Grandma Jean

Sunday evening, Jean went out to smoke and on her way back in, decided to right a chair that had been blown over in the wind. This took her off the sidewalk and into the damp grass. One moment she was up the next she was flat on her back. Chris saw her go off the path and immediately went outside but it was too late.

Chris called me and advised her to call 911 and I would be right there. I pulled in just behind the ambulance. They brought her to the hospital just 5 minutes away from our house. Things were complicated by the fact that she has morbid reactions to morphine, codeine and all opium derivatives. They were finally able to give her Demerol (sp).

She had snapped the ball of her hip right off and it slid down while the femur slid up, shortening her leg and would require a hip replacement. The orthopedic surgeon was to be in first thing Monday morning.

We had a rough night and so we decided to try some Darvocet and an anti-anxiety medication, Adavan. The next complication being that she only weighs 80 lbs. So far they've simply give her a 1/4 dose and she does well.

Surgery was finally completed Monday @ 4:00 after I shook some cages and learned that no one had contacted the orthopedic surgeon yet. Each thought the other had made the call.

She came through surgery with flying colors. Dave got back from the cattle auction at 5:00 and stayed with Jean last night.

Since we're so close to the hospital, Chris has been staying at our place and Mike's doing a great job manning (hee hee) the home front.

I'll keep you posted.

Debbie