Karen's Blog

Paul's Update: April 4th at 8:30pm

Today was a rather interesting one. Without going too much into detail I will fill you in on the most important details. The Doctors are preparing to take Karen off the ventilator. They feel it is an important step in her recovery, but want to make sure they do it at the appropriate time. I would expect that this could happen rather soon.

Part of this process has been both to periodically turn the respirator off, so she breaths on her own for several hours at a time. This is partially to build up her stamina. They are rather pleased with her pulmonary progress, and attribute it to her physical condition. All that running does pay off. Another part of the process is to reduce her sedative to see how she reacts.

This morning, I was there when the were reducing her sedative. I am convinced now that Karen knew that I was there. I also believe that she sensed something was wrong, because she appeared rather worried about her situation. It seemed as though she calmed down a little when I spoke to her and told her that everything was going to be ok. However, I think her frustration was in part due to that fact that she could not respond. These are all good things of course, but we just don't know the extent of her capacities, and won't know for a while.

For those of you who have sent cards, they are all being taped to the door leading in to Karen's room for all to see. Thanks so much for sending them.

posted by Karen's Blog @ Wednesday, April 05, 2006