Another New Knee, But She’d Rather Be Camping

After finally agreeing that she could not put it off any longer, Helen (adorable wife) underwent surgery for replacement of her left knee in March of this year. Readers to Easin’ Along probably remember this post, it was one of the most popular articles since we began our website. It seems that retirees have a lot of interest in the subject of joint replacement.

Helen’s recovery from that procedure went amazingly well. After two days, she discarded her walker, and within two weeks, she was driving again. She credits a regimen of exercise she started before her surgery as well as adhering to the rehab program prescribed for her after the operation for much of her success.  I, on the other hand, give most of the credit to her attitude.  Helen never whines or complains (much), and most importantly, she was determined to get back to her busy, active life on two good knees.

Her original plan was to wait until late fall or beyond before having her right knee replaced, but after her success with the first operation, she conferred with her doctor about scheduling the second surgery. Although she was experiencing some soreness in her left knee, she had no problem putting all her weight on that leg. She got the green light to go ahead with the second operation three months after the first. She continued her exercise program, interrupted only by our camping trips.

“Why wait? Let’s get on with it!” Helen is one tough gal.

The day of her surgery arrived, and we were walking into the hospital at 6:30 am for a 9:00 am date with the doctor. Check-in went smoothly. Soon after donning a purple surgical gown, and a pair of purple socks, all we had to do was sit and wait.  Helen’s expression seemed to ask “Do I want to do this all over again,” but as it always happens, the smile soon came out, and she was ready. As the nurse came in to wheel her away, our wonderful associate pastor arrived to spend a few minutes with us and bless us with prayer. We were very grateful for the time she gave us.

Around 8:30 the television monitor in the waiting room let me know that the surgery had begun.  At 10:30 her doctor came in to inform me that all had gone very well and she would be in Room 702 in a couple of hours. I was very relieved.  A healthy Helen is an essential element in our family.

When the patient arrived in her room, I was sitting in the recliner reading a book. In spite of being a bit loopy from anesthesia and pain medications, she smiled broadly and exclaimed: “Got’er done.”! A new knee was in place and, according to her doctor, her former knee was one of the worst he had replaced in a long time.  It’s a wonder that she made it as long as she had on that thing.

Within an hour, a therapy nurse arrived, checked her bandages, and helped her to the bathroom. Next, she said it was time to walk.  Helen passed that test with flying colors and was on her feet for about five minutes before the pain medications kicked in, so she returned to the prone position. The rest of the day was uneventful, but she was able to get out of bed when necessary with no problem. I decided that there was no reason for me to spend the night and left for home assured that she was in good hands. My parting words to her were, “You’re doing great but, I’d rather be camping.” She gave me a thumbs up before closing her eyes.

The next morning I returned to find her sitting up, drinking coffee and texting her friends. On the way up to her room, I passed the hospital gift shop and spotted a blue baseball cap with the words Happy Camper on the front.  I decided that she had to have it even though Helen is not much of a hat person.  To my surprise, she donned it proudly and left it on for most of the morning.  I thought it fit her very well.

The remainder of the day was devoted to therapy sessions and consultations. At about 3:30 in the afternoon, she was deemed fit for discharge and did not need to hear those words more than once. “Let’s go home” she directed.

In the space of about 30 hours, and with a new knee, Helen returned home. She was extremely grateful for the skill of her doctor and the care given to her by the hospital staff. I do not doubt that the remaining days of care and treatment will be as successful as her first experience. I’m just as confident she would rather be camping and, will very soon be…Easin’ Along.