April 9, 2010

Dear Friends,

I had the skin graft surgery on Tuesday, April 6th. What supposed to be an early morning procedure was shifted to a 2:00 pm surgery. Upon arriving at Penn Presbyterian Hospital at 12:00 noon, we were informed that Dr. Levin was running behind. So they showed me where to get my hospital gown and sit in the patient waiting area till they could take me up. They didn't take me up till at least 3:45 to the pre-operating room to see the anestheologist. When Dr. Levin came out to check on me, no one had put an IV on me. It turns out I went to sleep and not just the leg. Paul said the doctor came to talk with him at 5:00 pm. I awoke about 5:40 and they put me in post-op till 6:10. (There were clocks all around.) We didn't leave recovery until 7:45. So you can see that it was a long day for an 1/2 hour procedure.

I have another half-cast on my foot and must keep it elevated for a few days. Just when I was getting used to my independence on the crutches, I'm now back in the wheelchair. My next follow-up appointment with Dr. Levin is Tuesday at 3:30 if I'm lucky to get home by 7:00. The doctor did tell Paul that I would be "good as new" in two weeks. We'll see about that!!!!!