St Vincent Medical Center To Host Upcoming Talks And Support Groups

BRIDGEPORT — St Vincent’s Medical Center is presenting a joint replacement information session on Monday, July 18, from 6 to 7:30 pm, in the Level 3 North conference room. The session is for people who are interested in learning more about joint replacement surgery due to painful hips and knees, but are not yet scheduled for surgery.

Participants will learn about total hip and total knee replacement surgery, postanesthesia care, and their stay on the orthopedic unit, physical therapy, and postdischarge expectations. Exercises to be done before and after surgery are demonstrated by orthopedic staff.

A question and answer period will follow.

The information sessions are part of St Vincent’s Joint Replacement Program, a comprehensive program that takes patients from preoperative education and physical strengthening right through joint replacement surgery and recovery using a team approach. This helps prepare them physically and also lessens anxiety.

Since preoperative classes and exercise sessions as well as post-op therapy sessions are in a group setting, patients have a support system and are able to encourage each other and stay motivated.

 The sessions prepare patients for surgery and an active role in their recovery, with the result being less pain, decreased need for medications, and a faster return to normal activity.

Free valet parking is provided for those attending. Refreshments will be served. For more information on St Vincent’s Joint Replacement Program or to register for the information sessions, call St Vincent’s Orthopedic Physician Assistants at 203-576-6429.

Stroke Survivors

St Vincent’s Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group meets on the thirrd Wednesday of each month (upcoming dates are July 20 and August 17) from 5:30 to 7 pm in Hawley 3A of the Cancer Center at St Vincent’s Medical Center.

The Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group addresses the concerns and needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers. It also provides an opportunity for participants to interact with others for emotional support, as well as to share strategies and techniques to improve their quality of life.

Speech, occupational, and physical therapists as well as neurologists and social workers are also available to provide information and links to services in the community. The group is sponsored by St Vincent’s Department of Social Work and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

There is no charge for attendance at the group. Parking is free with validated ticket.

For more information, call occupational therapist Melissa Kopp at 203-576-5361 or social worker Helen Polewoj at 576-5608.

Perinatal Grief Support

St Vincent’s “We Care” Perinatal Grief Support Group will meet on Wednesday, July 20, from 7 to 8:15 pm in the Ambulatory Infusion Center waiting area located on level 3 of the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to the Medical Center.

The group is for those grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, or newborn death.

The group is facilitated by a maternity nurse and a chaplain who are certified grief counselors. It meets the third Wednesday of each month. Speakers experienced in grief counseling are scheduled periodically.

There is no charge for attendance. No registration is required. For additional information, call Sister Arthur Marie Donnelly in the Pastoral Care Department at 203-576-5110 or Marilyn Faber at 203-576-5716.