Some of you may have noticed my column was not in last week’s edition of Neuse News. The reason for my dereliction of duty sprang from a host of medical appointments in preparation for total hip replacement surgery on January 5.

I would like to take this time to acknowledge the excellent treatment and care I received at UNC Lenoir Health Care, our local hospital. I will not use names because I do not want to violate the privacy of those who provided my care.

I went in on Tuesday, January 3, for pre-operative testing. The registration process was quick and easy. After I registered, I was wheeled to day surgery waiting. My wait was brief. Thank you to my daughter Sara for taking me to the appointment.

I had complete blood work, an EKG, and tests for MRSA and COVID. The nurse who took me through all these tests was compassionate and professional. Because of some irregularities in my EKG, the staff scheduled a visit to the cardiologist, which ended in an echocardiogram. I asked for some stills of my beating heart to send to some of my students who questioned whether or not it existed after they read the comments I put on their essays.

On Thursday, I arrived at the hospital at 10:30 am to register for the surgery and go through the preparation. Once again, all staff I dealt with were professional, compassionate, and personable.

When the time for surgery arrived, I received a spinal block and mild sedative. The next thing I knew, I was in recovery. I waited until a room opened up on the Med-Surg floor. Once the room was available, they wheeled me in and transferred me to the hospital bed. The staff even showed me how to use the remote to summon nursing staff, adjust lights, and operate the TV.

When I fully awakened, I noticed a wedge attached to my legs to prevent me from crossing my legs and undoing my surgeon’s excellent work. All through the rest of that day, the staff was attentive and kind. Staff members moved about like bees working in a hive. I suspect the same staffing shortage we see nearly everywhere also impacted the hospital.

A special word of thanks to my son Michael. He took me to the hospital for surgery, stayed with me all day, and ensured I was doing well before he left to spend the night with his mother. He has been with me round the clock since. Thanks to Rachel for sitting with her mother during my surgery and bringing her to see me once I was in my room.

Friday was an eventful day. Before the hospital released me, I had three Physical Therapy visits. I walked about 300 feet the first time with three brief rest breaks. When Michael arrived, the PT staff came back to show us the safe way to ascend and descend steps. The third visit occurred just before lunch, a brief walk to the nurses’ station and back to my room.

I cannot stress enough the quality of care I received. Even more, I cannot overstate the compassionate care the staff gave me.

I told Michael on Friday that I never wanted anyone to criticize our local hospital in my presence again. I am so grateful for the care I received – and I am amazed the hip pain I endured for the better part of the year is gone.

I am still recovering. I see improvement every day. The home health nursing and physical therapy have been excellent. I look forward to the day I can walk again without a walker or cane thanks to the expertise of our local health care professionals.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.