Bright and early this morning Karl went in for in for a Cardio/Nuclear Stress Test. This was ordered by his cardiologist to see if his heart and body are ready for exercise at cardio rehab.
The cardiac stress test is done with heart stimulation, either by exercise or with intravenous pharmacological stimulation, with the patient connected to an electrocardiogram (or ECG). Karl is going the IV route, along with having "myocardial perfusion imaging." A radiotracer is injected during the test. After a suitable waiting period to ensure proper distribution of the radiotracer, photos are taken with a gamma camera to capture images of the blood flow. Photos taken before and after exercise are examined to assess the state of the coronary arteries of the patient. By reviewing the amounts of radioisotope within the heart muscle, the test identify regional areas of reduced blood flow, if any.
On another note, Karl had a nice visit with his brothers the past week, and they have been helpful with projects like cutting hedges, plumbing, errands, allowing Penny to take some time out with the girls and just surrounding Karl with love. Keith will still be in town for another few days. Karl continues to walk without his walker and is ready to get moving with more therapy. He has enjoyed all the cards, calls and visits from friends. Thanks to everyone for the continued support!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
July 21: Strong Steps
The first part of this post is for you, the readers- Karl's family and friends- and also the friends of his family and friends. I am still hearing many of your stories about following the journey here on the blog. Even from those who have never met Karl but have a close relationship with someone in his life. His story is one that makes you stop and think. Think about your life, your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents...makes you think about how you are living your life and what really matters. Thank you all for being a part of this with our family. Just by following along and wishing for the best, you helped, and hopefully Karl's story has caused to you hold a loved one just a little closer.
Now that Karl is home and getting back to a more normal life, many of you have been able to visit or at least speak with him on the phone. It's wonderful to see these connections once again. The love and support that poured over Karl while he was in the hospital can now truly be appreciated by him.
This post also comes with a report of one more milestone. Today Karl went "walker free." He made the choice this morning that the walker was more in the way than anything, and moved about the house and backyard all on his own! He even got on the grill for the first time. Karl moved very well, said he felt good and seemed to be quite stable. It was hard to believe just weeks ago he was still struggling to stand. Imagine where he will be in a month! Way to go!
More great news is that Kenton and Keith have made the trip from Kansas City and Wichita to visit their big bro. You can just see how happy he is to have them here. The next 2 weeks will be a special time for all of them.
Karl will soon begin Cardio-rehab at the Memorial Hospital Gym, 3 times a week. This is monitored exercise and education on how to get slowly and safely back into a work-out routine. He look forward to seeing what the program will offer.
Now that Karl is home and getting back to a more normal life, many of you have been able to visit or at least speak with him on the phone. It's wonderful to see these connections once again. The love and support that poured over Karl while he was in the hospital can now truly be appreciated by him.
This post also comes with a report of one more milestone. Today Karl went "walker free." He made the choice this morning that the walker was more in the way than anything, and moved about the house and backyard all on his own! He even got on the grill for the first time. Karl moved very well, said he felt good and seemed to be quite stable. It was hard to believe just weeks ago he was still struggling to stand. Imagine where he will be in a month! Way to go!
More great news is that Kenton and Keith have made the trip from Kansas City and Wichita to visit their big bro. You can just see how happy he is to have them here. The next 2 weeks will be a special time for all of them.
Karl will soon begin Cardio-rehab at the Memorial Hospital Gym, 3 times a week. This is monitored exercise and education on how to get slowly and safely back into a work-out routine. He look forward to seeing what the program will offer.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
July 14: Enjoying Life at Home
Karl has been home for almost a week now and he couldn't be happier! It didn't take long to get settled back in and enjoy the comforts of home. Karl says he loves sleeping in his bed and having his wife right next to him once again. He feels like he was never gone.
The past week was filled with appointments, scheduling home health visits and working out the new routine. Penny and Karl are focused on resting, eating healthy and spending time together. We have to remember that although life is somewhat "back to normal," our guy has months of healing still ahead.
