
I returned to the hospital the next morning to learn that she surgeon had already completed his rounds and said she could go home. The only thing left to do was attend a class on post-op procedures about when to take medicines, what exercises offered the most help in recovery, and who to call when or if problems arise. I attended the class as well and found it to be very informative.
We had no trouble getting her in the front seat of our car and I was amazed at how well she seemed to be doing. We arrived home and she got out of the car and walked in the front door with that smile as bright as ever. We have nothing but great things to say about the experience, but, hopefully, the need for surgery is over…for Helen. I go in next month for a new knee. Hopefully, that procedure will go as well as this one did and we can resume Easin’ Along very soon. We miss our fifth wheel and the road less traveled.
So glad surgery went well!! With that great attitude she will be on the move quickly!!!! Love your adventures!!!
Hi, Luanne,
Attitude has a lot to do with healing, and she’s full of attitude…all of it good!
So happy all is well with Helen and her new hip. We miss that smile at exercise class but look forward to seeing you both with your new body parts!
Hi, Barbara,
Great to hear from you. Helen is very eager to get back to class (and pickleball). I miss our class more than anything, but all I could do right now is stand and watch. Hope to be back before the end of the year.
Isn’t it amazing that we can now go in for replacement parts to keep us going for years to come. Praying for a speedy recovery.
Hi, Dianne,
It is amazing and something to be very grateful for. Thanks for checking in!
Awesome! At our age always happy to hear good results & encouragement for the rest of us.
Hi, Tandy,
We have had four replacement surgeries now and all have gone well. If you ever have a need for one, UT is a great place to do it.
WHO KNEW that we would all become “bionic” in this stage of life? Wishing you well as you recover, Helen. Friends tell me that the hip recovery is easier than knee.
So … Helen is 3 of 4, and Joe will be 2 of 4. Thank goodness for modern medicine!
(Let’s not even mention the word “shoulder”)
Hi,Roberta,
From experience, I can tell you that hip replacement is not at all traumatic. Our surgeries have made me wonder what the pioneers did when their joints went out. I suppose they lived with it. We’re blessed. Thanks for stopping by.
Yay, Helen! So glad all went well! To see you standing and smiling two hours after a hip replacement speaks volumes about both the wonders of modern medicine and the power of your positive attitude. I have no doubt that you’re in the best of hands with “Nurse Joe” on the job! Best wishes for continuing improvement during your recovery – it looks like you’re well on your way!
Hi, Mary,
All is well so far and a great attitude on the part of the patient has a lot to do with it. We hope to have Lucy back on the road soon and that I can surrender my nurse cap even sooner! Have a great week!
Wow, that is so good to hear! I just had a partial knee replacement May 29 and I am totally healed. Best thing I ever did!
Hi, Debbie,
That’s great news! I felt the same way about my hip replacement. I went from a constant ache to the point now that I don’t even think about my hip anymore. Cannot wait to get my knee done next month. It’s encouraging to know that others have had a good experience. Thanks for stopping by. Please come back. I visited your blog and had a good time reading about the upcoming nuptials. I’ll visit again. I envy the cool weather. We’re having record heat in Tennessee.
Hi Joe,
It’s amazing that one day later Helen was home…seems all went well, but now you will need to be nurse for a bit until it is YOUR turn. And having faith in your medical professionals as you do is SO important, which is why we keep our home base close to Boston and the world class care available there. It gave me much greater confidence regarding my surgery in August at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston.
As my mother said, this getting older is not for the faint of heart.
Best healing wishes to you both.
Hi, Nancy,
So far, my turn at nursing has been minimal. I am getting pretty good at helping with the compression socks, but other than that, Helen is getting along fine on her own. Hope your recent procedure is healing nicely. I loved your recent post about the Vermont trip. I bet that it’s almost leaf season up there. Please post pictures for us. One more thing…I agree with your Mom!
What an amazing sister I have….so proud of her determination and courage!
Hi, Cammy,
Well, you’re cut from the same cloth…and just as amazing. Love you both!
So glad to hear that Helen did well and is feeling good.
Thank you for keeping us posted. Sending warm wishes Helen’s way for a continued speedy recovery!
Hi, Donna,
Thanks for that. She is well on her way to a complete recovery and getting back on the road and the Pickleball court. Great to hear from you.
Great news. I am so glad it went well! Hips are a piece of cake compared to hips. Let Helen know that I have now joined the RV crowd. Just took possession of a 2007 National Surfside. First trip next weekend with the other half..then Oct. Winging it with my daughter and grandkids at Cades Cove. Jeanie Sullivan Philipps
Hi, Jeanie,
Welcome to the club! Be careful, that laid-back RV lifestyle is very addicting! Thanks for stopping by.