BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow

Subject: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 01:45 PM

My wife, Fay, will be going in for some serious surgery tomorrow. She is having a revision of a hip replacement that was done 15 years ago and failed. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Kevin Trapp at Horton Hospital in Middletown, NY which is 1 hour north of where I live.

This is a complex operation which involves removing the old implant and putting in a new one. When the old surgery was done, hip replacement was still in its infancy and the surgeons at that time did not know that the plastic liner and cement when mixed, caused the bone to deteriorate in a condition called osteoilysis. To complicate matters, heterotopic bone has grown into the joint effectively immobilizing it.

The surgeon's first job will be to chisel away the heterotopic bone and free up the joint. He will then replace the socket and ball joint with a new one. The problem will then be with the femur. If he can get the old stem out without cutting the bone the operation will go easy. However, if he can not get it out he will have to perform an osteotomy whereby the femur is cut open lengthwise for the old stem to be taken out. When the new stem is put in the femur will have to be wired up, reinforced with cadaver bone, and held together with plastic plates. We are hoping that this will not have to happen and that the old stem will slide out easily, but we are prepared for the worst, just in case.

The surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on what the surgeon finds when he goes in. My wife is very brave and has elected to go through the surgery with only an epidural-spinal. She wants to be fully awake with no sedation whatsover. She shopped around for the past 3 years until she found a surgeon and anesthesiologist that is willing to do it her way. She had her first operation the same way, fully awake and alert.

Also, after the surgery she does not want any narcotic painkillers. She will be recieving Toridol which is an anti-inflamatory analgesic and does not in any way make you sleepy or impair your alertness. She will be receiving oral Coumadin to prevent blood clots instead of intravenous Lovenox because the latter, although the drug of choice can not be used in conjunction with Toridol.

She is expected to spend the first 5 days in the bone unit, followed by 2 weeks in the rehab unit at the same hospital, where she will receive intense physical therapy.

We are hopeful that the surgery will be successful and that she will regain her full range of motion and be able to walk normally again without a cane, something she has not been able to do for the past 3 years.

We will be leaving for the hospital at 5:30AM tomorrow. I am hoping her condition will be such that I will be able to come home every night and get on my computer. If so, I will be posting progress reports to this thread with regularity.

As soon as she is settled in a room (after the surgery) I will tell you where you can send the cards and well wishes. Also, anyone who is in the area and wants to visit should PM me first to make arrangements.
                        
Please keep Fay in your prayers.
                                                          SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 02:36 PM

We are are keeping good thoughts and prayers for her, and you.

Perhaps when she recovers, you can take a ride and stop in Sugarloaf, a nice little artsy town, to relax. Something too look forward to, besides rehab. Not too far from Middletown as I remember.

Good luck, Sol!

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Megan L
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 02:46 PM

Keeping her and you in our thoughts and prayers. Ilness or injury to a loved one is stressful for all the family.

Awra best
frae Dauvitt and his Meg

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 03:42 PM

I will be thinking of Fay tomorrow. I suspect the surgery will be the easiest part of this for her.
Keep yourself healthy, Sol.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: bobad
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 03:50 PM

Best wishes to the both of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: jimmyt
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 04:28 PM

Rabbi Sol, My brother-in-law had this done a few months ago, He has 2 prosthetic hips and has had them for 30 years. He is now 55 and the surgery was a replacement of one joint that was thew third one to be placed. THe improvements in materials and technique have made this a much more predictable surgery than it used to be. Will be praying anyway!   jimmyt

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 05:21 PM

Thoughts and prayers both.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 05:33 PM

Me too, Sol. May God bless Fay, keep her safe, and watch over her as she heals.

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 06:06 PM

We just heard from the hospital. The surgery is now scheduled for 12:45 PM in the afternoon instead of 7:45 AM in the morning. We will be leaving home at 10:15 AM.
                                                   SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Azizi
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 09:51 PM

Lots of good thoughts are being sent your way.

And when your wife is recuperating, you need to treat her like a queen, ya hear?

What am I saying? You need to treat her like a queen ALL the time!

:o}

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Bee
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 10:03 PM

Your wife is indeed a brave woman. I could not imagine staying awake for a complex surgury like this!

I hope everything goes well for her, and the new hip joint has her dancing up a storm in the near future.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 10:07 PM

My MIL had to have a hip replacement replaced (bad surgery by a not-so-good surgeon). Hers was done at Johns Hopkins and the new replacement has lasted her a good ten years already. They were afraid of much the same things you are, but she's stomping around just fine (she's also 90+).

Nonetheless, the best of the best goes out to your wife!

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: maeve
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 10:15 PM

Prayers are flowing, Sol.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jul 08 - 05:59 AM

good wishes to Fay for the surgery & to you & the rest of your family.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 08 - 07:33 AM

She has the famous mudcat support group. How can she fail?

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jul 08 - 07:41 AM

I got here late but at least I got here. I too have a friend with much the same experience as jimmyt's brother-in-law above.

All good thoughts to Fay both for the surgery but especially for the rehab later......but again, that part seems to have had its own advances as well. You take good car as well Rabbi!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 12:58 AM

I just came home from the hospital in Middletown. I am tired and wiped out from the day, but before I go to bed I will post an update.

Fay went through nearly 5 hours of surgery, fully awake without sedation. Although the femur bone fractured in 3 places during the surgery, the skilled surgeon was able to put everything together and wire it up with plastic plates. The prognosis is for a full recovery and a dramatic increase in the range of motion as long as she is willing to work hard in rehab and physical therapy.