Karl's family in the mid-west will be headed down to visit over the summer so we have something wonderful to look forward to!
Even though several days have passed - we are just as grateful to have Karl back home as we were the day he was discharged. Happy 6th day home, Dad. We love you!
The past week was filled with appointments, scheduling home health visits and working out the new routine. Penny and Karl are focused on resting, eating healthy and spending time together. We have to remember that although life is somewhat "back to normal," our guy has months of healing still ahead.
Karl's family in the mid-west will be headed down to visit over the summer so we have something wonderful to look forward to!
Even though several days have passed - we are just as grateful to have Karl back home as we were the day he was discharged. Happy 6th day home, Dad. We love you!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
July 9th: HOME SWEET HOME!
We have celebrated many small victories together over the past 6 weeks - and now we can celebrate one BIG one. Today, Karl was discharged from the hospital! Hooray! This is a very momentous day.
The journey has certainly not come to an end, but the tale of being stuck in a room with constant interruption, new faces, no privacy and few comforts is over. Karl is now home and will continue the recovery process in a world with more comfort and convenience.
Penny brought home the love of her life to once again join her in their day to day routine. To say they will treasure the coming days together is an understatement. Karl's children and family are beside themselves with happiness and relief. We are so blessed to have more time with the wonderful man we all love so dearly.
The journey has certainly not come to an end, but the tale of being stuck in a room with constant interruption, new faces, no privacy and few comforts is over. Karl is now home and will continue the recovery process in a world with more comfort and convenience.
Penny brought home the love of her life to once again join her in their day to day routine. To say they will treasure the coming days together is an understatement. Karl's children and family are beside themselves with happiness and relief. We are so blessed to have more time with the wonderful man we all love so dearly.
Monday, July 8, 2013
July 5th and 6th: Another Visit to the Castle
Friday was business as usual with the therapy team. Karl worked with each therapist on different aspects of the mind and body. It's fascinating to see them interact. They love working with Karl and he appreciates all their efforts.
We begged the doctor to give us another day at home with Karl and our wish was granted. This time we had approx 11:30am - 8:00pm on Saturday. During this visit home Karl, was able to be in his home office and check up on what he had been missing. He was able to feel like things were going to be normal again. He even got on the computer for a few minutes!
We had a contractor come by and make parts of the house more stable and safe for Karl. Tightening up the railings and adding grab bars in the shower. Karl was able to slowly go up and down the stairs to give his input! He is still using the walker, but moving around fairly well. It's only a matter of time before his legs get stronger and his movements become more fluid. He's doing incredible so far. A day away from the therapy gym but Karl was still getting in lots of exercise!
Our family was able to share another meal together, and enjoyed some delicious food from dear friends and neighbors. :)
Another long and busy day took a lot out of Karl. We were reminded that the healing process needs to be filled with rest. We are so excited to get our guy back and have our normal lives again, but the #1 focus will be taking it easy. In time we can do more and more, but for now, slow and steady is the way.
We begged the doctor to give us another day at home with Karl and our wish was granted. This time we had approx 11:30am - 8:00pm on Saturday. During this visit home Karl, was able to be in his home office and check up on what he had been missing. He was able to feel like things were going to be normal again. He even got on the computer for a few minutes!
We had a contractor come by and make parts of the house more stable and safe for Karl. Tightening up the railings and adding grab bars in the shower. Karl was able to slowly go up and down the stairs to give his input! He is still using the walker, but moving around fairly well. It's only a matter of time before his legs get stronger and his movements become more fluid. He's doing incredible so far. A day away from the therapy gym but Karl was still getting in lots of exercise!
Our family was able to share another meal together, and enjoyed some delicious food from dear friends and neighbors. :)
Another long and busy day took a lot out of Karl. We were reminded that the healing process needs to be filled with rest. We are so excited to get our guy back and have our normal lives again, but the #1 focus will be taking it easy. In time we can do more and more, but for now, slow and steady is the way.
