March 31, 2007 at 11:45 p.m.:  Karin seemed a little more tired and challenged today to do the weaning exercises for as long a time.  A little bit of nausea cut short her first attempt to wean this morning.  But after it was treated they got her into a chair and she used the trach mask for about 6-1/2 hours today.  It was a tough run for Karin and she struggled to last that long.  She is off the Prisma dialysis machine.  Her numbers look good.  When she is transferred from the bed to the chair they are encouraging her to put some weight on her feet and to begin strengthening those muscles which have not been used for awhile.  Brandon's mother and his sister, Kelli, came to Pittsburgh to visit this weekend.  Jack & Kathy came by also and  their son, John, came to visit with his three kids.  Karin's aunt & uncle Bobby & Marilyn visited also along with three of their children and a grand-daughter.  So it was a real busy day for Karin. Please pray that Karin's kidneys will increase in doing their function.

March 30, 2007 at 7:11 p.m.:  Praise God! Karin's father, Tim, writes: “ I think today is going to be another 2-steps-ahead day!  Karin was sitting up in the chair for about six hours today and is still going strong with the trach mask (March 29 report describes the trach mask) as I write this.  Some 9-1/2 hours already today!  When we left her room at 6:30 p.m. I asked her nurse if he would let her keep going with the trach mask. He said they would give her a rest tonight and start again tomorrow, but I suspect she will keep going for a while yet this evening.  This is GREAT!   We got to talk to Dr. Murray (Critical Care physician) this afternoon and he is pleased with the way Karin is progressing.  He made it a point to stress again that she is working harder than anyone else in the room right now.  Meaning that, her breathing with the trach mask is no easy task for what she has been through.  Again, we all take our health for granted sometimes, but now I find myself taking a deep breath every once in a while and realizing what muscles I am using in the process and know that this really has to be hard work for her!  She continues to be such an inspiration to many of us, I know!   Dr. Murray also said that when the filter on the Prisma machine (dialysis device) needs changed again, which I suspect will be some time this evening, that they will probably leave it off for a while and give her a break from that.  From a psychological standpoint she may feel better with fewer things attached to her all the time.
      I won't be disappointed if when we go back in to see her at 8:30 p.m. if she is back on the ventilator, but I won't be surprised either if she is still using the trach mask! She is determined to give this her very best effort!"
     Added at 9:30 p.m.: Karin did 10-1/2 hours on the trach mask and the night nurse said her numbers were still looking good but decided to give her a break so she could get an early start again in the morning. Also the Prisma dialysis machine is still working, but when the filter needs changed they are going to quit that for good. They will then implement a schedule for regular hemo-dialysis a couple days a week. This is all very encouraging.

March 29, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.: "30 days hath September, April, June and Karin Bordner on her new heart and lungs!"   Karin jumped one more hurdle today with her first trach mask trial. When Tim and Linda saw her at 10:30 a.m. she had been disconnected completely from the ventilator and breathing through a trach mask for five hours. This is the second step of several in transitioning further off the ventilator and toward the goal of breathing entirely on her own. Up to this point, when Karin has been breathing on her own, the ventilator is connected but turned off and there is a direct supply of forced air to provide a slight continuous positive air pressure to her airway (CPAP). The trach mask is different because it does not provide the positive air pressure – only oxygen is available through the mask as Karin's breathing demands it. So this requires a bit more effort for Karin than the way she has been breathing when previously off the ventilator. Karin spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon sitting up in the chair. When visiting time was over at 2 p.m. and Tim & Linda had to leave her room, the nurse was planning to put Karin back into bed.
     Aside from doing such a great job on this breathing trial today, Karin enjoyed visits from several very special friends. Christina and her mother Linda came from Lewistown, PA, to cheer her up. Christina and Karin have been the best of friends for so long they claim each other's mother as “second moms.”  Perhaps her youngest visitor to date also stopped by today. Myra, another life-long friend of Karin's who now lives in Pittsburgh, stopped by with her two children. Myra delivered her second child on the day Karin got her new heart and lungs, so they share a kind of new-birth-day in a special way! Karin's spirits were boosted by the company of her very special girl friends and Myra's youngsters.
     Tim reported at 9:30 p.m. that Karin was somewhat nauseated today and intended to attempt another trach mask test this evening but wasn't feeling up to it. Her numbers still look good and hopefully she will be feeling better tomorrow. They did give her something for the nausea. As always, we thank you for your prayers for the two “Special K's” and the families of the donors. (P.S.: Hope you enjoy the new pictures in the gallery.)

