My New Hip

Yesterday was the day, out with the old and in with the new.

Started with my Hibiclens shower at home to eradicate any lingering bacteria. My reporting time to the hospital was 8:45 and of course we (Miss Lisa and me) arrived on time. A quick stop to sign in, name, DOB, right hip and then take a seat in preop waiting...not very long. Taken back to preop area, #3, where the poking and prodding begins. Labs, iv lines and more name, DOB and right hip (how they could ever get the wrong hip...it would have to be a major screw-up). Miss L brought back to #3 where we have more than an hour to surgery time. The preop area is cold, I ended up having warm blankets, twice and Lisa needed one too. Anesthesia stops by, H&P stuff (history and physical), yes, my name, DOB and right hip.

Time drags on, eventually going almost an hour past schedule. Part of the reason is OR setup, a left hip was before me and they have to set up a right hip for me. My surgeon Dr K arrives, chats briefly, and then marks my Right Hip. Shortly after that a different anesthesia person, the one who will be taking care of me, stops, we begin to chat and...

Fade to black.

The clock in Recovery says 2:10. A bit groggy, I get oriented as a nurse sitting next to me starts to talk. It is over, just like that. I have a new right hip.


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Location:NKC Hospital