Karen Status Updates

1/20/10

melanie — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:52:49 +0000

Mom’s been experiencing a lot of high blood pressure readings. Yesterday’s daytime reading was 178/128, and this morning’s reading was 173/113. During both readings, she was medicated to keep her blood pressure *down*, so one can only imagine what her BP would be if she was not medicated.

In addition, her left leg has become severely swollen (again), and we’re not sure why. Possibly drainage from elsewhere in the body, but that’s just a guess.

Keeping both of these matters in prayer would be appreciated.

Normal already?!?

melanie — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:25:04 +0000

Lab results came in today, and Mom is “normal”!!
All stats on liver, blood count, kidneys, etc. etc. measured at levels indicating Mom has recovered to where she would normally be.
(Woo-hoo!!)

Mom & Dad spent a romantic night out at the Mahoney Lodge, followed by a relaxing day shopping & going to the movies.

News like this just makes the day even better.

Short & stupid

melanie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:02:41 +0000

Mom has moved back to her regular bed, and is having many short & “stupid” dreams. They may be stupid, but they are dreams, which means she’sÂ getting some real sleep. (Now she just needs to sleep longer than 1 hour at a time!)

She’s feeling a little bit stronger each day, but still has a long way to go.
We hope to see a full recovery by some time in March.

Progressing in 2010

melanie — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:18:12 +0000

Sorry for the delay in posting updates. I’ve either had writer’s block, or just not able to squeeze an extra 5 minutes to post something.

Mom continues to recover, but remains weak and unable to get any decent amount of sleep. Her appetite is back and she’s starting to experience cravings, but is shy to eat at will, since her body reacts negatively towards certain things.

Her vitals are still monitored several times a day, and for the most part, have been stable and in “good” range.

Did I overdo it?

karen — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:13:02 +0000

Probably, altho I only did what I felt I had the energy to do. When I got home & removed slacks for bedtime (2 a.m.), my left leg was gi-normous again! I hadn’t taken the diuretic so that I wouldn’t have to use those steps to the bathroom, so I’m attributing most of that problem to that. Have already started today’s round.

So, did I wear myself out? Apparently not. I laid in bed ALL nite long, unable to sleep. What is this deal & when will it stop!

Pls. pray for me. No sleep, fat leg, not good.

p.s. Had a GREAT time, in spite of sore throat & losing voice. Thnx Mel!!!

The big day!

melanie — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:16:39 +0000

Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for, to see how Mom handles the “outdoors”!
She tried resting throughout the day to build her strength, but the dog made sure she was unable to accomplish that.

She’s doing well, and is still planning to attend the party at MCC.
(yea!!)

More next year…

The power of prayer

melanie — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:59:18 +0000

Mom was able to eat 2 meals (not just bites) today without any pain!!

Nothing elseÂ new to report. She’s doing well, but not getting much sleep. Her vitals are stable, and her current goal is to gain enough strength toÂ attend the New Year’s Eve party at MCC.
7 days and counting….

Today

melanie — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:58:00 +0000

Rain or freezing rain likely before midnight, then a chance of freezing rain and sleet. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Oh wait….you’re lookin’ for an update on Karen. My bad.

Mom’s doing good, and went a whole day withOUT diuretics, to see if she could regain some strength. She appeared stronger, and said she felt stronger.
However, each time she eats (which is only about 2 bites of something, then she feels “stuffed”) she gets pain which she thinks is indigestion.
Her solution? Don’t eat. Since that isn’t a viable solution, please pray that she can eat without difficulty or pain.

Brrr!

melanie — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:35:16 +0000

Mom’s temperature was 95.2 today!
Supposedly, low temps are ok until they reach below 96 degrees.
So…we bundled her up and cranked up the heating blankets. Doc suspects it could be dehydration, but nothing certain. He adjusted her lasix (diuretic) intake accordingly.

That’s all for now.

The stair master!

melanie — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:58:51 +0000

Yeah, that’s right. Mom did stairs today!! 12 steps total – 6 down, 6 back up! Pretty big milestone, as she has hardly been able to even lift her legs into the car.

The doctor’s visit was quick and uneventful. We arrived, they drew blood, we left.
Results are expected tomorrow.

Mom’s doing well, but still very weak & tired. Continued prayer for strength and sleep are appreciated.