Today's the Day

Pat gets a new left knee today.

We knew there was something unusual going on as we got up at 4:00. Now that is unusual!

She's first on the list, scheduled for 7:30. That means, at least to me, that by noon today the surgery will be over and "it'll all be downhill from then."

I'll update this as time goes on and the wi-fi here at the hospital and I remain compatible.

10:30 Update

Surgery went well. The OR staff appreciated the fact that she and her leg were small; it made their job much easier.

She's in recovery now; I'll see her in a few minutes.

We are thankful that this phase is over!!

12:55 Update

Recovery is going well. She's awake and coherent and in a nice room. Her doctor was in and told her how well things went.

Unless something exciting happens, which I hope isn't the case, I might not report again until tonight or tomorrow.

2:45 Update

To me, this is exciting! Pat walked, with the aid of a walker, about 40 feet. It amazes me that only about six hours ago the surgeon sawed her leg off, took out the old knee, put a new one in, sewed her leg up—and now she has proven that it all worked.

Science and the medical profession—with help from some engineers along the line, no doubt—can do wonderful things these days.


Wednesday 6 PM Update

The leg-related things are going well for Pat. She can walk pretty good, once she gets standing up. The challenge is getting out of bed!

She's been in pain and nauseated today. I think they've finally found some pain killer which will also be kind to her stomach. She feels much better now and ordered a big supper.


Thursday 4:30 PM Update

We're just sitting here treading water, waiting for the doctor to come to release Pat to go home. She passed all her therapy tests with flying colors.

Today, both her leg and her stomach have been OK, so she's feeling much, much, better than she did yesterday.

Unless something unusual happens, this will be the end of the saga of Pat's new knee.