The Hip Event, Part Two

I really hate to write this new note in the "Hip"py Event Chronicle. Last Wednesday, August 6, 2008, we went to Vanderbilt Hospital for some, thought to be "routine" X-Rays for Sharon's Doctor to have sent down to him. She had been having a little "discomfort" and called him for advice. He wanted to view the condition of the joint before making any recommendations. When the X-Ray technician looked at the shots, she said she was going to see her supervisor before Sharon left. When they came back, they sent her immediately over the the Emergency Room to have the new pictures evaluated. They seemed to think there was a little problem. After a fairly long wait with her in a wheel chair, she was finally taken back into the ER to see the doctor. He wanted to see some previous shots to know what he was seeing. Long story shortened somewhat, I was called back into room (I was waiting out because Abigail was with us). When we all went in to discuss the perceived problem, he was concerned because he saw a broken screw in the picture and didn't know if it was a problem. I asked him to see the shots because there was at least one screw from a previous operation that had been left in place to keep it from weakening the bone. When I looked, I was agast at what I saw. Not only was the old screw there but the bottom of the prosthesis had broken loose from the bone and was pulled out with broken screws laying in the bottom of the joint cavity. The last operation had catastrophically failed!

Sharon was supposed to bring Abigal back to Miami on Sunday, but it was quickly decided that she should not make the trip. We swapped the names on the tickets quickly and, presently, I'm in Miami until Thursday. Sharon received a call from Dr. Emerson's office this afternoon and they want her in their office immediately. I'll get home on Thurday afternoon and we won't be able to leave until probably Sunday morning. We don't know exactly what their "fix" is going to be yet, and neither will they until they have their hands on her, but we pray that they will receive guidance to provide the right one this time.

We ask your prayers as we begin this journey again!

Cheers!

Joe