March 28, 2007 at 10:00 p.m.: Karin had a very good day today. She had been breathing on her own for eight hours and 15 minutes; that’s more than twice the duration she achieved yesterday! The only reason she did not go longer was because her “respirator man” was going off his shift so he had to put her back on the ventilator before he left work. As far as sitting up in a chair today, Karin was out of bed for eleven hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.! She has been pretty awake and alert the entire time. Brandon and Tim & Linda spoke with Karin’s critical care doctor, Dr. Murray, this afternoon. He said that he could see no signs of organ rejection and that Karin’s vital numbers were good. He also cautioned not to be surprised that for every couple of steps forward Karin could take a step backward now and then – that’s not uncommon in transplant recovery. He said she looks and functions better than the images of her lungs would indicate, but that her X-rays are showing gradual improvement. Basically, Dr. Murray said the timeline at this point was totally up to how quickly Karin’s body is able to let her wean off the ventilator. It has been such a blessing to have spent the past few days here in Pittsburgh with Karin and to see her winning smile, her courage, determination, faith and perseverance; and to see Brandon faithfully at her side as her advocate, “coach,” and number-1 fan.
     In yesterday’s update I reported that we prayed with the parents of a young man named Jeffery whose condition did not look promising. We learned when we arrived this morning he did not make it. Please remember his parents and family in their hour of loss, and as always, remember the two “Special K’s” and the families of the donors in your prayers. (Submitted by Karin's Webmaster).

March 27, 2007 at 11:59 p.m.: (Submitted by Karin's Webmaster): Today marked four weeks since the transplant and it was a terrific day for Karin overall. She was up and seated in a chair around 8:30 a.m., well before visiting hours started at 10:30 . She had been off the ventilator for an hour by the time we arrived, and indicated pretty clearly she had had enough of breathing on her own and was ready to have the ventilator restarted. But the Pulmonary Therapist supervising her told Karin that she was doing incredibly well, her “numbers” were simply awesome (like a fully saturated 100% oxygen level while breathing on her own), and that he wanted her to extend the time off the ventilator longer. Folks, this is hard work for Karin. She was perspiring and flushed and exhausted, but the therapist encouraged her and said he wanted her to shoot for “four hours off the ventilator!!” If you could have seen the look on Karin's face! But he promised Karin he would not let anything or anyone hurt her, and she was doing much too well to quit now. She made him “pinky-swear” he would not make her go past the four hours. So Brandon and Aunt Rosemarie made cold compresses and placed them on Karin's neck and brow, and even on her back. Brandon stood beside his bride and fanned her with a sheet of paper while coaching her through another three hours of breathing on her own to make it through the full four hour long endurance run (pictures will be posted in a day or so). When the “wean test” hit the four hour mark, Karin was eager to return to bed, however the therapist said it would be better for her to remain upright in the chair a little longer. In total, Karin was in the chair for six straight hours today, so she slept very soundly during her well-deserved afternoon nap. This gal has some real spunk and determination, folks!
     Please allow me to share a few of my few personal impressions as a new arrival on the scene. This place is a hubbub of activity with 18 or so units occupied by people who have received new hearts, new lungs, or both, or had some other very serious cardiothoracic procedure. Exotic medical technology abounds as the medical staff scurry about attending to each patient's critical care needs. Across from Karin is a woman who is living on a mechanical heart. Another patient who had Cystic Fibrosis has received his SECOND lung transplant – the first one did not go so well. It would be wonderful if each case had the positive outcomes we have grown to expect from the hospital sitcoms on TV. Reality is something different – there are no guarantees in life or in this transplant business; only prayer, faith, hard work, and excellent medical professionals and technology to assist. There is man here named Jeffrey who received a heart transplant in November. Today, he is still in grave condition and the family was told yesterday he may not make it. We stopped on our way out this evening and joined hands with Jeffrey's parents and prayed together asking the Lord to grant Jeff a miracle and give him the time he needs for his lungs to repair themselves.
     On Karen Arrowood's web site (www.karenarrowood.com), her husband Donnie asks for prayer for another family....”We met a nice lady named Judy whose husband had been in the hospital for 9 months with an artificial heart.  They had been trying to get him well enough to get a heart transplant.  Sadly, he passed away last night.  Please remember Judy and her family in your prayers.  We have met so many people whose loved ones are very ill and are fighting to live.  Please pray for all of them.  Thank you again for all of your prayers.” Amen, Donnie.
     Karin has been blessed with much good success thus far, but she has a long way to go yet, and much hard work ahead of her. Karin is confronting her obstacles with real determination to overcome them and get the most out of each day. I am so proud of her. This evening Karin was much brighter and alert after her workout this morning. It was marvelous to see her in such good form. But make no mistake, Karin still very much needs our earnest prayers for Divine blessing to complete what may be a long recovery process. We thank you for the many prayers already spoken on her behalf, and ask you remember the family of the donor and others in the CTICU who are not doing as well as Karin is. We took some new pictures today that we'll post in the next couple of days.

