Well, here we go again. It is the eve of my second hip replacement operation. This time tomorrow I’ll be groggy and in recovery if every thing goes according to schedule.
Today we’ll watch our grandson play a baseball game. Think he will be pitching at least part of the game. It promises to be humidly hot at 1:00 pm when he plays.
If you’re arriving at this blog for the first time, or are remotely interested in what a hip procedure is like just back up three or more entries on my blog for a day by day account. It should work out similarly...if there is something excitingly different I may write a new entry. Thanks for reading! Bill K.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sounds of the Mountain
Camp Bethel near Troutville, Virginia hosts Sounds of the Mountains this time of the year and Lib and I make it a point to attend. It's a growing regional event dedicated to the art of "story telling" and includes some musical groups who play blue grass or Appalachian music. Camp Bethel is in the Blue Ridge mountains and its rustic ambiance is almost a perfect venue for this weekend event.
I was particularly interested in seeing and hearing the The Wright Kids , a family group of four siblings from around six years of age to sixteen. They have already attained some national attention and since they play stringed instruments and came from nearby Franklin County had aroused my curiosity. They were most professional in their performance individually and together and should be around as professional entertainers as long as they can maintain their unique niche in the business.
And then the cloudburst happened! It was just after lunch and the afternoon program had just gotten underway when it began to rain. At first it was just the ordinary pitter patter of raindrops falling on the roof of the auditorium building. The first story tellers did theirs to this accompaniment. Then as if in a huge orchestral crescendo the patter turned into a thunderous roar which came in waves and lasted perhaps over an hour. It was soon obvious that this was not the usual rainstorm and Camp Bethel is not designed to deal well with such inundations. The first sign that there was something to be concerned about was that many of the vendors were moving their tables away from the walls. Next there was an announcement for owners of RUV's to meet with the camp manager. Rising waters were posing a threat. The rain continued for some time. Then
there was the announcement that flooding had become critical enough to close the road that leads out to the main road...that it would be at least two hours before the water would be low enough for people to leave.
The Wright Kids must have been on the premises before lunch or we would probably have missed hearing them.
After their very fine presentation there was a supper break..thanks to vendors who provide ample meals so people don't have to leave the premises for food. Finally, around 7:00 pm the camp manager announced that
due to the efforts of a farm family close to the camp the road was now open but that VDOT had said
"at your own risk". Lib and I opted to leave; it was the time we had planned to leave anyhow to return to our place in Midlothian by 10:00 pm.
As we drove through the camp grounds we could see rivulets crossing the road at several places. Some were the size of small creeks. Near the entrance to the camp ground the road was inundated by ponds of water inches deep that one prayed was just that, inches deep. A brown rushing stream of water ran under the bridge that lead over to the main highway. As there were a few cars coming into the facility I was comforted that the bridge was structurally sound and crossed over.
We followed the storm home, but it was always ahead of us. Just as we drove into Chesterfield County I saw one lightning flash just on the far horizon. At home I checked out this weather event on the news and wasn't surprised at the extent of the flash flooding that had occurred in many places all over the region. An ordinary excursion to attend a favorite event became an adventure to remember!
I was particularly interested in seeing and hearing the The Wright Kids , a family group of four siblings from around six years of age to sixteen. They have already attained some national attention and since they play stringed instruments and came from nearby Franklin County had aroused my curiosity. They were most professional in their performance individually and together and should be around as professional entertainers as long as they can maintain their unique niche in the business.
And then the cloudburst happened! It was just after lunch and the afternoon program had just gotten underway when it began to rain. At first it was just the ordinary pitter patter of raindrops falling on the roof of the auditorium building. The first story tellers did theirs to this accompaniment. Then as if in a huge orchestral crescendo the patter turned into a thunderous roar which came in waves and lasted perhaps over an hour. It was soon obvious that this was not the usual rainstorm and Camp Bethel is not designed to deal well with such inundations. The first sign that there was something to be concerned about was that many of the vendors were moving their tables away from the walls. Next there was an announcement for owners of RUV's to meet with the camp manager. Rising waters were posing a threat. The rain continued for some time. Then
there was the announcement that flooding had become critical enough to close the road that leads out to the main road...that it would be at least two hours before the water would be low enough for people to leave.
The Wright Kids must have been on the premises before lunch or we would probably have missed hearing them.
After their very fine presentation there was a supper break..thanks to vendors who provide ample meals so people don't have to leave the premises for food. Finally, around 7:00 pm the camp manager announced that
due to the efforts of a farm family close to the camp the road was now open but that VDOT had said
"at your own risk". Lib and I opted to leave; it was the time we had planned to leave anyhow to return to our place in Midlothian by 10:00 pm.
