8 days since Karen had her stroke…
So, yesterday they did a tracheostomy on her so they could remove the tube from her throat which was causing her all sorts of agitation when they tried to wake her up. Then they reduced the sedation and she came round slowly, eyes very unfocused, but certainly aware of sounds and direction from which they came.
Doctors not saying much and in fairness to them, I think it’s still very early to start reading too much into how Karen reacts. I’m sure shes very dazed and confused and even when waking ‘normally’ it is going to take a while for her to be aware of what’s going on around her and regain her focus. I hope the doctors don’t expect too much, too soon and give me negative vibes.. I hope.
Her colour is better, her face is ‘normal’ and she is coughing very well (Apparently that’s a good sign?) although the doctor thinks she won’t be able to swallow? Her raised temperature and chest infection vanished overnight.
Taking a break today as I have things and people to catch up with. I think I’ve forgotten that life continues outside hospital and I have things I must do simply to keep my head above water. And the cat reminds me (at 1.00am) that she has needs as well.
I hope it’s okay to blog like this on here? I just don’t know where else to try and get answers and collate my thoughts.
Take care everyone
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Blog away we’re here 
. It’s always nice to get updates on things and how others are. It keeps us all going 
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Karen will be fine and so will you 
One of the many reasons why this forum exists.
Wishing you, Karen and the cat all the best.
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By all means carry on blogging here, we are here for you as well as your partner. This is a very good coping mechanism for you, it helps rationalise and provides some order in your head. It’s good counselling for you, and it’s a diary for your partner to show her how far she’s come when she’sready. Its good for looking back on, on those down days as this is a bit of a rollercoaster ride. And it keeps us updated too
You are doing so well keeping it all together. And she is getting stronger every day that she’s survived. You can’t do much for her while she’s in hospital in her current condition. Your biggest help to her is to keep yourself healthy and strong, and keep your life in order for when she comes back to you. You’re stronger than you think and you just being here demonstrates that 
Lorraine
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That does sound like really positive news. You’re right that it’s very early days and nobody should expect too much too quickly. I’m not medically trained but I guess the reason coughing is a good sign may be that she’s less likely to get a chest infection if she can clear her throat. Possibly it is also using some of same throat muscles as for eating and speaking, so if they are functioning well this puts her in a better position to get the other abilities back in the future. Wishing all the best to you both.
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Thanks for sharing the update and it sounds like things are heading in the right direction. It is still very early days as you say and too early to tell how things will progress.
Good to hear you are having a day away from the hospital. Life does go on and things have to be done at home too.
Use the time she is in hospital to build up your strength. You will need it. The hospital would soon be in touch if they needed you.
Best wishes
Ann
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