March 26, 2007 at 11:55 p.m.: Today's report is coming to you directly from Karin's webmaster and webmistress. What a joy it was to walk into Karin's room this afternoon and hold her hand, talk to her, and see her trademark laughing smile. Our “wonder woman” achieved another milestone today – she stood up from the bed and turned around the sat in the chair. That was a HUGE step, no pun intended. Karin wanted to be more upright in the chair today, and she may have pushed herself a little too much, because she tired easily and had to get back into bed sooner than usual. She had two trials of weaning off the ventilator today and her respiration rate was the best yet. This afternoon they finally inserted the tunnel dialysis catheter to replace the one in her neck. Hopefully this will fix the issue of the frequent alarms given off by the Prisma dialysis machine. A humorous thing happened, too: the nurse was trying to figure out why finger pressure on her “Swann connection” stopped the alarm and could not seem to figure it out. Karin asked for her letter-board and spelled out her own diagnosis of the problem. Karin used technical medical terms and had to spell it out three times before the nurse caught on to what Karin was trying to tell her. The nurse was dumbfounded at Karin's medical knowledge, until we confessed that Karin was a trained surgical tech. Karin's diagnosis solved the problem, by the way. Today Karin seemed to be a bit frustrated and impatient with being confined to bed so long and on her back for almost a month, now. Please pray for patience and faith to endure for Karin and her husband Brandon, and Tim & Linda, too. She is making progress forward, but it is in baby steps. But as we left this evening, Tim leaned down, kissed Karin's hand and and affirmed to her that she was his hero. Amen, Brother! She everyone's hero.  

March 25, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.: Not a lot of progress today but no set backs either!  Karin was pretty tired today and indicated that she didn't get much sleep last night.  Karin was in the chair this morning when we got here and she did two wean tests today (breathing on her own w/o the ventilator assist) both under one hour.  This morning they had to disconnect the Prisma machine (dialysis) because it kept alarming.  They decided to wait until 2 p.m. when visiting hours ended to put her back into the bed and re-connect the Prisma machine.   Brian left to return home at about 2 p.m. and Brandon returned from a quick trip home to tend to some work details.  Brian and Brandon just basically had a chance to say "Hi" to each other.  This afternoon at 4 p.m. Linda and Brandon went in to see Karin and I tried to catch a few “Z's” in the waiting room.  I was awakened with a flash and I am sure you will see the picture that Uncle Jack took of me just as he and Aunt Kathy walked into the room! 
     We all had the opportunity to visit with Karin again until 6:45 but it was pretty hectic and frustrating because the Prisma machine kept acting up.  The night shift nurse showed up (she happened to be the same one from last night) and seemed sympathetic and confirmed that Karin didn't get much sleep last night!  She brought in her personal bottle of shampoo this evening and is going to wash Karin's hair tonight.  I am sure Karin is going to appreciate that!  She also was going to try to confirm the "tunnel catheter" was scheduled to be placed tomorrow, and if it was said she would see if they could just disconnect the Prisma machine this evening if it kept alarming. In spite of all of this Karin continues to be a real trooper. 

March 24, 2007 at 10:45 p.m.: Karin's mother, Linda, reports this evening that Karin's biggest "problem" today was pacing her breathing during her "marathons" weaning off the ventilator. A normal rate of respiration is about 10-22 RPM and Karin takes more breaths per minute than that - about 37-39. It takes a very conscious effort on her part to keep the rhythm that will allow her to stay of the ventilator. If she hits 40 RPM an alarm sounds. We wondered laughingly if a metronome wouldn’t be a good addition to all the hospital's sophisticated technical equipment. She said Karin looked good and seemed to feel good most of the day. Of course she was also tired by day's end. She is giving it her best and we are very proud of her. Seems I have heard it said that no one has to tell you to breathe. Now I can appreciate that should not be taken for granted. Thinking of how marvelous and intricate the breathing process is made me realize what a precious gift Karin has been given. It reminds me once more to ask you to join me and pray with thankfulness for the family of the donor to be comforted and encouraged.