As we drove through the camp grounds we could see rivulets crossing the road at several places. Some were the size of small creeks. Near the entrance to the camp ground the road was inundated by ponds of water inches deep that one prayed was just that, inches deep. A brown rushing stream of water ran under the bridge that lead over to the main highway. As there were a few cars coming into the facility I was comforted that the bridge was structurally sound and crossed over.
We followed the storm home, but it was always ahead of us. Just as we drove into Chesterfield County I saw one lightning flash just on the far horizon. At home I checked out this weather event on the news and wasn't surprised at the extent of the flash flooding that had occurred in many places all over the region. An ordinary excursion to attend a favorite event became an adventure to remember!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Har Ki Dun
I wrote this for my writers club. Thought my India and international readers who might visit Mussoorie would be interested.
There is a beautiful vale to the northwest of Mussoorie called Har Ki Dun “The Valley of the Gods”. I have never been there, but came to know of it through Jill Jornson, a NGO architect designing a school building for a nearby Himalayan village. She was attending the well known Landour Language School and blogging of her adventures there during the 2007-8 years. By this time it was easy to troll for information about Mussoorie on the Net and this is how I encountered her. That she wrote almost poetically of her spiritual journey had me coming back to learn more about her and why and how she had arrived at this place in time.
On one of her entries she described a trip to Har-ki-dun. She was a photographer with professional abilities and took some fine pictures during her trek. One in particular was of a wooden mountain cabin taken near sunset where a golden misty light seemed to envelope the whole scene. The cabin was on a knoll and surrounded on each side by towering peaks bathed in this same beautiful light. It was not part of a village but perched in its own splendor almost as if it were a destination. When I Googled Harkidun pictures, others had sometimes taken this same shot, but none so dramatic and colorful as hers.
It is not easy to get there. First there is a drive from Dehra Dun to Taluka, possibly taking a half day or better as one passes Kempty Falls and would surely stop there to enjoy their beauty. At Taluka is a rest house for those who journey on. Next morning motorized transportation is exchanged for real trekking by foot. It takes about seven hours to the next village which is Osla.. My impression is that it takes about the same time to actually reach Harkidun the next day.
Ir’s still relatively new as a Himalayan destination fot it requires some arduous hiking to get there. It is not on the way to a climbing destination so is a place valued for its aesthetic qualities alone. Even though there are habitations in the valley they are few and far between. The vistas are overwhelming, of a mountain stream gushing over huge boulders and great snow capped mountains at the end of the valley, beckoning for several more days of hiking if the resources are available.
In the Spring many varieties of flowers bloom there. Thus Harkidun is also sometimes known as the “Valley of Flowers”. If you can’t go there in person you may do as I do...visit there via “YouTube” on the Web. Wealthy healthy young people who enjoy this kind of adventure are arriving there, taking pictures or movies of this remote valley and posting them on line. For spiritually sensitive souls it must be a special place where great natural mountain beauty whispers of God’s presence.
Here are three "YouTube" links to Har-ki-dun:
Harkidun 1
Harkidun 2
Harkidun 3
There is a beautiful vale to the northwest of Mussoorie called Har Ki Dun “The Valley of the Gods”. I have never been there, but came to know of it through Jill Jornson, a NGO architect designing a school building for a nearby Himalayan village. She was attending the well known Landour Language School and blogging of her adventures there during the 2007-8 years. By this time it was easy to troll for information about Mussoorie on the Net and this is how I encountered her. That she wrote almost poetically of her spiritual journey had me coming back to learn more about her and why and how she had arrived at this place in time.
On one of her entries she described a trip to Har-ki-dun. She was a photographer with professional abilities and took some fine pictures during her trek. One in particular was of a wooden mountain cabin taken near sunset where a golden misty light seemed to envelope the whole scene. The cabin was on a knoll and surrounded on each side by towering peaks bathed in this same beautiful light. It was not part of a village but perched in its own splendor almost as if it were a destination. When I Googled Harkidun pictures, others had sometimes taken this same shot, but none so dramatic and colorful as hers.
It is not easy to get there. First there is a drive from Dehra Dun to Taluka, possibly taking a half day or better as one passes Kempty Falls and would surely stop there to enjoy their beauty. At Taluka is a rest house for those who journey on. Next morning motorized transportation is exchanged for real trekking by foot. It takes about seven hours to the next village which is Osla.. My impression is that it takes about the same time to actually reach Harkidun the next day.
