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View Full Version : UPDATE ON KAREN - Sunday


JeanetteSki
07-27-2003, 03:47 PM
Hi Ladies! graemlins/wave.gif Just wanted to report in, for those of you who are interested, on Karen.

I did go down to see her today, even though many of you said I should take a break. Really, thank you all so much for thinking of me, but I'm ok -- really. I need to go and see her on the weekends so I don't have to take so much time off of work, even though we're not that busy, they just want me there. It's soooo frustrating.

Anyway, enough of that. She's actually doing better I think. Her attitude was better and she drank one of those little 1/2 cups of juice that they give in the hospital. I asked her to please just drink it to please everyone else, and she did. She drank it right down, but would not touch anything else. So I know she can do it! The nurse was quite surprised also. But she refused the boullion and whatever else was on the tray. All of her machines are now off. She only on a saline drip. Her morphine drip has been stopped, the blood thinner, and all antibiotics. She's practically breathing on her own, and she sits up fairly well. Her chest tubes are bothering her, and I asked about when they would be removed because I know they can be buggers. Nurse said probably on Monday, so that's good news too.

She did say she was in quite a bit of pain today, but I figured probably so since the morphine drip has been discontinued and now she gets an injection only every 2 hours. So now she's expriencing a little more pain. But all in all, she seemed to be in a better overall mood today. Here's hoping!! But I still think she will need some help getting over the depression thing. I know she has always worried more than I have about things. She doesn't seem to know how to turn things off like I can sometimes do. I just don't see the good in it, and worring about it isn't going to make it any better!! But there are some things I still worry about. ;)

Anyway, my report today seems to be a little bit better, for which I am thankful. Now I won't be able to get back down there until Wednesday/Thursday (I think). So, there won't be anymore reports till then.

I hope I'm not boring anyone by coming here and reporting on her. I feel like soon I'll be having my own thread on her!! You all have been so kind and thoughtful towards both of us!! I just want to say thank you one more time. graemlins/kiss.gif

Greenbrier
07-27-2003, 05:22 PM
Thanks for the update. The first thing I did when I got home this evening was to check to see if there was any news about her. I am so glad she is doing better. I know that the trama of surgery and all that pain medication often leaves patients with depression. Hang in there... both of you.

kap
07-27-2003, 06:26 PM
Jeanette, I am so happy for you that your visit with Karen was better today..This all takes time and I really do understand you wanting to be in touch with her as much as possible..but time for you is very important ..and you most certainly are not boring anyone ...I really want to know what is happening and what the progress is on Karen ...She is a very important part of BCB and it is wonderful of you to keep us all up to date..Now you take the next few days to do for YOU..Love and Hugs Jeanette...Kathy

JACOB'S NANA
07-27-2003, 06:47 PM
Jeanette.......thanks for the report on Karen. Of course we want to know about her..I was just telling my walking buddy about her last night, and I wondered if she was doing better..I felt like it was just part of the process of recovering from such a trauma...She will be okay, and it's great to hear you in a better mood also..don't ever think you bore us with these updates...I for one, look forward to hearing from you and Karen..you take care and tell Karen I said hello and that I am so glad she is doing better...we are waiting for her to get back to Bootcamp!!...hugs..Norma

CarlaKay
07-28-2003, 03:28 AM
Jeanette,
Please don't stop updating us on Karen. I don't always respond, but I always come here looking for the update. I am thrilled that her attitude was better today. Please give her our love. Relax these next few days and hopefully you both will be chipper on Wednesday when you go back.
Love and prayers,

CathyJ
07-28-2003, 05:14 AM
I'm glad Karen is doing better. I hope by the next time you get to Chicago to see her she'll be much improved.

Please do keep posting about Karen. We care!

Hugs,
Cathy

cheree
07-28-2003, 04:48 PM
I'm fairly new to this group, but I have been reading the messages about Karen every time there is an update. I appreciate that you take the time to let everyone know how she is doing. She is so lucky to have you in her life and to be so supportive. Thanks for the updates and I will keep Karen and you in my thoughts.

I liked the idea that someone mentioned about getting some humor into her life some how! Is she able to read books where she's at? Would a good light hearted book help to cheer her up?

Best wishes
Cheree

Greenbrier
07-28-2003, 04:56 PM
Another thought... I know that Aunt Lou has had different medical conditions, but her change in personality has been the hardest thing for me to handle. I just keep telling myself that her behavior is part of her medical problem and that I must just love her through it... she has as little control over her "attitude" sometimes as she does her paralysis. But, I am identifying with you and feel what you are talking about... sometimes I just want to shake Aunt Lou and say, "Don't you know how lucky you are?"... but right now she is just so egocentric and so much hooked to the here and now that she just doesn't see thing the same way the rest of us do. Hopefully, as time goes on she will improve more and more. I am just identifying with you at this point.

Shican
07-29-2003, 07:05 AM
Hi; Haven't been here for a while but I always look for your update on Karen. Glad to hear things are continuing to improve!