June 22: Healing is a process

Saturday was another day to heal.

Karl has been battling edema the past day or so- especially in the left hand/arm. To try and find answers, a sonogram was done late Friday night to look at the veins in his arms, neck and shoulders. We received news on Saturday that there was a small blot clot in a vein on the left side. Fortunately this clot is in the veinous system, not the arterial system, so it does not pose a threat of moving into his brain. Doctors didn't feel the need to remove with surgery and the clot will be treated with blood thinners.

The physical therapy team noticed more improvement in Karl's leg strength and his ability to balance when sitting in a chair or edge of a bed. This makes moving from bed less strenuous and therefore giving Karl more opportunities to not be lying down. He is also getting closer to standing on his own. Arm therapy was limited due to the swelling and clot. The PT team that has been working with Karl during his (2) stays at Memorial is phenomenal. They have been gentle yet thorough and given Karl much encouragement. He has expressed his gratitude towards this team time and time again- it's really nice to these people feel appreciated and then hear them say this is why they do what they do.

The PICC line (aka peripherally inserted central catheter,) which is a long, slender, flexible tube that is inserted into a vein in the upper arm, was remove Saturday night. This line had been in place since the 1st surgery and served as a more direct IV connection to heart for medication, sedation, drawing blood and any other emergency needs. It was not being used daily (like it was in the past,) and they wanted to get rid of anything that might interfere with dissolving of the clot. With this gone, we now have one less thing in the way of Karl's comfort!

Overall, Karl seems to be a bit more himself. He is ready to get OUT of the hospital and work on being able to do things on his own. The healthier his mind becomes, the more frustrating his physical condition will be. But our guy has the right attitude and a lot to work hard for.

Our hopes are to see less swelling tomorrow and get word on moving to rehab....