Background Information

For some new folks, following is Karen's update from the start of her medical difficulties. On Monday, 4-27, she was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain and breathing difficulties. She was diagnosed with blood clots in both of her lungs. Blood thinners were prescribed, but resulted in hemorhaging 48 hours later from her mouth and nose. She was immediately moved to the Intensive Care Unit. She had great difficulty breathing and had significant blood loss. She was intubated and surgery was done to stop the bleeding in both her lungs and sinuses. The doctors told me it would be a good idea to have all the family here as her condition was so fragile. The kids came in, and two days later the vent was removed. The doctors said she was stable, but remained on the critical list. The kids went as she was then in no imminent danger. Given all the sedation during her time on the ventilator, she came out with severe mobility, speech, confusion and infection concerns. Her speech, mobility, and blood oxygen were monitored for three weeks in the ICU; she remained critical for the entire three weeks. She needed many blood units and plasma to help coagulate her blood. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, she picked up two infections which have been cleared up with antibiotics. On 5-22, after 21 days in the ICU, she was moved to the acute rehab unit to get speech, occupational, breathing, and physical therapy. After two days, the pain in her legs was so acute that a doppler was prescribed to check for blood clots in her legs. It was confirmed that both legs have blood clots from above her knees to her ankles. Needless to say, care is being exercised to use thinners to treat the blood clots given her experience three weeks ago-there is a concern that she might hemorhage again. Therapy is now being given with her legs being gingerly treated. Don't know how long she will require therapy; all they say is "we take it one day at a time". The physical therapy people speak in terms of several weeks or two to three months before she has the use of her legs. It's possible she may have continued therapy in a semi-acute facility(nursing home) depending on her progress. Her speech has come around nicely and the upper parts of her frame are in good condition.

Having the support of so many friends and neighbors means a lot to both Karen and I. Your cards, letters, thoughts and prayers are helping carry us through this difficult time.
Bill