Right now she is completely pain free on Toridol alone without any Morphine. Both, the surgeon and the Anesthesiologist were amazed how she went through such a lengthy procedure with such stamina. Tomorrow morning they will have her stand up and put some weight on the leg and walk her across the room. It is only the first step to a long road of recovery.

More tomorrow night.

SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: maeve
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 01:18 AM

Such good news! Fay is a remarkable person indeed. I suspect that she will approach her long rehab with similar aplomb.

Thank you for your update. Prayers will continue.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 01:29 AM

thanks for posting. Friends have had joint replacements & I know how long rehab takes, but the dancers are back dancing again & all are walking easily.

congratulations to Fay for her persistance in getting the operation she wanted & lots more best wishes for her rehab.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Bee
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 01:30 AM

Good to hear. Make sure, while caring for her, that you take care of yourself as well, now.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 01:35 AM

Just seeing this. Very glad to learn the surgery went well. Wishing Fay a speedy recovery, and good thoughts and prayers for you both.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: fat B****rd
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 04:42 AM

Best regards to you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:15 PM

Today's report from the hospital.

Although Fay came through the gruelling surgery quite well, she is still very weak. They tried to get her up out of bed today but when she dangled her legs over the side, she fainted. The doctors immediately ordered a blood transfusion and iron pills. She felt much stronger after the transfusion so they will try again tomorrow to get her out of bed and get her to walk with a walker. Once she can put weight on the leg they will be able to move her out of the bone unit to the rehab unit. This will in all probability take place on Monday morning. She will then be an additional 2 weeks in rehab before exiting the hospital. The target date for that is June 28th. Her appettite and upper body strength is good.

More tomorrow.
                                                 SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 04:19 PM

My God Sol-Rabbi you must be married to Wonder Woman. What a person, when I think of the fuss I make over some minor surgery now and then I blush for shame. Several friends , female and male have had replacement hips and all are doing well (some both hips)but none had the guts to be observers at their own surgery.
She is , as we Irish say, Some Woman! I am full of admiration for her courage and patience and I'll bet her determination will see her mobile again before too long. Good Luck to her, and also to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 04:54 PM

Awake while the doctor broke her leg - Wonder Woman. Take care of yourself, Sol. You can't afford to be ill right now. Rest!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 05:00 PM

Just returned from the hospital.

Short visit today because I have to prepare for the Sabbath tonight.

Fay was released from the bone unit today and was transferred to the rehab unit. When I got there they already had her up and walking with a walker. She walked a distance of 25 feet on her first attempt. This rehab unit at Horton Hospital is really state of the art. The therapy is just as intense as it would be at better known institutions such as Burke & Helen Hayes. The therapists and nurses really go out of there way to be patient friendly. They keep the patients motivated with a positive attitude with the motto being "I can do it" rather than "it is too difficult". To further keep the patients motivated there are former patients (many of them recovered stroke victims), who act as unpaid volunteers that back up the staff.
Their message is "We are living proof that hard work and perseverance pays off." If we did it so can you".

She no longer needs the Toridol. All she is taking to control pain is 2 regular strength Tylenol.

I will not be visiting tomorrow because I can not travel of the Sabbath.

My next visit will be all day on Sunday and I will post my next report as soon as I return Sunday night.
                                                      SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 06:20 PM

Blessings on both of you.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 08:05 PM

very good news

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 06:12 AM

Yes, indeed!

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 06:16 AM

Maseltov! And Good Sabbath to you.

I'm singing the Bernstein 'Chichester Psalms' in Hebrew tonight, I'll be thinking of you and Scanner.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 10:43 AM

All good news, Sol. Welcome around here especially this week.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Hollowfox
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 05:09 PM

Prayers started now, the $#@!-reduction candle starts when I get home from work.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 11:38 PM

Fay called in tonight after the Sabbath. They already have her walking extensively (with a walker) all around the facility. I have to bring up her clothes tomorrow when I visit. They want her up and out of of bed wearing regular clothes rather than a hospital gown.

Those of you who want to send a get well card can send it as follows:

Fay Zeller
c/o Horton Hospital
    Room 243-A
    60 - Prospect Ave.
    Middletown, NY 10940

There is a bulletin board above each patient's bed where all get well cards are posted and displayed.

More tomorrow night.

SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 13 Jul 08 - 10:41 PM

Just returned from the hospital.

Being that it is Sunday there was no physical or occupational therapy scheduled for today. All the therapists had the day off.
Fay was able to walk around with the aid of a walker. Her first step is very painful but once she starts going the walking goes much easier.

The intense therapy really starts in earnest tomorrow and we will see how she progresses. Whatever pain she has she will have to work through in order to achieve her goals. She is properly motivated to do so.

They do have a computer in the day room and she was able to access e-mail today. Hopefully she will be able to log on to Mudcat later this week.
                                                    SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:47 PM

Fay is showing a steady improvement each day with the intensive physical and occupational therapy that she is getting.

They gave her a tentative release date which is Wednesday, July 23rd, one week from tomorrow.

                                                    SOL

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:54 PM

Sorry I am late to this,too. Really glad to hear she made it through the surgery so well. My hats off to her for working so hard and having such courage!

Keep up the good work, Fay!

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Bee
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 12:00 AM

Being home will help. Glad to hear Fay is making good progress.

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 10:44 AM

marvels of modern medicine ! & a determined woman.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: maeve
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 01:36 PM

And a loving, supportive husband in addition makes a good trio.

Such good news; may it continue!

Subject: RE: BS: Scanner's Surgery Set For Tomorrow
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 03:58 PM

Not to repeat myself, but... Yes, indeed!