Total Hip Replacement - fait de' compli

Monday, September 20, 2010. 10:30 a.m. The adventure began. Into the operating room for a new right hip - total hip replacement (THR). I can only compare it to the feelings I would have early Christmas morning when I was 8. (And that was a long time ago!)

Dr. Cass Nakasone is my orthopedic surgeon. Prior to choosing a surgeon we researched a number of areas: surgical approaches, physicians' educational background, patient comments, artificial hip device brands and component parts, metal/ceramic vs metal/metal, recalls, the National Joint Registry of England and Wales, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) new American Joint Replacement Registry, etc.
We also found a video of Dr. Nakasone performing a total hip replacement using an anterior approach. The 90 minute video demonstrated several things to us. This surgery is generally about one hour. During the surgery video Dr. Nakasone answered questions from a narrating physician. Dr. Nakasone is a born teacher with a practiced technique. All surgeries involve risk. But when it is necessary, we go in with as much knowledge as possible. Dr. Nakasone definitely filled the bill for us.

My guess is we probably asked more questions of him than any previous patient for a total hip replacement (THR). Each person we dealt with was informative and patient with this patient.


This is Dr. Nakasone. I took this photo while he was answering a question. He almost always has a smile on his face. I will try and get a better one during our 6 week check up. His smile matches the quiet, pleasant, good natured atmosphere we have experienced with him.


Although this photo is not of the best quality we wanted to capture the team of which Dr. Nakasone is the lead. Each member plays an important part in the surgery as well as my recovery.


This is Rhiarose. She is one of two physicians assistance's on the team. She graceously agreed to stand still long enough to take this snapshot.



Around 4 pm I was back in my room. My legs had a thigh high compression stockings. There was also an air compression wrap on each calf. A small electric pump inflated each wrap in turn. These are tools to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT) . After a good dinner we had a quiet night with John at my side. Note the orchid on the dinner tray. I wasn't in the hospital long enough for flower delivery but this orchid did the trick.



Tuesday began with breakfast followed by a visit from Molly our occupational therapist. Could I get to and from the bathroom? Use the potty? Enter and leave the shower? After demonstrating the ability to complete of each of these daily tasks, we received the OT stamp of approval.



The last team member, but certainly not the least, was Tammy. She is the physical therapist. A stroll down the hall and back with Tammy got us the OK to head for home. Our hospital stay added up to about 29 hours. We were given several exercises to perform at home until we begin our formal PT program. The most important exercise is to walk, walk, walk but not to overdo. So that is what we are doing.

The scar two days old. It measures about 5 inches. Will post updates on scar progress.

Friends and Godchildren

During the second half of our travels we had the opportunity to see and visit with a few of our favorite people. We would be remiss if we did not share their photos with their families and friends.

Lois! I think she may be embarrassed to acknowledge we first met in 1982. I guess about that time she must have been maybe 18? Lois taught our two girls to play violin via the Suzuki Method. We held various volunteer positions with the Suzuki Group over the years and the titular head was always Lois. Ask me and I will tell you this is the photo of a lady made of pure patience, love and acceptance of all children regardless of their abilities. She became a semi-member of our family and we still love her!

Jennifer. Here again is the photo of a lady who has helped us in too many ways to list. She perserveres with a level head and coolness but always with wamth and affection. We have grown to treasure dear Jennifer.

This is Bill. We have known each other and worked together for about 20 years. Dinner with him is always an adventure so this one was no exception. He can be best described as a gentle giant with an intellect to be respected. Each time we visit the Southeast Bill is on our list of people to see.


This Bill is the husband of my faithful friend and companion Loretta.

This is Loretta. If I could choose a sister or daughter -- Loretta would top that list. We were a working team. Most of the time Loretta was at the helm guiding me through. Boy oh boy, she put up with me for almost 10 years.

Golfing buddy and friend. Here is Will. Will had a total hip replacement (THR) and has encouraged me in my upcoming THR. John would see Will about twice each week at his favorite golf course - Applewood.

Our second golfing buddy and friend, Norman. Norman is a perpetual bachelor. I would often ride along in the cart when John played golf and spent some of the time trying to do some match making for Norm. No luck. He seems to have a steady stream of ladies. That is because he is so darn cute!

These are two of our six godchildren, Georgie and June. We were fortunate to have time to visit with the entire family over lunch. Wow can they pack away pancakes. Jacob and John (twins 18) lead the pack in that competition.



Rather than a bunch of photos - we took a video of our six godchildren. John and Jacob are both off to college. Georgie is now a junior in high school (Oh how the time flies.) The triplets, James, Josh and June are in elementary school.

Busy Summer Part II - The SE

Miss Louise allowed us to join her class. We ate lunch with the class then stayed a little while to watch. It was delightful.

Lunch with Little K. And I got to sit next to him. Fun!

Sitting in the circle while Miss Louise talks. When we arrived the class was making banana bread. Students taking turns reading the recipe while others had a turn at breaking eggs or stirring. The class smelled delicious.

Our last night in Atlanta and our youngest came straight from work to say goodbye. And she was wearing one of her Hawaiian scrub tops. Sweet girl. It is always great to see the kids - in the summer while it is still warm.

Using the newest capability on the iPhone. Caleb and Tanner share earphones while talking "face to face" with their NYC Uncle and his family. A good time was had by all.

It is nice to see Jeff so happy to be getting one year older. Gad zooks, that means I am a year older too.

We had a great birthday dinner with Dad, Tanner and Caleb. Oh those ribs were so good.

This piece was made by a young NYC artist, Pedro Ramerez Jr. Purchased this piece as a gift so got to visit it too. She is as pretty as I remembered so had to snap a photo of her.

Ginger isn't so sure Sandy wants to be friends.

Ginger came to visit and meet Sandy.

The newest member of the family is Sandy the cat.

After a nice visit in NYC we hopped a plane to see even more family. Looks like maybe they were happy to see us. We certainly were glad to see them.

Busy Summer Part I NYC

Once done, Nick had created a lovely Monarch butterfly.

One other must do when in the Big Apple is a visit to Nick. Nick is an artist. Here he is hard at work.

A must see/do while in the city is a visit and ride on the giant ferris wheel inside of Toys R Us. I guess the age of 4 and 3/4 isn't too old as yet to want to ride it. The question being answered here is "How many times have we gone around?" Maybe next year her little sister will want to join us. Fun!

Can't take John to the Big Apple and not see the Yankees. We have attended games via the bus, subway and the Yankee Clipper (boat). This time it was the Clipper and it was as much fun going and coming back as seeing the game. This time the Yankees won. I have intimated to John he may be a jinx for his beloved team due to our past experiences but they won!

Here we are continuing our youngest granddaughter's technological awareness. Sitting enthralled in front of her parents' Mac and loving every minute of it.

I think she may be more savvy with Apple devices than she is with books right now.

Eating New York Sicilian style pizza while practicing her Hawaiian shaka. And she is doing pretty well. Just have to keep an eye on that one pinkie!

Plumeria in her hair. Getting ready for a visit to the islands.