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| Main Entrance |
Life
on the Oregon Frontier may include the occasional visit to the hospital. On
August 20 I paid a visit to the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon
which lies 150 miles west of the Lazy J ranch. The purpose of the visit was total
hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Michael Caravelli and his surgical team.
Included in the team was anesthesiologist, physician assistant, scrub nurse and
someone who managed all the tools.
A week before the operation I met with a
physician assistant in Dr. Caravelli’s office as well as his assistant. There
were the usual X-rays, blood work, and other evaluations necessary before major
surgery and a visit to my doctor in Burns who helped arrange for some of the
tests like chest x-ray and EKG. There’s a huge cadre of people needed to make an
operation like this happen. My experience with all of the people involved was
pleasant and efficiency was the word of the day.
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| Dr. Michael Caravelli |
In
the recovery room the Nurse Ruth was very businesslike. I on the other hand was
very chatty, chirpy and singing which was a little unusual for me. I had had a
spinal block and light sleep for the surgery and a various times could hear
banging, clanging and whirring but it didn’t register. I could care less what
was happening. The surgery started at 2 PM, I was in recovery by 4 PM and by 5
PM I was in my room. I had a light salad for dinner. The nurse had me sitting
on the edge of the bed that evening.
The
next day I was up and walking in the room, then down the hall in the afternoon.
I discussed my body functions with more people in three days than I have in a
life time. And for some reason, maybe the pain meds, I would not shut up.
Anyone who came in the room was fair game. I had my own room on the Ortho/Neuro
floor with TV which I didn’t watch but there were two music channels with
lovely, soothing music to listen to. When I wasn’t having meds administered, vital signs checked,
physical therapy, occupational therapy, meals, visits, and phone calls, I’d nod
off.
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| Donna, RN, and Julie, CNA |
The
hospital experience itself was exceptional. I loved being waited on. Three shifts of RNs, CNAs, PTs, OTs and more attended to the needs of the patients on their floor.The food
was spectacular. It was healthy! Even vegans would be pleased. I ordered what I
wanted from a room menu and it was delivered anytime I wanted it between 6:00
AM and midnight. (Not like the old days where tray of questionable food came only
at specified times.)
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| Kelly, Physical Therapist |
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| Karen, Radiologist |
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| Beth, Day RN |
St. Charles is well laid out and easy to navigate.
Volunteers help if a visitor becomes lost. There’s a deli and a cafeteria that
serve wholesome food to visitors and staff. There an organic dish of the day in
the cafeteria, a resplendent salad bar and healthy entrees. I was very
impressed. My husband could find good food while he waited and there is also a
beautiful chapel and airy garden space for visitors and staff. And I loved my
hospital bed because it adjusted up and down so easily.
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| Vince, Night RN |
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| Laura, Floor Supervisor |
Everyone
was kind, helpful and courteous from the admitting officers to the surgery
team. Thank you Dr. Carvelli and crew and the folks at St. Charles Hospital for
a positive experience. Recovery is in progress.
(I took lots more photos, which didn't come out because I was rather fuzzy at the time. And I hope I got everyone's name right.)
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