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.
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