Gramma's got a new hip!
This was another big event happening in Yellowknife within the past two weeks.
Gramma got a new hip on September 25th. Eli was out of town for work, and so was John. I was happily able to go to the pre-surgery appointments with Gramma (to be an extra set of ears), but could not come to the hospital for the surgery itself. Luckily, her pastor's wife, Lisa, was able to bring her to the hospital, and I was able to stop by the hospital several times that week.
Here is are some excerpts from the family email I sent out following the surgery:
Update on Day #1
I had a chance to zip over to the hospital today over at lunch to see Gramma following surgery and recovery, and she looked like a million bucks. I think the pain medications were spot on, because she was comfy and very upbeat. I also was able to visit again tonight, and her room looks like a florist shop, and was just as busy with visitors like Grampum's coworker's lovely wife and someone from the church. I left her a stash of romantic comedies and our mini DVD player for tomorrow when daytime TV lulls, and she wants to have some easy no-thinking-necessary entertainment.
The total hip replacement surgery itself sounded uneventful, which is just what we were hoping for. Gramma was awake, but sedated for the surgery, with a spinal block, so she couldn't feel anything from the midsection down. She listened to music, and was very mildly sedated. She said the surgery itself was about an hour long in total. At noon when I visited Gramma, they were monitoring her oxygen level, but all was back to normal and fine by the evening. No complications. Hip surgery tends to have some bleeding, and that is expected and managed easily with the nursing staff. And, now, recovery...
While Gramma's occupational therapist, physiotherapist and surgeon did not stop in today, she will have a busy day tomorrow. They are hoping to have her up and moving sooner than later, and Gramma's determined to do it! They expect, if all continues to go well, for her to be discharged on Friday or over the weekend.
Update on Day #2!
I was pretty late getting to see Gramma today, because Miss G had her first ever cross country race!!
I was pretty late getting to see Gramma today, because Miss G had her first ever cross country race!!
Patricia's surgeon said that her surgery was "textbook." Excellent to hear. He also assured her that she DEFINITELY needed a new hip, so we are very glad she got the surgery! She continues to amaze the nursing and professional staff. She's been out of bed today three times, and even climbed some stairs. In other words, she's pretty much achieved all of the goals required for discharge. They are calling her the Bionic Woman... Bionic Gramma! Complete with a shiny new stainless steel hip. Watch out! They discussed discharging her as early as tomorrow, but she has requested to stay until Friday at supper, so that all is ready for her on the home front. We will know more about that tomorrow. Last night, she had a pretty good sleep, especially after some pain treatment around midnight. She is grateful for the effective pain medication!
Grampum arrived back in town late afternoon, and Gramma says that they both enjoyed a nap, once he was settled in for a visit. He in the chair, and she in the bed. She said it was lovely.
She's had a number of visitors, and loves getting phone calls from you all. Her room looks like a florist shop and smells divine.
Grampum arrived back in town late afternoon, and Gramma says that they both enjoyed a nap, once he was settled in for a visit. He in the chair, and she in the bed. She said it was lovely.
She's had a number of visitors, and loves getting phone calls from you all. Her room looks like a florist shop and smells divine.
Day #3!
On the third day following surgery, Gramma was really feeling fine!
After school, I took Papa and the girls over to visit her.
Miss G immediately made use of the gadgets Gramma has to help her with the doctor-enforced limited movements (no bending over 90 degrees to put on shoes or socks and no crossing the legs... even at the ankle!).
The grabber is a big hit.
Miss A immediately climbed into Grampum's lap to have a book read to her. She got this book at school from the author's NWT Literacy Week visit, and LOVES Baby Ant's Stinky Pants.
Grampum enjoyed it, too!
"Hmm. Hey Gramma, maybe you'll want to give me this grabber when you are all better."
"No, honey. It's Gramma's grabber!"
Worth a shot, right?
The girls were very careful to stick to Gramma's right side, as it was her left hip that was replaced.
Before we left, Gramma showed off her walking abilities and how straight she can stand now!
Bionic Gramma!
Gramma is now at home and healing. She only needs a can to get around now, and get around she does!
Grampum is home with Gramma for the two weeks post surgery (next week, included), and Gramma is very excited that her sister, Great Auntie Ann, is coming to spend Week #3 with her!
Papa was actually at Gramma and Grampum's house this week, as his construction company was installing their new windows. Papa was in the house to finish the windows with trim and paint. Isn't that a funny coincidence?
On this Thanksgiving Saturday, Gramma did end up back at the hospital, as she had excessive bleeding from the surgical site due to a hematoma. It was under control quickly and declared non-urgent. Since then, Gramma says that she is so much more comfortable.
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful that all of our daughters' grandparents are happy and healthy.
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