Ir’s still relatively new as a Himalayan destination fot it requires some arduous hiking to get there. It is not on the way to a climbing destination so is a place valued for its aesthetic qualities alone. Even though there are habitations in the valley they are few and far between. The vistas are overwhelming, of a mountain stream gushing over huge boulders and great snow capped mountains at the end of the valley, beckoning for several more days of hiking if the resources are available.
In the Spring many varieties of flowers bloom there. Thus Harkidun is also sometimes known as the “Valley of Flowers”. If you can’t go there in person you may do as I do...visit there via “YouTube” on the Web. Wealthy healthy young people who enjoy this kind of adventure are arriving there, taking pictures or movies of this remote valley and posting them on line. For spiritually sensitive souls it must be a special place where great natural mountain beauty whispers of God’s presence.
Here are three "YouTube" links to Har-ki-dun:
Harkidun 1
Harkidun 2
Harkidun 3
Monday, February 28, 2011
Six weeks since the hip replacement....
It/s been six weeks since I had my hip replacement operation. Family and friends are pleasantly surprised at my current status. I get around well with a cane or a walker and have significantly lengthened the distance I can manage with neither (at least a hundred yards inside on level carpet),Yes, my left hip still screeches at me, wanting equal treatment which we plan on sometime soon this spring or summer. It has made a significant improvement in my life outlook and I’m truly grateful for being able to have this procedure.
Thursday I hope to get together with some string friends and read through
Schubert's Quintet for two violins, viola, and two cellos. That should be GREAT fun!!
Thursday I hope to get together with some string friends and read through
Schubert's Quintet for two violins, viola, and two cellos. That should be GREAT fun!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thursday through Monday
These four days have been nominally uneventful...except to say that each day saw some more healing, more flexibility, and more endurance. Thursday I began a regiment of PT and laps around the house. Biggest problem was getting into bed, a little quick pain as I raised my repaired limb up into the bed. I ran a low grade fever which the nurse explained as my body trying to “Kill” the steel intruder by raising a small fever. In subsequent days my temperature has returned to normal.
Friday: My PT began showing results....more flexibility in my exercises and getting into and out of bed was less painful. Lisa, our older daughter , came down from Delaware to help Lib with the household chores. I noticed some swelling of my right leg and was assured it was within normal limits. Continued walking around within the house, possibly 50 -60 yards total.
Saturday and Sunday: Noticing 2-3 % improvement each day on ability to flex legs. Phone calls, answering emails, and FB queries as to my progress and well being. Thanks to all who inquired. .
Today, Monday the 24, our pastor dropped by to check on me and had a pastoral prayer. I really appreciated that. Later my home nurse came by to test my blood and take my vitals. She removed the dressing and gave me the option not to have one as there had been no real drainage for several days. Decided not to have another applied and just let the air do its thing.
I went over to Cathy’s, with Lib and Lisa this afternoon to oversee Devin when he came in from school. Was concerned about the steps leading to their front door...but following protocol I ascended with little pain or feeling of imbalance. After Cathy came in from work we returned home. It was easier this time descending her steps.
Lisa fixed supper and later the Miles (Cathy’s family) came over for a last visit with Lisa before she returns to Delaware tomorrow. It’s been a good day!
Lord, thank you for all my family, doctor, and friends who have been faithful in prayer to bring about this new opportunity for service. Let me learn again to trust You when I’m called to be one of “good faith”
Friday: My PT began showing results....more flexibility in my exercises and getting into and out of bed was less painful. Lisa, our older daughter , came down from Delaware to help Lib with the household chores. I noticed some swelling of my right leg and was assured it was within normal limits. Continued walking around within the house, possibly 50 -60 yards total.
Saturday and Sunday: Noticing 2-3 % improvement each day on ability to flex legs. Phone calls, answering emails, and FB queries as to my progress and well being. Thanks to all who inquired. .
Today, Monday the 24, our pastor dropped by to check on me and had a pastoral prayer. I really appreciated that. Later my home nurse came by to test my blood and take my vitals. She removed the dressing and gave me the option not to have one as there had been no real drainage for several days. Decided not to have another applied and just let the air do its thing.
I went over to Cathy’s, with Lib and Lisa this afternoon to oversee Devin when he came in from school. Was concerned about the steps leading to their front door...but following protocol I ascended with little pain or feeling of imbalance. After Cathy came in from work we returned home. It was easier this time descending her steps.
Lisa fixed supper and later the Miles (Cathy’s family) came over for a last visit with Lisa before she returns to Delaware tomorrow. It’s been a good day!
