Karen’s Story

Site created on March 6, 2018

Thank you for visiting Karen's caringbridge page.  As you might know she is in the hospital but are left wondering what got her here.   What started out as a possible case of the flu turned out to be a virus that became active in her spinal fluid  and caused a portion of her brain to be inflamed.  She was very confused and having trouble with her short term memory while also experiencing stomach flu symptoms so we took her to the ER.  Thank goodness once she got to the hospital it didn't take the doctors long to figure out she had a severe infection.  She was intubated and sedated to allow her brain to rest and heal.  After 3 days she woke up and all the tubes were removed.  While the inflammation is still there and she will be on intravenous antibiotics for another 2+ weeks, she is slowly starting to recover.  It will be a long process both in the hospital and in a rehabilitation facility once she is released but we are taking it one day at a time and celebrating the small steps including transfering out of the ICU today.  There is an additional concern that she has pneumonia since some fluids ended up in her lungs.  We are hopeful as she starts to move she will be able to clear her lungs.  We will continue to update everyone on her progess through this website and hope you will share your thoughts for our mom.   We will be sure to read her any messages!  Thank you for your support.  - Susan, Mark & Megan

Newest Update

Journal entry by Megan Pfeiler Kostal

So a lot has happened since I last wrote an update.  Near to the last update, Mom had transitioned from the hospital to Meth-wick to continue her recovery and therapies.  Of course she once again surprised everyone at Meth-wick by quickly making progress.  It is evidence to us that there was additional inflammation in her brain but it has continued to diminish at a rapid pace.  The therapists were impressed with the progress she made within in the first week she was there.  As a result we all agreed Mom should do a test run over last weekend by staying in her condo by herself with just check-ins and visits from friends, neighbors and family and then returning to Meth-wick on Sunday night.  By last Tuesday there was no doubt in everyone's mind (family and therapists) that she was ready to return to living independently.  So on Wednesday she packed up and headed HOME.  Mom is thoroughly enjoying being back in her own space especially being closer to where her family and friends live.  One main challenge for her is that she is still unable to drive.  We all feel its safer for her recovery to continue (she will continue to see some of her therapists on an outpatient basis) and then reassess her driving abilities later in May.  While that changes her lifestyle, we are hoping that friends and family will be supportive by helping her with transportation for meetings and activities therefore helping her stay active.  Mom is also learning about the ride share programs around Cedar Rapids.  Its so nice to hear that services like these are available in her community.  Also, if anyone knows of great exercise classes around town or wants to go on regular walks, we would love to hear your opinions/thoughts.  Mom is hoping to keep up the physical activity she has started with the therapists and its always more fun to be with friends!  
 
This is such a crazy journey Mom has been on but we are all so thankful that her recovery has been as so quick and complete, nothing we could have imagined during those first couple days in the hospital.  You never know what is going to happen but you can hope that you have the strength and support to persevere.  Mom clearly has shown us she has both!  Thank you to all of you for checking on her through this website or in person giving not only her but also us, her kids, support.  We truly appreciate it.  
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