Birmingham Hip Resurfacing
Patient Journals, Cathi Klepac

February 4, 2007

My Coach (my mother) and I were able to arrive here a day early due to our 3 ½ hour drive from Rhinelander. This helped very much since my surgery was scheduled Friday and we needed to be at the hospital by 10:30. We were able to get settled in early, which took stress off of my mom.

February 5, 2007
Surgery Day

It’s 15 degrees today (cold). I arrived on time. The check-in personnel were very polite and considerate to privacy. Upon arriving up to Floor 4 (pre-op area) the staff there were great. They explained everything they were doing and why. They all know we are scared and the way they explain procedures are in a way that gives you a sense of security and trust in them. They never told of any gory details. What they did tell us was preventative measures that are used at all times. I’m a big chicken but I truly did feel at ease and safe with this staff.

When I went into the pre-op area and had the IV put in and met the anesthesiologist (Dr. Fritz). The woman who put my IV in was wonderful. I did not feel any pain. (I hate needles.) Fritz made me feel like I could trust him. He knew his stuff and knows Dr. Rogerson’s procedures really well. The next thing I know I woke up in my room about 2 ¾ hours on the table.

The Nursing Staff at Meriter were kind and were always asking what they could do for me to make me comfortable.

Discharge Day – Friday, Surgery, Saturday – Physical Therapy then discharge.

Joanna from Dr. Rogerson’s office informed me of all the hip precautions and therapy sessions to come and how important the recovery period is.

When staying at Meriter HipHab for 3 nights, 4 days, water and land therapy was wonderful. They taught me so much about really learning to walk all over again, especially the bad habits that carry from the past and things to change.

My advice to anyone who reads this is to take everything they tell you to heart. People do take walking for granted, pointing toes and bending knees – the importance of it all. The therapists are so aware of what you are doing and really pay attention to you as a person such as getting out of a chair, bed, car, etc. They will teach you the right ways so you do not break your hip.

All the patients going here think it is great that a Mom is taking care of her daughter who is a patient, instead of the other way around. Everyone is friendly, polite and kind.

Dr. Rogerson – What can I say, he made me feel like I was his only patient. He was never in a hurry when he saw me. Dr. Rogerson did see me before the surgery and asked how I was doing and that he would see me after surgery. That evening he did come to my room and sat and talked a bit. When he came to Meriter HipHab he stayed and visited after he checked my incision.

This has been the most organized procedure that I have ever known, from each appointment, to the surgery and recovery at Meriter HipHab.

I feel privileged to have met the man. I will remember him always.

Best wishes to all who will follow me. I know this was the right decision to make.

Cathi Klepac, 46 years old, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

5/5/2008