Karen's Blog

Initial Email from Jill

Hello all -

I just received an update on Karen's condition from her Mom. Karen's been moved to the neuro ICU at Fairfax hospital where she's still on a ventilator and heavily sedated (she fights the ventilator when sedation wears off) and still being stabilized. The doctors tried to shut off the aneurysm with some procedure called a coil, but apparently the aneurysm Karen had was quite small and this didn't work. Karen also has mild aspiration pneumonia - probably by inhaling debris or vomit when she fell - so that's being drained.

Possible next steps include a drain to lessen any potenial pressure on her brain and, possible surgery. Karen's Mom said doctors are being conservative about this and she may not need the surgery - they'll know in another day or two, I think.

So - until we find out more, and until the Rassmussen's say it's ok, I wouldn't recommend hospital visits - I think at this point it puts more pressure on them. They were at the hospital until 11:00 p.m. and haven't yet called all of their friends and family. Plus, it looks like Karen's going to be there for some time - perhaps two weeks or more.
Since Paul was traveling this weekend I haven't talked to him - maybe tomorrow or Wed. I'll call him.

For me - I'm just going to choose to be optimistic about this. Karen is young and very fit and that can only work in her favor and help with her recovery. Needless to say, I'm sending all my positive thoughts her way.

posted by Karen's Blog @ Wednesday, March 29, 2006