June 23: Rehab, here comes Karl ....(again!)

Sunday

Karl did not have the best night's rest and was pretty sore when we got to him today. Tried to slowly ease into the day and help make him comfortable. Still sore from swelling in feet and hands.

On a positive note, we were all happy to see Karl was officially taken off oxygen this morning! He was able to maintain a high enough blood oxygen level on his own so they did away with the cannula. This gave Karl a bit more freedom, as the oxygen was hooked up to the wall. Katie took Karl on a little trip around the cardiac floor in his recliner chair. He was able to really see the different spaces he was in the past few weeks, and just have the chance to get the heck out of that same room! Change of scenery.

No PT today but we had Karl moving around quite a bit. His swelling had gone down some by the afternoon which allowed him to move more comfortably.

We finally received the great news -- news that lifted Karl's spirits immensely -- he would be able to move back to rehab today!  Karl is eager to start working hard to get better and this was what he was waiting for.  We are all so thrilled we see him get out of the main hospital.

Transport came around 6pm to move Karl back to Memorial South. He was settled into his room on the 5th floor and we did some decorating with all the family photos and posters from the grandchildren. After helping Karl get comfortable and making sure the nurses knew his limitations/needs (and we make it CLEAR) it was time to say goodnight. We left seeing Karl in what might have been the best shape he's been in yet.

This whole journey begin ONE MONTH ago today. It does't seem possible that it's been going on this long. Karl has been through so much, and survived so much, that it's finally got to be his time to take steps forward. I know we will all continue to cheer him on while he moves into the next chapter- ready to go!



{If anyone would like our address to send a card- please email me at katie.osterhout14@gmail.com and I will be happy to pass that along}