Update on John Lazares' knee surgery

From Molly Janczyk, January 24, 2007
Subject: John Lazares: Update

[Note: John Lazares underwent knee replacement surgery in August 2005, but has suffered complications and much pain ever since. He had surgery again this week (1/22/07) to correct the problem, but, regrettably, is not out of the woods yet. He will be laid up for 3-4 months; hopefully he will recover this time and be free from the excruciating pain he has long endured. We wish him all the best. KBB]

I am sorry to report John is not having an easy time of it. When they removed his last knee replacement, it came out easy due to softened bone. The bone was softened because of a possible infection and/ or other causes they are investigating. One cause may be John's system rejected the material of the previous replacement. They were not surprised John was in so much pain due to the condition he is in. They also found much fluid surrounding his knee adding to the pressure.

Dr.'s biopsied cultures some of which take up to a possible 10 days to grow to determine if infection is present. Therefore, they cannot replace the knee yet. Dr.s placed antibiotic plates into the knee cavity meanwhile to ward off and /or treat any new or existing infection.

John is presently very out of it sleeping (after 1 and 1/2 yrs of dealing with this pain. I know from experience with my husband that it takes everything out of you to get thru your day and John has had no good days since his surgery and had constand pain prior to it). He does not want to be roused according to his wife, Trish, who is worried about no intake of food or water. He is on IV's though for all those things. She did find his phone off the hook in his room and he had no recollection regarding it.

The Dr.'s indicated they have to get John's bone in healthy condition before they can replace his knee and this could take up to 6 wks alone. Then, he would have recovery and rehab following. The first step is to wait on the cultures to determine if and what infection still exists.

I told Trish to give John our thoughts and love and to let him know we are monitoring him. He was so good to us when my husband was at the Cleveland Clinic 2 yrs in a row. The first person calling while my husband was still in surgery was John Lazares and kept calling thru the whole ordeal and for weeks after. My husband, John J. , and he have developed a 'phone friendly relationship' understanding the world of pain.

Trish gave me her cell phone number and she will keep me updated which I will immediately forward. I spoke with her this am but my computer has been down and we had to call for assistance.

John is in for more discomfort before he heals and I know we are all saddened to hear it is not an immediate success beginning rehab now on th road to recovery.

Keep him close and he will let me know when he can takes calls which I will pass on to you.

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I spoke with Trish again to get contact info. Also, as typical of both of them, they do not want anyone concerned. She said to say he is doing ok - just resting. I said it's just that everyone was hoping this would be on target this time without delay or setbacks to his recovery.

They do intend evidently to get him up with the spacer in his knee using a walker so he can use the restroom. But, they decided not today as he is too tired.

.....John Lazares
.....Mercy Hospital, #3329
.....3000 Mack Rd.
.....Fairfield OH 45014
.....513-870-7000

Home:
.....John Lazares
.....8133 Devonshire Pl.
.....Maineville, OH 45039
.....513-583-7611
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Molly has provided the name of a florist in Fairfield, where John is hospitalized:
Flowerama is close to Mercy and is: 513-939-0070