Ken's Knee Replacement Surgery

 On Thursday, September 9th, Ken had a full knee replacement surgery on his left knee.  He injured it in a sports accident on July 27, 1994 and had reconstructive surgery on it then, but finally decided to have it replaced. He has nursed it and lived with it for a very long time.  Surgery gives him hope for a pain-free and strong knee.  

It was done as a same-day surgery at the Coral Dessert surgery center.  Our hospital suspended elective surgeries due to COVID, so this was our only option.

The following pictures were taken in the recovery room.  He had to walk around the room with the therapist before getting in the car to go home.  Ken has absolutely no memory of any of this.  The anesthesia clouded his memory.

After getting him home, the long days of recovery began. The first few days weren't too bad as the doctor injected a block into the area that masks the pain.  But after a few days, that wears off.  The pain was pretty intense for a couple of weeks.

Nights were the worst.  He just could not get comfortable enough to sleep.  Neither of us were getting anywhere near enough sleep.  But now things are much better.  

Kind people blessed our lives more than they will ever know. 

The day before the surgery, Connie Staheli brought over containers filled with homemade sloppy joe and buns.  What a blessing that was in that first week.

Resting in bed.

Resting on the couch.  He moved from place to place frequently to give his body a new position.  Our daughters sent him the nice ice pack.

Don and Ada brought over pot pies from Croshaws and this delicious lemon pie.  Nothing ever tasted so good.
Others in the ward have brought things: Sadlers brought a delicious casserole, our neighbors brought cookies, Loves brought  jam, etc.    We didn't even know most of them knew about the surgery. My siblings went together and Roger brought over a nice card and gift cards to local restaurants- so very kind!  The children in our neighborhood love Ken (one of them called him the Heavenly Father of our neighborhood,)  Several of them got together and made the cutest pictures for him.  One of them said, "Please don't die, Brother Hinton"  Grandkids have also sent pictures and get well notes.  They brighten our lives. 
Just as I was writing this, our ministering brother brought over an aloe plant and some fresh peaches- Ken's very favorite fruit.  I have wanted an aloe plant for a long time.  Everyone is so kind and good.

If you are squeamish, skip the next few pictures.  They are pictures of the progression of the wound.

This was after the therapist cleaned it up with neosporin.

 You can see it still has some healing to do. 

His leg, down to his foot is bruised and swollen, but we can see it is gradually getting better.

Selfie at the post-op appointment where we were told that all was progressing nicely and normally.

For the first couple of weeks, Ken had in-home physical therapy with Mark Larsen.  He was given a list of exercises, which he faithfully did/does two or three times every day. He walks several blocks each day.  He still does those exercises, but now goes to out- patient physical therapy at the hospital.  He has an excellent therapist there, Jona Droubay, that is helping him regain motion and strength.  What a blessing all of these medical professionals are!
Though it is slower than we would like, we feel very blessed that his recovery is going well.  We thank our Heavenly Father for that blessing.  
I will keep you posted!!