Therapy Success

This has been the best day Karen has had in therapy. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy have all shown definite improvements. For the first time, she stood alone for a few seconds. She did this five times and transferred to a wheelchair, which isn't as easy as it may sound. Her arms and hands are in full use, and she is now beginning to use her legs as in the standing exercises. Her goal for this week is to transfer from her bed into a wheelchair, then proceed in the wheelchair to the bathroom and transferring back to bed. All of this it is hoped will be with only one therapist assisting her. She has been unable to take any steps yet, but today she rolled around the room in the wheelchair, alternately propelling herself with her hands and feet.

One of the remaining difficulties left over from the time on the ventilator has been the difficulty she has had in swallowing. Her food has been all pureed or chopped up leaving a plate not too enticing to look at and not very tasty. All of her liquids have also had to be thickened, which also hasn't tasted very good. Today, she had an MBS(modified berium test), which she passed with flying colors. She will now get "normal" food, except low in sugar, as she has tested positive for diabetes, another residual from the incubation time.

All of her antibiotics have been stopped. She retains a pic line to allow easy access for the daily blood draws needed to measure the coagulation rate of her blood. With her penchant for blood clots, and the earlier hemorhaging experience, the doctors closely monitor this important item.

Karen and I thank everyone for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. The medical folks are doing their part, and I'm sure all of your concern and prayers are aiding in her return to good health.

Love All You Guys, Bill