Lord, thank you for all my family, doctor, and friends who have been faithful in prayer to bring about this new opportunity for service. Let me learn again to trust You when I’m called to be one of “good faith”
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wednesday 3rd day
At six o’clock I phoned in a breakfast order for French Toast with butter and maple syrup. About 6:45 the waiter brought it in. I was exhausted from the l-o-o-o-n-g night of insomnia and had fallen asleep, head dangling over my right chest. He gently awoke me and announced breakfast. I was momentarily confused, thought I had already eaten breakfast, but he insisted I hadn’t and when I uncovered it, it confirmed what I had ordered. I greedily chomped it all down.
There was a parade of “vitals” and ingestion of pain pills. My PT took me for another walk down the hall, and also confirmed that I could get up and down from the toilet. Rosita, Dr. Jessup’s assistant came in and told me that there were two more small hurdles to accomplish and if they were I would be going home today. Now that was a BIG surprise to Lib who was basking on the assumption that I would be spending another night at St. Francis. Rosita explained that 90 % of Dr. Jessup’s patients went home in two days after surgery day.
Another doctor entered the room and checked my vitals and my general progress. If I had contested leaving the hospital it would have been his word against mine. But I indicated all the right criteria for discharge that evening pending the completion of two more requirements.
Lib made a round of phone calls to Cathy so they could arrange for my transport back to our home. Lunch was chicken tenders, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans.
Around 3:00 I was wheeled down to the “gym” and given instructions on how to ascend and descend steps, using both the hand rail and a cane. With aids nearby to steady me so I wouldn’t fall I gingerly ascended 4 steps, each about 5 inches tall, and back down again. I also walked a 100 or so feet back to the room, where I sat in a chair.
The final test required some chemical prompting. I was given a suppository and waited for a half hour. No indication of any sort of action. Next I was given a choice of hot coffee or a cup of hot prune juice. Opted for the prune juice. In about a half hour I experienced success!
Nurses were so advised. At 5:00 the cafeteria called about the supper order and I was happy to tell them I would soon be leaving.
It took another hour for the nurse on my case to gather up the requisite paper work and get my signature on all the release papers.
By 6:00 Cathy and Lib had all the transportation together as well as the clothes and stuff necessary to a protracted hospital stay. I was put in a wheel chair and we made a parade down to valet parking where Lib had them leave our car.
As per instructions, I lowered my posterior onto the passenger front seat, and with some assistance my two legs were swung into the car and we were on our way home.
Our house has two steps, each about 3-4 inches tall. We arrived, my walker and cane were placed within easy reach and my legs were gently swung around. I grasped the handles of the walker and walking in the prescribed way I came to the steps. Using the cane the left foot stepped up to the first step. Grasping the railing, the operated leg was lifted up. Then the operation was repeated for the second step. Once again and I was on the stoop! I was home!
What a great feeling. Jeff and Cathy bought us a nice grilled chicken supper which we wolfed down at about 8:30. We visited awhile and then I was ready for bed. The toughest part was getting into bed. Lib helped me swing my legs up. There was a momentary sharp pain because of stiffness in the operated leg. She pulled up the covers, got herself ready for sleep and we slept a happy but fitful night.
There was a parade of “vitals” and ingestion of pain pills. My PT took me for another walk down the hall, and also confirmed that I could get up and down from the toilet. Rosita, Dr. Jessup’s assistant came in and told me that there were two more small hurdles to accomplish and if they were I would be going home today. Now that was a BIG surprise to Lib who was basking on the assumption that I would be spending another night at St. Francis. Rosita explained that 90 % of Dr. Jessup’s patients went home in two days after surgery day.
Another doctor entered the room and checked my vitals and my general progress. If I had contested leaving the hospital it would have been his word against mine. But I indicated all the right criteria for discharge that evening pending the completion of two more requirements.
Lib made a round of phone calls to Cathy so they could arrange for my transport back to our home. Lunch was chicken tenders, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans.
Around 3:00 I was wheeled down to the “gym” and given instructions on how to ascend and descend steps, using both the hand rail and a cane. With aids nearby to steady me so I wouldn’t fall I gingerly ascended 4 steps, each about 5 inches tall, and back down again. I also walked a 100 or so feet back to the room, where I sat in a chair.
The final test required some chemical prompting. I was given a suppository and waited for a half hour. No indication of any sort of action. Next I was given a choice of hot coffee or a cup of hot prune juice. Opted for the prune juice. In about a half hour I experienced success!
Nurses were so advised. At 5:00 the cafeteria called about the supper order and I was happy to tell them I would soon be leaving.
