What Condition your Condition is In

An overall condition check on Kathy from August 31st through today (Her Sharp Hospital Stay)

Brain Swelling: Recovery has been steady. The doctors have ordered recent CT scans and MRI tests. Her progress seems to be acceptable to her neurologist.

Infection and Blood infection: Kathy is on a 24 hour antibiotic intravenously and will be so until the first week of October. All activity appears to be in recession.

Eating and Nutrition: Still receiving 2500 calories a day intravenously but not eating solid foods. For some reason Kathy cannot pass her swallow test? She needs to pass to move on and begin eating normally and resolve her stomach issues.

Right Side: Kathy is getting strong, especially with her upper body. Her shaking is controllable and her overall control is incrementally improving.

Speech: Can converse normally on the phone but with a weak voice. It is very difficult to get Kathy to communicate when directly in her presence. She uses eyes, facial and hand communication instead of voice to communicate. She did muster out two comical sentences to me yesterday! (Still has that sense of humor) Kathy has acknowledged she feels awkward trying to talk face to face. (The phone for some reason is automatic)

Walking: Kathy is improving slowly but still has a long way to go to come home or use a walker. She has good upper body strength but seems challenged with her legs and feet.

Brain/Emotional functions: Seems at times to be 90% or better understanding but other times seems confused when given choices. Still shows some indifference and lack of attention skills as one’s visit stretches out. Emotionally seems to be in a much improved state of mind this week.

Overall: Most of Kathy’s physical aliments seem under control except her ability to eat solid foods. She is still unable to function normally walking or talking. This could be the direct result of the abscess damage to the brain. I feel she's going to be OK with continued intensive rehabilitation. We are encouraged. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts!!!