Kara enjoys the sunny weather

Lounging in the reclining wheelchair

X-Rays!

Pre-op: Notice that the femur is not only out of the hip socket, but also completely misaligned.

Post-op: Hip back in socket!  Complete with metal plate and 6 screws holding the femur together.

COUNTDOWN

Kara's cast-off date is June 2.  Her orthopedic surgeon examined her today and said things seem to be progressing well.  Kara's non-weight bearing status has been lifted.  We are in the process of tapering her pain medication.

When the cast does come off, Kara will probably be stiff and guarded and won't move much for about two months.  She will start physical therapy to regain range of motion and possibly even her walking ability, though that is far in the future.

ALSO: We got copies of Kara's x-rays, pre and post-operative, and I will scan and post those later.

Her Royal Highness Hath Returned to Her Throne

Kara seems to like her new Lovesac Pillowsac.  It's a giant foam chunk-filled pillow, on a rocking base, that conforms to the shape of Kara in her cast.  She's got a sling for her hoist/lift, chucks in case she has an accident, and a foam boot to prevent pressure ulcers on her heel.  Kara also has a reclining wheelchair and a brand new hospital bed to accommodate her. 

Our family greatly appreciates the excellent care Kara received at Windsor Gardens Rehabilitation Center.  Her wonderful CNA had a hard time saying goodbye!  Everyone always loves Kara.

Homecoming

Kara will be discharged from the SNF tomorrow, which is exactly 4 weeks after her surgery.  She will be coming home.

Kara has her first follow-up appointment with Orthopedics on Thursday.  Hopefully we will get a cast-off date so we can count down.  I also would love to see an x-ray of the metal plate and screws in her femur.

No more hair

More news!

Kara was approved for another week in the SNF.  She still has no roommate, which has been nice.  She had blood drawn today, and her liver enzymes continue to be elevated.  Hopefully this is not indicative of any new or yet undiscovered problem.

Our family brought an Easter picnic to Kara and spent the afternoon in her room.  Kara is very content and loves to play with her musical worm and octopus/sun/spider thing.  Today she even socialized during a "musical event" in the day room.

Tomorrow Kara will be getting a much needed haircut.  When she was in the hospital, she would thrash her head back and forth in pain.  Also, no one could brush her hair because she can't sit up.  As a consequence, Kara's hair is matted into one giant dreadlock.  It has reached a point of no return, and will probably be chopped off, which is particularly unfortunate because she has bald patches.

Finally, we have ordered a hospital bed for Kara's room at home, to hopefully make her discharge as smooth as possible.