My loving bride, Lorna, is under the knife as we speak. She is currently going through a hip replacement. I know this is getting to be more common but surgery is surgery, and it can be scary. The timing wasn't that good for us because unfortunately I tore a hamstring muscle on October 15. At least I'm off the crutches now and I must be ready to care for her when she comes home.

Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers. The "boys" (Mr. Mo & Jesse Dawg) miss her already. They've never been without her.

Bob M

Best wishes go out to Lorna for her surgery and recovery, Bob.

Bob,
All the best to Lorna. Anyone I know who has had replacement surgery, has had great success.
We will keep her in our prayers.
HCS

Prayers going out to Lorna and yourself.
Here is to a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Postitive thoughts and prayers are going your way for Lorna and yourself.

We hope Lorna has a very successful surgery. She is in our prayers.

I just returned from the hospital and Lorna is doing as well as to be expected. She came through the surgery just fine and is in good spirits. She has one of those "push-button-pain-medication drips" and she's been pressing the button quite a bit. She keeps fading in and out. I will be headed back to the hospital after I take care of the "boys" for awhile. Thanks for your kind words everyone!

Bob

Glad that the surgery part is done and that Lorna did well. Hopefully the new hip will allow Lorna to get back to living a good life without lots of pain!

And, sounds like you better be careful - don't need a whole houseful of walking wounded!

Take care and let Lorna know she is in everyone's prayers.

Good to hear all went well! Give our best to Lorna and tell her we are praying for her speedy recovery!

May Lorna have a speedy recovery.

John and I are wishing Lorna a speedy recovery. John had his hip replaced 4 years ago and said it was the best thing he ever did. I'm sure Lorna will be happy to be rid of the constant pain associated with her hip.

Bob...you've got to be the "Florence Nightingale" so take care of yourself as well!

Best Wishes to Lorna for a speedy recovery from Colorful Colorado where the current temp is 40 and clearing, but earlier today were blizzard conditions! Typical Halloween weather.

Bob - Lorna will be in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!

My best,
Paul Conlin
ALF Secretary

Glad the surgery went well. Our thought and pray are with you and Lora.

I just spoke with Lorna on the telephone. She is "hurtin' for certain". Part of the problem is not being able to move her legs. They are secure together with a pillow in between. The other part of the problem was the hospital was noisy at night and sleeping in a strange place doesn't always make for the most restful sleep.

The physical therapy people will be getting her up and into a chair today. I will he headed down to the hospial in a little while.

We're in Day 2 of 4 or 5 at the hospital, then she comes home to continue her rehabilitation. It's going to be tough to keep Mr. Mo and Jesse off her.

Bob

Lorna still remains in the hospital. She was unable to eat or keep anything down for three days. She started feeling a little better yesterday but far from perfect. The therapy people got her up and she managed to walk about twenty feet with a walker and was really tired.

She was originally suppose to come home today, but now we are aiming for tomorrow. I must admit I didn't expect this part to be so tough. She can hardly move. We have heard plenty of stories about hip replacement but no one ever mentioned anything like Lorna is experiencing.

One day at a time, I guess.

Bob

YOU GO GIRL!

Thinking and praying for you and Bob during this recovery time!

Each day will get better! Do what the experts say, have faith, and keep on going!

Keep us posted on Lorna's progress!

Be well!!!

Mary

We will pray for continued improvement!
Hope Lorna gets home soon!!!

Lorna will continue to be in my prayers. Hope she gets to come home soon.
Judy

Lorna is in our prayers out here in Colorado as well as you Bob. Take care.
Bill and Judy

Any news on Lorna's progress?
We all still think of you both!
Hope all is well and Lorna is getting better all the time!

Many thanks for the thoughts and prayers everyone. Lorna is doing very well and is progressing as expected. Her therapist was in today and told her she is doing well but must take the necessary precautions to protect herself. The therapist advised that the Doctor oftens "cements" the new hip in place on elderly people but wouldn't do it for someone her age. She said to think of it as a broken leg that must be immobilized for six weeks to allow time to heal. She still is in pain and has considerable swelling in her right leg. She is mobile with a walker and go to the bathroom without my assistance, but she cannot get back in bed without me lifting her injured leg up for her. She is not allowed to bend beyond a 75 degree angle at this time.

This whole situation has given me a different outlook on those who physically care for people. I cook (nothing new for me), I clean, I scrub toilets, I assist Lorna with some theraputic exercises, dispense her meds (keep a med log with date & times),I change bandages, clean the wound, I bath her (a plus?), and basically get this and that as she needs them. It's an all day and part of the night job until she's sleeping. Then there's caring for the needs of the "boys". When it comes time for bed, believe me, I'm ready to go to sleep.

This too shall pass, week one is done and no infections or emergency doctor visits have been necessary. The visiting nurse comes in twice weekly and same for the therapist. I play "Dr. Bob" the rest of the time. It goes to show I can do most anything if I put my mind to it.

Further updates will follow as she progresses. Thanks for caring!

Bob

P.S. I even bought walkie-talkies so I can communicate from our cellar or out in the yard. It's kind of a new toy that she seems to enjoy.

Doo doo doo...Doctor Robert...doo doo doo...

You know, like the Beatles song ...

Or is that just me who knows that...

Glad to hear Lorna's getting better. I know it might be difficult to have to be the nurse, but the end effort will be worth it. And think of all the bonding time!

Hey Greg, didn't know you were a Beatles fan.

Hey Bob...having gone through the same surgery with John...I can tell you it does get better each week. The first week was the worst but as soon as Lorna can get up and start walking with crutches, she will start to feel better.

I know what you mean about helping with everything...my problem was that John weighs 100 pounds more than me so sometimes it was a bit tough to get him up and not fall down.

Best wishes for a continued recovery for Lorna.

Bob
Judy and I were glad to here that Lorna's surgery was successful and we know she appreciates and needs your help and support. I had both hips replaced, left in 1993 and right two years later, so I know how important it is having your spouse there to help. The first 3-5 days were tough, but there was noticeable improvement each day after.

Lorna hang-in there with all the rehab exercises, stretching and walking. The long term results are well worth the time and effort.

Judy and I will keep you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery, knowing that you will soon being doing those things enjoyed in the past, but pain free and with increased mobility.

Two weeks have passed and Lorna is really doing very well. She still has to use a walker because she's not allowed to put anymore than 50% of her weight on the hip replacement leg.

The 29 staples were removed yesterday and she's working extremely hard with her therapist. She still needs assistance to get into bed at night but now she can get out on her own to go to the bathroom. She's has a great attitude and is determined to do whatever she can to strengthen that leg and return to a normal existence.

Thank you all for your expressions of encouragement!

Bob

Good to hear Lorna is doing well!
... Marathon next ... ??

Hope the improvement continues quickly and soon you will all be back to normal!