Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
On December 18, Paula underwent surgery to repair an abdominal aorta aneurysm. This surgery was a planned surgery and should have involved an overnight stay in the hospital.
Two complications developed after the surgery. One complication being compartment syndrome in Paula’s lower legs. The compartment syndrome is a known syndrome, but an uncommon result of an abdominal aorta aneurysm repair. A muscle fasciotomy was performed by making two six inch incisions on both sides of the calves, on both legs. The incisions were made to accommodate muscle swelling in order to prevent tissue damage.
The second complication is spinal ischemia and is extremely rare. Because of the damage to the spinal cord Paula does not have motor capacity below her hips. However, she does have feeling in her legs and good circulation.
Paula will be at the Sanford Medical Center for another two weeks and will be moved to a rehabilitation center that specializes in spinal cord injuries.
While Paula is recovering we ask that you limit phone calls and text messages to her personal phone. As much as she welcomes all the love, prayers and support she also needs to rest as much as possible. Please feel free to leave any messages, words of encouragement and prayers on this site. That way she can read them when she is able. We will update the site with any new information as we receive it. Thank you so much for loving Paula as much as we all do!
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
