We've been in Anchorage - preparing for Ernie's knee surgery. He's been busy doing pre-op, physical and hospital registration. Ernie will have surgery at Alaska Regional Hospital, Wednesday, March 7th at 9:00 am. The doctor expects to have Ernie in surgery for about 65 minutes.
After surgery Ernie will go to 'recovery' for about an hour or so - then, up to his room. We expect Ernie to be in the hospital for three days. He'll be discharged when he can demonstrate to the physical therapist that he can walk up a flight of steps.
So what does a 'total knee replacement' mean? It's actually a cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. Ernie's knees' will not be replaced, as is commonly thought, but rather an artificial substitute for the cartilage is inserted on the end of the bones. This is done with a metal alloy on the femur and plastic spacer on the tibia and kneecap. This will create a new smooth cushion and a functioning joint that does not hurt. Hopefully, Ernie will not experience the knee pain that's he's been having for the last couple of years.
So what does Rocky have to do with Ernie's surgery? Absolutely nothing - but like Alice In Wonderland - "What's a book without pictures?" -- so I've just inserted a picture.
Oh yes, on the eve of Ernie's surgery - our truck's transmission went out. So now our truck sits at the garage - after being towed - and we'll need to deal with the truck problem while Ernie is in the hospital. We do have a full moon so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the truck. We are just thankful the truck didn't breakdown while we were out of Anchorage.
Well - I'm off to assist Ernie with his 'surgical shower' this evening. He needs to shower with a surgical soap - tomorrow morning he will repeat the process and then, label each knee with his doctor's name. I suppose this is 'surgical art' per the doctors' instructions - it adds to the fun.
How are we doing? Ernie is mentally ready and fully expects to have pain from surgery - and he's a bit nervous going into surgery - but who wouldn't be?. I'm fully prepared to be Florence Nightingale - and feel a bit nervous too - having the man I love go through the procedure. All in all, we both are looking forward to having this unique adventure behind us - and recovery before us.
Take care - I'll let you all know how Ernie is doing.
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