Total Hip Replacement

July 2005 I had my right hip replaced

The week passed quickly thanks to many visits and calls from friends and family. Thank you to everyone. On Tuesday, we had enough hockey players to have a Duffer Street hockey game, with 2 goalies!

I would like to thank the many devoted people at LaGrange Hospital. I got some pictures and names below, but there are many more helpers that slipped away. (Probably due to the Morphine and Vicodin) I thank you all for making a tough week as pleasant as possible. I don't know how you do those 12 hour shifts. Please e-mail me with a name or picture to add to this site.

Thanks to my neighbor Mary, my newspaper was leaning against the patio door every morning.

On my second day home, Grace and Audrey came over. I also started Physical Therapy at home on that day. Pizza Party on day 11. Cabin Fever Cure

The following pictures are from last year

Click on the pictures below to see the full image.

These ladies, Martha and Marguerite, really took care of me.	On Thursday night at 10:00 at night, Dr. Ed gave me the go home paperwork
Veronica and Glenda were there all night when I needed help the most. Kathie, Carol and Catherine were a big help early in the week, but the were off on picture day, as were several others.
My Therapist had me walking the stairs.

For people that wanted to know how big the cut was, Dr. Ed got this picture for me, when he was changing the bandage. Click here for the picture	Here is what my new hip looked like before it went in.

I got this cute card from Janice just as I was checking out.

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people
in this world have it worse than I do.
I realize just how blessed most of us really are.

The cookie bouquet arrived on my first full day home. 5 of my Chicago teacher friends were nice enough to remember me.

The second day home, Grace and Audrey paid a visit and helped Grandma pick some cucumbers.

Click on the pictures below to see the the full image.

	I started Physical Therapy at home when Sayed came over to the house. He was very helpful and very informative.
My second week, Patti came over to put me through the work outs.

Go to Page 2 and X-rays
Go to Page 3 Cabin Fever

Go to Page 4 Girls Visit

To E-mail me, just click here! g.lopatka@comcast.net


At 8:00 A.M. I was knocked out. The anesthesiologists told me he used a big rubber mallet. I woke up with a new hip around noon.	When I got to my room, this beautiful flower basket was waiting for me. The card from Elaine Soloway wished me luck and thanked me for helping publicize her book The Division Street Princess.
These ladies helped me all week with my recovery	I got the most help from Virginia, and her assistant (Pictured above) who were working 12 hour shifts all week. They had to answer 8 or 9 false alarms when I pressed the "Nurse Call" button instead of the light button or the TV button. Thanks to everyone!