Today was Karen's first full day(3 hours) of acute physical and occupational therapy. The therapists appear to be tough taskmasters, but this is the only way she can expect to regain the use of her legs. Without going into a lot of detail, suffice to say the blood clots in her legs cause any motions to be quite painful. If sufficient progress, as measured by Medicare, isn't made, it will probably result in a forced exit from the acute therapy wing in the hospital. She knows she will have to gut her way through these sessions, but it will be difficult.
There is no longer any concern with her kidney function nor any infections. Her speech is returning to normal with occasional lapses into confusion. Breathing therapy may be discontinued sometime this week. She will remain on oxygen 24/7 for the rest of her life. She will undoubtedly be taking cumadin or other blood thinner for the rest of her life also. The three blood clot occurrences in the last 3 years make that decision an easy one. Her blood will have to be checked routinely to insure it remains at the proper coagulant level.
She isn't too enthralled with hospital food. It's too dry, and she doesn't want to eat much of what they put before her. I am into bringing her food I know she likes and which meets the restrictions imposed by her doctors and dietician. Everything has to be sugar free and easily digested.
She is still unable to stand and hasn't walked since five weeks ago as today is her fifth week "anniversary" of being admitted into the hospital. She longs to come home, but knows it will take a lot of effort to get to that point.
As she still has many things going on in her days, I would continue to ask that no calls or visits with her be made until I advise everyone that she can take calls and have visitors.
Both Karen and I thank everyone for the cards, letters, thoughts, and prayers which have been so forthcoming from our friends and relatives. We know prayer has helped her to this point, and we ask for it to continue as she faces the battle of her life to return to the kind of lifestyle she wants and deserves.
I'll continue to keep you posted through this blog. Katie will probably do so as well. Please feel free to pass on the link to anyone interested in Karen's progress.
Love, Bill
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Bill, As I have said before, both the physical and occupation therapy is very hard work, but must be done if Karen is ever to go home. I continue to cheer both you and her on in this. All my love and prayers in this. Kathi
ReplyDelete