This report received by email from Augusta's sister-in-law, Carolyn:
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When she met with her surgeon last week, he was amazed at the speed of her recovery. Augusta give much credit to the surgeon himself. She is very grateful to this man who clearly loves his work and is so good at it.

Augusta now walks with only sticks and canes now. She can also shower now that she no longer has to wear the tight support stockings. She is trying driving around her immediate neighborhood. If that goes well, she will venture a little further afield by car--to the grocery story and such. She plans to return to work at Kaiser-Hospice on November 1.

She says that she has never wanted for a thing during her recovery process. She feels blessed and grateful for all the help people provided.

Augusta feels rested and revitalized and in better spirits than before the surgery. She wants to stay connected with herself in this way as she re-enters the outside world, which she promises to do step by careful step.

After a month, all continues to improve
Augusta's sister-in-law reports that the recovery is going well, and Augusta continues to be in good spirits. With the physical therapist in attendance, she has gone up and down stairs for the first time. And with a home health aide coming twice a week, taking showers becomes possible again. (The aide will continue to come as long as Augusta needs to wear special post-surgery stockings.)

With Barbara doing the shopping, Augusta will be starting to cook for herself again.

And as soon as the surgeon gives the OK, perhaps in a few days, she can begin driving again. The problem with the Honda Accord Delux has been diagnosed, but still needs to be fixed.

Augusta reports that she feel enormously blessed, with help from so many family and friends, and sends her heartfelt thanks to all.

Augusta's doing great . . . but can anyone fix a Honda?
Augusta reports that she's really enjoying her enforced rest and relaxation. She is sleeping better, feels well supported, and says it is magical, how kind and helpful people are being (and she has been enjoying the varieties of food being brought).

She does fret, however, about the condtion of her old Honda Civic, which does not start reliably. AAA can get it started, but then it fails again. If anyone can help, or knows someone who might, that would be very much appreciated.

Meanwhile, normal life creeps back in. She had a Rosen treatment session today; and her writing group will meet at her house tomorrow.

Home from the hospital, and all goes well
Sunday evening

August made a very smooth transition from hospital to her home yesterday, with friends helping at every stage of the process, including moving furniture around for increased mobility. She says she feels "fully supported by good angels."

She gets about either with a walker, or with crutches, and spent six hours out of bed today. She's sleeping well, and is already off all her pain medications except Tylenol.

Things are, of course, still challenging. See earlier listings here for ways you can help, and foods you can prepare and bring.

More good news. And a reminder of help that is needed.
The report on Thursday morning is that Augusta feels she has "turned a corner." She sat in a chair for 90 minutes, she is actually walking (in pain, but that's expected), and her appetite is improving. She is likely to be discharged either Friday or Saturday, probably to her home, not a rehab facility, but that decision will be made shortly before the time by the medical and physical therapy people.

Homecoming means real needs for help of all kinds, making arrangements for what and when with Marilyn Schwartz, (510) 524-1180. As a reminder, these are the areas of need:

* short social visits
* flowers and/or cards
* longer visits involving care-giving
* shopping and running other errands
* doing laundry
* cat care
* housecleaning
* plant watering
* rides to appointments and to the pool

And, of course, food, discussed in an earlier posting here.

Later the same day:
At 6 p.m., the report is that Augusta was given a blood transfusion today, not unexpected, and as a result her hospital departure is probably delayed to Saturday or Sunday.

"It was a breeze."
That's the word from August this afternoon, back in her room, on her back, with a pain control device. The nurses are surprised at how alert she is. She already sounds a little annoyed at having to lie still for so long.

She can be phoned at (510) 752-0709, and visited at Kaiser Hospital, 280 W MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, room 709-A, 7th floor. Visiting hours daily from 11 am to 8 pm.

Good news: the operation went beautifully
The surgery went as well as could be hoped for. Augusta is in the recovery room for a few more hours, then will go to her regular room. The total length was under three hours, under a spinal (not a general) anesthetic. If all continues well, she will be released on Thursday or Friday, and they are now thinking she can probably go straight home, instead of to a rehab facility.

Note: if you want to send a message to Augusta, you can click on the "Post comments" there in the lower right, and leave one, and I'll print them out and pass them along. (Bear in mind that everyone will be able to read all the comments.)

Tomorrow is the big day
The surgery is Monday morning at Kaiser in Oakland. We hope to have news here in the early afternoon.

While waiting, it seems a good time to describe Augusta's food preferences, for those who will be bringing food to her. Arrangements to be made with Marilyn Schwartz, (510) 524-1180

In general: no carbohydrates, no sugar, no white flour, no oranges. 75% vegetables.

PROTEINS
Chicken, fish, and tofu
Special favorite: Dutch goat cheese (Poldersblanc)
Goat yogurt (plain, from Redwood Hill)

Hummus, felafel

VEGETABLES
Special favorite: salads of all kinds, lettuce, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.
Special favorite: stir fry with garlic and ginger
Mushrooms, avocadoes, chard, kale, leeks, green peppers, broccoli, spinach, other green vegetables.

FRUIT
Apples, pears, plums, grapefruit. NO ORANGES.

Welcome to Augusta's 'blog'
You've reached the 'blog' where we will be keeping track of, and reporting on Augusta's forthcoming hip surgery, and its aftermath. The first surgery is scheduled for Monday, September 12th, at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. The tentative plan is for Augusta to spend three or four days in the hospital, and three or four more in rehab, before going home. (The second hip, not as big a problem, will be operated on next Spring.)

Augusta's care manager is her friend Marilyn Schwartz. Marilyn is the person to talk to if you have questions about Augusta, and, importantly, to find out how you can help: preparing food, helping around the house, running errands, visiting, and so on. Marilyn will be away until September 8, but then can be reached at (510) 524-1180.

[This 'blog' was set up by Augusta's friend John Bear, who will be typing into it, based on news coming from Augusta, Marilyn, and others. You can get in touch with John at: john.bear@mac.com. And you can post comments after each entry, by clicking on the "post your comment" line at the lower right. Augusta presumably will be reading these comments from time to time.]