For all of you that sent your words of encouragement in this forum and in other ways, I thank you. Its good to know that my best friends are truly those who served in "the system".
Kara wound up in the hospital on Dec 10th. The reason for her admittance was loss of blood. In the trauma center they transfused her with five pints of blood to stabilize her before sending her to the ICU. She could have died because a woman at 5ft tall and 108lbs has only eight pints of blood in their system. She lost 5/8 of her blood supply!!
That night in the ICU they scoped her gastronomic system and found a bleeding ulcer in her duodenum (sp?) and clamped it off. They kept her in the hospital for observation to confirm that there was no evidence of the ulcer bleeding again. She finally got home on Dec 16 and was on a 30 day regimen of 8 prescription medications, home care nursing, and physical therapy. I was chief cook and bottle washer from the start and it continues to this day.
Kara has graduated from bedridden to using a walker to using a cane. She is currently attempting to put the cane aside and walk unassisted. Kara is doing wonderfully though she complains about her loss of energy and stamina. She has been told by medical professionals that to come back from that drastic blood loss will take months. She acknowledges that fact but she's not happy about it.
Thank you again for all the messages of encouragement.
Denny, there's been too much bad news lately, which makes your bride's recovery even more special. Chris and I are very happy for you both and wish Kara a speedy and full recovery!
Thanks for the update on Kara and it is surely good news. Our prayers for her healing, though maybe not yet complete, have been answered. Please give our best to your beautiful wife as we continue our prayerful support for both of you from afar.
Dee
Excellent news Denny. Now hang in tough as she regains her strength. Joan can attest to the difficulties ahead since she scrub-a-dubbed for me for 6 months after my first heart issue and another year after radiation and chemo for the cancer. It takes far more time to fully recover than to go down with a serious illness. Take care of yourself too pardner! Great news!
Denny,
Rick says a lot about how much the caregiver saves you mentally while your body heals. Some times we the patient are not so cooperative. Your in charge for now, and all decisions you make now are for Cara's best interest. Hang in there.
Chuck
Kathy and I are happy to hear you are on the mend and making slow but steady progress towards a full recovery. You are a lovely lady and we enjoy chatting with you - especially about Bermuda. Oh, if he gets to be too much of a pain in the rear please let me know. I'd be happy to get Denny out of the house for a couple of hours to give you a break one afternoon. Were not that far away.
Good news indeed. Kara, Denny and a few close friends of ours (from our hunt club)often share an evening out at the local Corapeake Inn. We are looking forward to seeing her join us again “soon”. - Ed