On Tuesday, May 9, at 9:30 am, Dr. Kan Gill and his surgical team replaced Augusta's left hip. According to Dr. Gill, the surgery went "better than expected and faster than expected." Augusta had no need for a transfusion since bleeding was minimal. Because she had a "spinal" instead of general anesthesia, she was aware of what was going on during surgery but felt no pain, which is what she wanted. Although Augusta experienced some nausea afterwards, by 8:30 pm, when Sypko and Carolyn spoke with her, she had been able to take in a meal of chicken broth and Jello. She amazed the two of them by carrying on a lively, detailed and focused conversation. She did say that her eyes were not nearly as focused as her speech, probably a temporary effect of the anesthesia.
Augusta felt especially blessed this year to have a private room at Kaiser Oakland. Her friend, Anna, who brought her to the hospital and was with her after the surgery, warmed up this room by hanging one of Augusta's mandalas on the wall and creating a small altar of treasured objects near it.
You can call Augusta directly, if you wish, at 510-752-0704. If you visit her, she's in Room 704 at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center at the corner of Broadway and West MacArthur.
She will most likely be released to go home on Saturday or Sunday morning, May 13 or 14. To find out whether Augusta is still at the hospital, call either the main Patient Information Number--541-752-1000--or, if no one picks up there, call Emergency--541-752-7600--and follow the menu instructions for Patient Information.
Posted by John Bear
at 11:02 AM PDT
