At Last!

The day had arrived at last – after two long years of waiting due to the dastardly Covid making an appearance, finally Robin’s knee replacement was to take place.  It was an early start on a busy day, the alarm clock was set for 5.00am, we left home at 6.00, and were due at Crest Hospital at 7.00.  Things certainly went smoothly, settled into his room, hospital gown on, questions asked, tests taken, including the ever important RAT test.  Several weeks earlier the surgeon had told us, “Don't get Covid”, and remarked that several patients on the theatre list had to be sent home due to having Covid and their surgery rescheduled some months later.  Whew – luckily Robin passed the test so we were good to go.  The anesthetist came for a chat and tell us of possible side effects, horrible things which we didn't really want to hear.  Then the surgeon popped in with his marker pen and drew an arrow on the correct leg.

This knee here

Then it was a matter of waiting till it was time for him to be wheeled along the corridor and into the operating theatre.  Time for me to make myself scarce.  Several hours later I received a phone call from the nurse in recovery, and I made my way back to the hospital to see how Robin was feeling.  Not too bright, as it turned out, and still very sleepy, so after an hour or so I took myself home.

Things are always better the next day, and I travelled up to Crest Hospital  on the Health Shuttle.  Today  he had been helped out of bed several times, shown how to use the crutches, walked around a little, and spent some time sitting in the arm chair.  Then back to bed again till the next time.  And yes, he does feel much better wearing his own pajamas, instead of that hospital gown.

Crutches at the ready, and he is looking a bit brighter

The highlight of every hospital stay is choosing the menu for the next day.  The food here seems very tasty indeed, his choice  was lamb shanks and gravy tonight.  I’ll be back again tomorrow to see how things are progressing, although we have been told that the next day can be rather painful, but it is very necessary to make sure that it is all working correctly.  Hang in there Robin, do what is required of you, and we can start planning that South Island holiday.