Rusty
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She is still in IMC (Intermediate Care) and fluid management is the primary focus right now as well as nutrition. She still has no appetite but continues to receive tube feedings.
The outpouring of prayers, cards, well-wishes and support is amazing! Thank you all.
Rusty
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Karen seems to be breathing better this morning. She is having her dialysis treatment this morning, so very sleepy but seems to be feeling a bit better than the last few mornings. My understanding is that in an attempt to reduce fluid retention, they may be doing some “mini” dialysis treatments between normal Tue/Thur/Sat treatments. These will be shorter than the normal 3 hour treatments and the goal will be fluid reduction.
Rusty
No real changes today. Doctors are continuing to see what can be done to accelerate her recovery.
Rusty
Karen’s breathing has been much better today than yesterday, but she had dialysis early this morning which usually helps this by removing excess fluid. They pulled off a bunch of fluid through her dialysis so this has left her very tired. She is mostly sleeping today, but will wake up and answer questions. The transplant doctors came by this morning and did say they are concerned that she isn’t progressing this week and will be doing some additional tests to see if they can get things moving. She still has some level of pneumonia (has actually increased some) so they are considering changing meds for that. She is also retaining a lot of fluid in her abdomen which contributes to the breathing issues. They will be running some tests on that as well to see if they can address that. Still no appetite.
Rusty
The last few days seem to be a step or two backwards but I think we have to expect some of that on this long journey to recovery. We just remind ourselves that God is still in charge and working in this situation!
Rusty
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Rusty
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Tomorrow will be a better day! Continue to pray for an appetite and increased strength.
Rusty
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Karen had a bit of difficulty breathing this morning but seems to be easing up. It appears to relate to swelling/excessive fluid retention, but she is now on her scheduled dialysis treatment and that should help with removing the fluid. Saturday to Tuesday is the longest stretch of time between dialysis treatments so that is probably why there is more of an issue on Tuesday mornings with swelling and therefore breathing.
No other big changes from yesterday. She was awake much of the day yesterday.
Rusty
Karen sat up for about 2 hours this morning and is doing well and is watching TV.
I may begin reducing my postings to once per day unless there is some news to share. I expect changes to be fairly gradual from this point forward but will certainly let you know of any significant events.
Rusty
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The IMC is very nice and is more like a private room with a window looking out at Ardmore. I think it will be much easier for her to sleep.
This was a great way to end the weekend for all of us with some definite signs of improvement.
Rusty
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Thanks again for all the prayers, cards and emails!
Rusty
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Still no open beds in IMC so she remains in ICU. Not having any appetite is the next big challenge. She really doesn't want to eat at all but really needs to in order to continue to heal and recover. Please pray for an increased appetite and for her patience with me as I push her hard to eat more!
Rusty
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She is still on the waiting list to go to IMC (intermediate care) but there are 6 people on the list. Nurse doubts she will get moved today, but that is ok because she is getting excellent care in ICU. The only down side is that she is ready for a change in scenary which would help clear her head a bit.
Rusty
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The doctors have decided to move her to Intermediate Care (IMC) but at this point there are no beds available so they will keep her in ICU until a space becomes available. Her nurse told us that it sometimes takes several days before a bed becomes available.
Thankful for another good day!
Rusty
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Transplant team just came by. They don't feel she is ready yet for a regular room but are considering moving her to Intermediate Care (IMC). They will let us know what they decide later today. They do feel she is progressing but just reminded us that recovery will be slow. We are thankful for these small steps forward.
Rusty
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Rusty
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She has been sitting up again in the chair this morning to regain a little strength. She is sitting up about 2 hours per day. She has also been allowed to drink a Coke (which she loves)!
The transplant team just came by and has decided to keep her in ICU at least one more night so she can gain a little more strength and be watched a little closer. We all agree that this is a good idea.
Rusty
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Karen received a card today with a some words that, in my opinion, describe Karen so well and I wanted to share them with you all. Here it is:
"You've been through so much lately, and I know it has taken a lot out of you and at times it must seem like things will never be normal again. But I know that you'll handle it, because you're one of the bravest people I've ever known. You might not see yourself that way, but I do...You have an inner strength that keeps you hanging on in situations that would try the best of us. That's not to say that it's easy, just that you're a fighter..." (Author: Linda Lee Elrod).
I know that Karen would say that her "Inner Strength" comes from her faith in God.
Thanks to Debbie for this wonderful card!
Rusty
The plan is still to move her from ICU tomorrow after she gets dialysis subject to her continuing to do well tonight and tomorrow.
Thanks for all the comments and emails celebrating her progress. God is good!
Rusty
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Transplant team just came by and are pleased with her progress. If she continues to do well they plan to move her out of ICU tomorrow. She may also spend some time at the Sticht center (rehab) before she goes home.
Great progress from yesterday. Praise God!
Rusty
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She is still not initiating any conversation but will respond by nodding her head or mouthing an answer. She is just so weak.
Please pray for a good nights rest after a long day and for strength!
Rusty
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Things went well through the night with the breathing! We are extremely thankful for this and for all of your prayers. At this point Karen is only receiving oxygen through a nose canula (sp?) which is the little thing that just barely sticks into her nose to provide oxygen. It was wonderful to see her smile at Ashley when she came to visit last night and this lifted all of our spirits. She is still very weak and not really talking much yet, but is mouthing words to answer questions. Today she is having dialysis at some point but not sure when. She is now on a Tue/Thur/Sat schedule for dialysis. That is certainly something she needs but is also very tiring for her. I am not sure how long she will remain in ICU, but thinking for a couple of days. Doctors said that we should count on a couple of weeks more in the hospital.
Rusty