It took another hour for the nurse on my case to gather up the requisite paper work and get my signature on all the release papers.
By 6:00 Cathy and Lib had all the transportation together as well as the clothes and stuff necessary to a protracted hospital stay. I was put in a wheel chair and we made a parade down to valet parking where Lib had them leave our car.
As per instructions, I lowered my posterior onto the passenger front seat, and with some assistance my two legs were swung into the car and we were on our way home.
Our house has two steps, each about 3-4 inches tall. We arrived, my walker and cane were placed within easy reach and my legs were gently swung around. I grasped the handles of the walker and walking in the prescribed way I came to the steps. Using the cane the left foot stepped up to the first step. Grasping the railing, the operated leg was lifted up. Then the operation was repeated for the second step. Once again and I was on the stoop! I was home!
What a great feeling. Jeff and Cathy bought us a nice grilled chicken supper which we wolfed down at about 8:30. We visited awhile and then I was ready for bed. The toughest part was getting into bed. Lib helped me swing my legs up. There was a momentary sharp pain because of stiffness in the operated leg. She pulled up the covers, got herself ready for sleep and we slept a happy but fitful night.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday Day 2
Day 2.
Tuesday was much better, was hungry and the St. Francis hospital has an impressive menu. Cream of wheat sounded good abd that's what I ordered and some hot tea.
Therapist came by, got me out of bed and walked me down the left side of the hallway. When we got back she reminded me of safety precautions getting in and out of bed and up and down from chairs. Went over the list of physical exercises I was to do. Many of them similar to the back ones associated with a laminectopy.
Cathy, our daughter, came in on her way to work for a visit. St. Francis doesn’t have visiting hours... that makes it so convenient for family to visit. And family and church support make the whole experience bearable. Around 10 am Lib came in and spent the morning and part of the afternoon with me.
In the afternoon several people including my surgeon evaluated my progress and said I was on course. They took me off the I V drip for pain and started a pill regimen. Must say that they do an excellent job of managing post operative pain. Never experienced any above a 2 rating on a scale of 1 - 10.
The nursing staff were competent, cheerful, and able to answer the questions I had. Sometime that day a “patient advocate” came to see if I was happy with my hospital stay. She quizzed me on several aspects and went away with a positive report.
In the afternoon the therapist returned and walked me a little further down the hall and again reviewed with me the precautions I should take while exiting the bed, the kind of chairs I should avoid when at home and the kind of support that would be provided by in home care.
Supper was a fish entry, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans. A fruit cup I ordered was my dessert.
Tuesday night was long. A friend who had a wrist operation called me to inquire how I was doing. Other folks called ...and then the night set in. I COULD NOT SLEEP. Tossed and turned from side to side. The only relief was the visit by nurses to check my vitals. The minutes dragged by and I was miserable.
When 6:00 am finally came around, I phoned in my breakfast order. When it came in my head was on my chest and I was fast asleep!
Tuesday was much better, was hungry and the St. Francis hospital has an impressive menu. Cream of wheat sounded good abd that's what I ordered and some hot tea.
Therapist came by, got me out of bed and walked me down the left side of the hallway. When we got back she reminded me of safety precautions getting in and out of bed and up and down from chairs. Went over the list of physical exercises I was to do. Many of them similar to the back ones associated with a laminectopy.
Cathy, our daughter, came in on her way to work for a visit. St. Francis doesn’t have visiting hours... that makes it so convenient for family to visit. And family and church support make the whole experience bearable. Around 10 am Lib came in and spent the morning and part of the afternoon with me.
In the afternoon several people including my surgeon evaluated my progress and said I was on course. They took me off the I V drip for pain and started a pill regimen. Must say that they do an excellent job of managing post operative pain. Never experienced any above a 2 rating on a scale of 1 - 10.
The nursing staff were competent, cheerful, and able to answer the questions I had. Sometime that day a “patient advocate” came to see if I was happy with my hospital stay. She quizzed me on several aspects and went away with a positive report.
In the afternoon the therapist returned and walked me a little further down the hall and again reviewed with me the precautions I should take while exiting the bed, the kind of chairs I should avoid when at home and the kind of support that would be provided by in home care.
Supper was a fish entry, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans. A fruit cup I ordered was my dessert.
Tuesday night was long. A friend who had a wrist operation called me to inquire how I was doing. Other folks called ...and then the night set in. I COULD NOT SLEEP. Tossed and turned from side to side. The only relief was the visit by nurses to check my vitals. The minutes dragged by and I was miserable.
When 6:00 am finally came around, I phoned in my breakfast order. When it came in my head was on my chest and I was fast asleep!
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