March 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.: Karin's brother Brian left the Eastern Shore at about 2 a.m. this morning and was here at the hospital by 10:30 a.m. just in time to see her sitting up in the chair doing a "wean test" (breathing on her own w/o the ventilator assist). The nurse said she did one very early this morning and went for over an hour! They just started this one at 10:30 and as I write this update she is still going strong - almost 2-1/2 hours now!! One of the critical care doctors came in and said he was pleased with her progress. I think hearing what he had to say about the weaning process being hard work, but that she has to be weaned before she can even have ice chips, has given Karin even more resolve to "run this marathon!" The Prisma or dialysis machine continues to alarm because of the connection in Karin's neck; it seems like every time she moves her head the machine alerts. Hopefully they will be able to place a tunnel catheter in soon, but they want to get her temperature down (which it is) and wait for the results of some cultures, which the nurse said were negative this morning. Not sure if the tunnel catheter is something they will do on the week-end or wait until Monday. We'll try to get a picture or two send later this evening!

March 23, 2007 at 4:30 p.m.: Karin's Uncle Dan just called to report that our gal is doing an amazing job of recovery. He said she sat up in a chair and was breathing on her own for 41 minutes before he left today! That's remarkable! Last evening she asked for her spell-board and indicated she intends to do whatever it takes to go to Libby's wedding in Colorado in June! An ambitious goal, but we'll see about that. Nothing else to report for now.
Added by Tim at 8 p.m.: Not too much to add to brother Dan's update from earlier today! Karin seems to be doing fine today and they have been able to take fluids off all day. I really think this does make a big difference.
Karen Arrowwood's husband, Donnie, and her dad, John, stopped by the CTICU today to visit and to bring two beaded bracelets that Karen just made! One for Linda and one for Karin. I had read in Karen's updates that she did beading, but assumed she would not be up to it right now because of some of the side effects of the anti-rejection medication. It is obvious that she is clearly able! The bracelets have several shades of green beads (symbolizing transplant support) separated by silver hearts! They are really nice and quite unique. Of course, Karin is not able to wear hers right now, but I am sure she is looking forward to the day when she can. In the meantime, Linda is wearing both bracelets.

www.donatelife.net

March 22, 2007 at 12:45 p.m.: Not too much change from last night when we left here!  Last night Karin insisted that she be able to sit up in the chair so they permitted her to do it at about 9:30 p.m.  Before 10 p.m., she expressed a desire to use the bed pan and did!   So I think the sitting up is good for her in more ways than one.  When we got here this morning they were still tending to her and we were not able to get in to see her until about 11:30 a.m. . She had been running a fever of just over 101 deg. F so they gave her some Tylenol and the fever is coming down; it was 99.9 deg. F. when I left to write this update.   They suspect there may be some infection in her incision site and are going to be looking at that a little more closely today.  We will just have to wait to see what the results from the cultures show.  As far as dialysis, they have not re-connected Karin to the dialysis machine because of the fever, so that may not happen until later today.  They want to put in a "tunnel catheter" which is more of a long-term connection. That's all for now.

March 21, 2007 at 9:45 p.m.: Yesterday and most of today Karin's medical team was able to remove fluid at a faster rate than previously, and it shows.   Karin seems to be a little more comfortable and fluid (no pun intended) in her movements.  Karin's uncle, Dan, came in yesterday afternoon and is still here visiting with her as I write this.  At one point he made her laugh about something. Suddenly the alarm on one of the machines went off. The nurse came to see what was up and we told her that it was just from Karin laughing.
      Today we were told that Monday's lung biopsy showed no sign of rejection and there is no infection in the lungs.  They did say the lungs (mostly the right lung) seemed to be dense and they scheduled a CT scan for this afternoon to try to determine if it was fluid or if it was an injury.  Either way this did not seem to be too much of a concern, but they wanted to know so they would know how to proceed with treatment.  Of course if it is fluid then they just have to keep taking fluids off and if it is an injury then it will heal with time.  One of the critical care doctors indicated that it is not all that uncommon for the lungs to be injured (and not suffer long term damage) during the harvest and transplant procedure.  They did do the CT scan early this evening but we do not know the results yet! 
     They removed Karin from dialysis to do the CT scan. They planned to change the location of those lines on her in the morning anyhow, so they decided not to re-connect her this evening.  Hopefully they will be able to get her hooked up again early tomorrow and begin taking fluids off again. 
      She was able to use the letter board again this evening to tell us she wanted to sit up in the chair again.  Sorry for the delay in getting an update to you all today.  It is obvious many people are following Karin's progress on a regular basis and are anxious for new information.  I will continue to try to do at least one update a day even if it is to let you all know that not much is changing, but I think she will start to do even better in the next day or two. 
      Karen Arrowood continues to progress well, too!   As always please keep both the "Special K's" and the respective donor families in your prayers.

