After two years, Robin has finally got a date for his knee replacement surgery. Covid, of course, had a lot to do with this, but now things are moving along. Because of the long delays in elective surgery, the Health Department is contracting out orthopedic surgeries to private hospitals, to get the long waiting lists under control. The other day we had a visit to Aorangi Orthopedic Centre to meet the surgeon.
Aorangi Orthopedics
That was another change – the original surgeon who was to do the job was overwhelmed with cases, so Robin was referred to his colleague, Mr Love, who will be taking some extra cases to ease the pressure. And of course, this means that Robin may have moved up the waiting list a little quicker. So this was a “meet and greet” appointment, with the chance to ask any questions.
The procedure and post operative expectations were explained. It is very important to get moving and exercise the knee, it was stressed, to get things working well again as soon as possible. Mr Love had a word of advice, “don't get Covid”, as this means the operation date will be set back a couple of months. This has happened to a few of his patients on the day of surgery, he told us.
On the way out I stopped to admire a metal sculpture hanging on the wall of the reception room, made up from a vast array of tools. Very clever indeed, and I’m sure they are not used implements from the operating theatre!
All sort of things in here
The paperwork has already been signed and lodged with Crest, the private hospital, and we have a date for the pre-admission appointment, so things are really moving along. The date of surgery is 20th September.
3 comments:
Well done and good luck. Having had three knee replacements I can attest that getting it moving as soon as possible is the way to go. If they have the knee bending machine option then take it, it gets things moving easily and gently just a few hours post surgery, just make sure Robin is in control of the remote and can adjust the angle slowly when he feels comfortable doing so. He will not know himself after a few weeks. All the best, Bernice.
That’s great news. Now you can plan around it.
Good luck with the knee surgery, I had a new knee fitted in January, great, painful to begin with, but get it moving and it's great.I had been waiting for about 5 years, for the op, but 2 days before the op I tripped in the garden and fractured the Femur on the same leg....then Covid struck (2000). All this delayed the operation by 2 years........another problem I had put on weight and was too heavy for the operation - it was delayed until I lost come weight. Finally a change of Surgeons and it was done - 1 night in hospital and the home.
Good luck, it was the left knee, so I have an automatic and was back driving quickly.
Have fun.
Post a Comment