July 4th: What a Celebration We Had!!!
This year we had an extra special July 4th celebration! We got to celebrate our family all being together in our home.
The doctor allowed us a short day pass to bring Karl home to Tyler Street from approx. 3pm - 9pm. We almost didn't get to go due to having difficulty stopping a small cut form bleeding. The blood thinners Karl is on make clotting a challenge (which is good inside, but not outside the body,) so we were delayed a bit. So happy when we got the clot and clearance to bust him out!
Penny had prepared a special heart healthy meal for us all to share and we spent the evening talking, laughing and taking in this special moment we had been waiting 6 weeks for. Karl has not been home since May 26th. He relaxed on the couch and loved every minute of being in his house again. As you can imagine, the evening was very emotional.
The day took a lot out of Karl and we got him back to the quiet of his little room at Memorial South around 9pm. He got a good night's sleep- and a taste of what life will be like when he's back.
On behalf of Karl, I want to thank all of you who sent emails, videos, pictures and stories to share with Karl. The video was awesome. We all laughed and cried together- there was no doubt Karl felt the love. And he appreciated it so very, very much.
The doctor allowed us a short day pass to bring Karl home to Tyler Street from approx. 3pm - 9pm. We almost didn't get to go due to having difficulty stopping a small cut form bleeding. The blood thinners Karl is on make clotting a challenge (which is good inside, but not outside the body,) so we were delayed a bit. So happy when we got the clot and clearance to bust him out!
Penny had prepared a special heart healthy meal for us all to share and we spent the evening talking, laughing and taking in this special moment we had been waiting 6 weeks for. Karl has not been home since May 26th. He relaxed on the couch and loved every minute of being in his house again. As you can imagine, the evening was very emotional.
The day took a lot out of Karl and we got him back to the quiet of his little room at Memorial South around 9pm. He got a good night's sleep- and a taste of what life will be like when he's back.
On behalf of Karl, I want to thank all of you who sent emails, videos, pictures and stories to share with Karl. The video was awesome. We all laughed and cried together- there was no doubt Karl felt the love. And he appreciated it so very, very much.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
July 2: A Great Report from the Doctors
Each Tuesday the medical staff meets with rehab patients to review progress, answer questions and set goals. Today's meeting was a good one.
Karl has already exceeded the team's expectations and impressed the doctor "who is never wrong on his predictions." The physical therapist mentioned she has had to change her plan for Karl 2 times already because he is doing so well. I guess they are all finally realizing what we already knew about sweet Karl- he is EXCEPTIONAL! And he gives 100% to anything important in his life. Go Karl!!!!
Due to his improvements and his current state, Karl was given a "day pass," as they call them, to come HOME for a few hours on July 4th and be with his family. Oh boy were we happy to hear this!! And you can bet this made Karl's day. He was overwhelmed with happiness to have a chance to spend some time in his own house. Right now, it's little things like this that really matter and help you move forward.
There is a good possibility that Karl will be going home for good in less than 2 weeks. Everything will be determined in time. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves but this is so encouraging and another piece of hope and motivation for or awesome Karl. :)
Karl has already exceeded the team's expectations and impressed the doctor "who is never wrong on his predictions." The physical therapist mentioned she has had to change her plan for Karl 2 times already because he is doing so well. I guess they are all finally realizing what we already knew about sweet Karl- he is EXCEPTIONAL! And he gives 100% to anything important in his life. Go Karl!!!!
Due to his improvements and his current state, Karl was given a "day pass," as they call them, to come HOME for a few hours on July 4th and be with his family. Oh boy were we happy to hear this!! And you can bet this made Karl's day. He was overwhelmed with happiness to have a chance to spend some time in his own house. Right now, it's little things like this that really matter and help you move forward.
There is a good possibility that Karl will be going home for good in less than 2 weeks. Everything will be determined in time. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves but this is so encouraging and another piece of hope and motivation for or awesome Karl. :)
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