Kim survives a brush with Necrotizing Fasciitis that started on March 22!
UPDATE:
6/11/07 - Kim and Bill hosted their weekend trials. Thankfully many people helped behind the scenes to be able to pull this event off. It was a long tiring weekend. Kim was mostly using her walker and/or wheelchair. She was unable to judge and had others cover her assignment.
6/2/07 - Kim gave a half day Rally seminar for a group in the Albany area. Bill was there to assist and Kim did 90% of the seminar from a wheelchair. It was very tiring and again nearly one week to recover from the exertion.
5/26/07 - Kim and Bill are scheduled to judge Rally in Rhode Island. Kim has been walking and working towards building endurance. Luckily for Kim the entry was rather small and was given many breaks. Judging went well, considering, though it took about a week to recover from the weekend.
5/13/07 - Kim was able to sit at the Hurley Vet Hospital's open house for a few hours. She is walking with the help of a walker and sometimes uses a wheelchair. She is currently taking blood thinners due to the clotting earlier in the month. Kim should be on them for one year.
5/3/07 - Kim went back to the hospital due to breathing difficulties. After being evaluated in the ER it was determined that she had a blood clot in her lung and several in her legs. This was due to the oversight that she would be so immobilized while at home. Another week was spent in the hospital.
4/30/07 - Kim has been home for 2 weeks. Her medical team had wanted her in a rehab/nursing facility for this time but due to her insurance there were no beds available 'in network'. We all feel it has been better for her to be home though it has required Bill to step up and be her 24 hour nursing care. This has kept Bill from being able to work full time, for now his employer has been fine with his nearly part time hours - we are hoping that Bill can be back to work full time shortly.
Kim is recovering quicker than her medical team had anticipated. The time lines of complete recovery changed each time we see a doctor. The greatest change was it will be more like 2-4 months for full recovery rather than 6-8 months! That not only shocked Kim but it was a relief as well.
Kim has a 'wound vac' - a machine that is connected by plastic tubing that is seated in the wound to provide drainage to allow for proper healing. The initial estimate was that she would have this machine assisting her for 2-3 months after her release from the hospital. This requires skilled nursing visits from a home health company on Monday. Wednesday, and Friday's for dressing changes. Additionally, Kim is to see the wound specialist in the hospital for 3 - 4 changes throughout the process so she may assess the healing progress adjust the instructions for the nurses caring for Kim at home. As of Kim's last visit with the wound specialist it was suggested that the wound vac may only be needed for another 3 weeks rather than 2-3 months! This is great news!!!
Kim is moving around the house without the use of her walker but is still using it or the wheelchair for doctor's appointments. She is able to stand and walk a bit longer each day without dizziness. Though after 4 weeks in bed she has little muscle tone left and very little stamina. She is interacting with the dogs more and working on training her puppy. There was a short period of time where she became afraid of the dogs being near her. The concern was from Cloud accidentally dislodging the drainage hose when he jumped up to join her on the couch. She was also worried that her pup would find it to be a chew toy - as did happen once with no damage. Mostly the dogs get tangled in the hose and electric cord when the are playing. This has been the toughest part of being home. She can be with her dogs but is afraid they will complicate things.
Though Kim is still on heavy doses of pain medication, the pain is finally being managed by the meds she is taking. Kim will begin to lower the doses this week. Since Kim is feeling better she is getting BORED. Some friends have loaned her dog training DVD's to watch and she is going to play a bit with the Treat N Train she bought last year - still in the box.....
Kim has only been on front of the computer a few times - she is not up to working there yet. She has started working on the June trials as they are fast approaching and the entries should be closing soon for time to order ribbons. We NEED to get this trial entries open! The judges are in place, sanctions have been applied for, and the websites are mostly updated. There is a bit more work to do on the premiums and the CDSP website but as soon as we hear go from the offices the shows will be open. Update 5/1/07 TRIALS ARE SANCTIONED and OPEN!
4/20/07Kim is home as of April 14th. There were NO rehab facilities available within their insurance so convalescence is happening at home with skilled nursing and lots of help from friends and family. Bill is providing 24 hour care for Kim. She needs a walker to get around and assistance with everything.
All prayers are appreciated. Anyone wanting a puppy fix is welcome to come entertain Keeva for a while.
4/4/07 - Kim has been in Benedictine Hospital since March 28. She had emergency surgery and is likely to be hospitalized for up to two months for rehabilitation.
Most classes will resume the week of April 15 with guest instructors. Kim will resume teaching as soon as possible.
A relief fund has been set up to help support Kim and Bill's k9Crazy Play
Skool during this crisis. Interested parties may join the following yahoo
group for more information about the relief fund:
http://groups.
Kim is often heavily medicated and may have trouble interesting conversations with you. Please be patient. Visitors are welcome. Please call at 845.247.8875 before visiting to be sure we are not at a doctor's appointment.
Thank you all for sending your love and prayers. She greatly appreciates it. She will be up and at 'em in no time.
The June trials are still on as scheduled. Assistance pulling the show together will be needed as Kim usually did all admin prep. herself prior to the show date.
Any financial assistance will be greatly appreciated to help keep the skool open and pay for medical expenses. We are also looking at home renovations for her subsequent home health care.
Anyone interested in putting on a workshop or teaching classes please let us know, we provide you space as available.