Happy Memories of Gerry Briggs: 1936-2006
Gerry and I were married for 22 years. The following is from her Memorial Service in our hometown of Maryville, Tennessee. …
People
World War II
A Small Southern Town in World War II
I was five years old at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. I was the youngest of three brothers, one of whom would later enlist in the army and be killed fighting in France. …
Stories
A Rattlesnake Kill On Little Shuckstack
Down under Gregory’s Bald at the west end of the park is Big Shuckstack. A lookout tower is there. Forest rangers used to climb up and sit and watch for signs of smoke. Lower still is Little Shuckstack. It is steep between the two and your knees will let you know, don’t worry, as they did us ten or so Scouts the day we climbed down. …
Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement – Rehabilitation
Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one. Part Six and last in a series.
After a total hip replacement, rehabilitation must become a top priority and probably an obsession.
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Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement – Percocet
Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one. Part Five in a series.
For the first two days following my hip surgery the pain was managed by the epidural which I activated with my friendly hand pump. After this they took out the tube that injected this into my spinal fluid and I went on oral pain medications. I recall that my surgeon had asked if I had ever taken Percocet before and my answer was no. Percocet was what I began taking for pain and to be able to get some sleep.
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Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement – Hospitals
Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one. Part Four in a series.
I was in two hospitals with my hip replacement. The first was where I had the surgery and stayed for several days. The other was a rehabilitation hospital and I was there for several days as well. Although physical and occupational therapy were begun almost immediately at the surgical hospital, these were a focus at the rehabilitation hospital.
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Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement – Recovery
Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one. Part Three in a series.
Unknown to me, of course, my hip replacement lasted three hours. At 7:30 p.m. my very tired surgeon spoke with my wife and daughter, reported that things had gone as planned, and that they could see me shortly in the recovery area. …
Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement – Surgery
Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one. Part Two in a series.
The thing about major surgery is that you place yourself in the hands of others, most of them strangers, and become totally helpless. I remember saying to the anesthesia guy that I had three requests: put me out before the surgery starts, keep me out while it goes on, and be sure to wake me up afterward. …
Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement – Preludes
Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one. Part One in a series.
A lot led up to my complete hip replacement on September 29, 2009. Thinking back on my decision process, I now know it was an evolution directed by my deteriorating condition. It was a long journey from a time where I thought I might need and benefit from surgery to one where no other choice was possible. …
Movies
Good Movies: Deep Water
Deep Water is a documentary that has all of the suspense of a drama. It is based on the London Sunday Times’ 1968-69 contest to sail solo around the world non-stop. No one had ever done this, although one man, Franacis Chichester, had sailed solo with an extensive stop for supplies and repairs. Nine men set out on this odyssey, which offered fame and glory in addition to a substantial cash prize. Only one of them was to finish.
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