NEW KNEE IS INSTALLED

Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Irvine, Calif.
USA

After a very busy two weeks since we arrived back in California, today was the day for the install of my new right knee. Everything went as expected and I am feeling good.

To back track a bit. Our flight from the Philippines was fine though long, especially as the feeder trip from Davao to Manila took off two hours late and we were concerned about our connecting flight to Los Angeles. that flight was also late. so no problems. We have learned the acronym for Philippine air, PAL stands for planes always late. Our first day was spent getting organized with telephones, having unlocked ones meant just sim cards and a short prepaid plan, along with some shopping etc. Our first few nights were spent with Kathy's old friend Debbie Jo who also kindly lends us her spare car to drive, thanks DJ. The next day, Wednesday, was doctors appointment day, three in all. Then another scheduled for Friday and one again on Monday. Lists were made in the evening and errands run during the day. Phone calls were made to friends and we even managed to join in on a St Paddy's day party. After a five night stay with Debbie Jo we move to Kathy's sons house where we enjoy the chaos of the the grand kids, all boys, one at 7 and twins a month shy of 5. I will do my initial home recovery there too.

This brings us up to today. An early arrival of 0600 to check-in, though I was not scheduled to arrive till 0700, It's always better to be early. After a short wait it was off to pre-op for another round of health questions, having my leg shaved, an IV started and a short visit from my surgeon Dr. Robert Gorab whom I would definitely recommend. From this point things get a bit foggy. I met with the anesthesiologist who explained his part and started sending along all the Happy Juice, through the IV I never even felt the spinal. My next remembrances are waking up in the recovery room with a large bandage on my new bionic right knee to now go along with my two replaced hips. Medical science is a wonderful thing.

Next I was moved to my room. All rooms here at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute are private. Kathy was here waiting as I got settled in, Something recommended by Dr. Gorab is a "cold machine" which circulates a 40° through a pad that was placed under the sterile dressing, it's supposed to help control swelling and reduce pain and it seems to be working. Just after 1400 or 2 pm I received my first physical therapy some bed exercises and then  up and out in the hallway for a short walk. The hoped for schedule calls for more PT tomorrow and one more night before being sent home the following morning.

I can't say enough good about the care here including the salmon, potatoes and vegetable for dinner.