March 20, 2007 at noon: It has been three weeks today since receiving her transplant!  Karin got a good night's sleep (for a hospital).  She slept four hours straight!  When Linda arrived this morning Karin was sitting up in a chair and the nurse said she had lasted 15 minutes weaning off the ventilator.  Linda said she could hardly believe that, considering this was a significant increase of seven minutes more than previously.  Karin just rolled her eyes when she questioned her about that.  These breathing weaning treatments are attempted about 2-5 times a day depending on what Karin's "readings" are.  The ventilator levels are all still at a minimum level.  Linda said they haven't talked to a doctor yet about results of yesterday's bronchoscope but it apparently still showed signs of fluid.  The priority right now is to remove more fluid.  Karin's kidneys are still not functioning at full power and the dialysis removes fluid a lot slower than fully functioning kidneys.  When too much fluid is removed, her blood pressure drops and until it levels off they discontinue dialysis.  So please pray that they can achieve this delicate balance between fluid removal and blood pressure levels today. 

March 19, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.:Linda called with today's update: Karin spent most of today receiving some routine testing - bronchoscope and biopsy - so there was not much time for visiting. Her "numbers" (BP, heart rate, and respiration) continue to be good, and she has no fever. They did move her dialysis site to a fresh location. Karin did not get much sleep last night, so she is resting now and the family will visit with her l

March 18, 2007 at 2:30 p.m.: More of the same this morning!  Karin did two ventilator weaning tests this morning and is pretty tired from them.  Again I think that is to be expected but she continues to give the thumbs up each time they want to try one.  The respiratory therapist said he thought they would wait until tomorrow to try again but possibly this evening.  Karin was sitting up in a chair again today for a few hours but was really uncomfortable, and let us know it.  I think it is a sore, chaffed butt more than anything else. She actually wanted to try to stand up but the nurse said she would have to wait a while for that and indicated that someone from Physical Therapy may be stopping by tomorrow to start working with her to regain some of her strength.  She's been pretty much on her back now for almost three weeks.
    She has quite a few visitors today!   In addition to Linda, Brandon and me, Kathy & Amanda Eckley and Amanda's fiancée D.J. arrived about 11 a.m. from Milroy.  Kathy gave Karin a large stuffed Mickey Mouse she bought about 3-1/2 years ago when Karin was first listed for the transplant. At about 1 p.m. Brandon's dad Jack, and Brandon's three sisters, Kelli, Alecia, and Mandi, arrived and are visiting with her now. 
    Karin seems a little anxious today and in fact before we got here was able to pull a tube from her nose that suctioned her stomach out as needed.  The nurse indicated they may not put it back in since it wasn't pulling too much out to begin with.  This was not the feeding tube which is still in.  Karin again indicated she was thirsty and we asked the nurse when she might be able to have a "sponge lollipop" and she said she would check.  A few minutes later she returned with a class of ice water and some of the lollipops.  When Linda gave her the first taste of that cold water there was no way that lollipop was coming back out of her mouth until she had all the moisture she could get out of it.  We assured her we would give her more and she finally let it go and continued to take about 10 more dips in a row.  
    I have not been able to get to a computer that I can download and send pictures yet but will do so as soon as I can, promise!

Addendum at 3:45 p.m.: While I was writing the last update Mandi, Alecia, and Brandon were in visiting with Karin and one of the critical care doctors came in and was examining Karin and it was a little too much for Mandi so she said she was leaving. She left but turned around and came back and when Brandon saw her he said he knew she was "going down." He caught her and let her down gently and the doctor then came over and took her blood pressure, etc. etc. We all think this was just Mandi's way of getting to meet a good looking doctor!
    Also I forgot to tell you about my “ups and downs” excursion this morning! When Brandon, Linda, Kathy and Amanda Eckley were visiting Karin this morning, I was in the waiting room and had Brandon's cell phone in case his family called for directions. Well they did and I told them I would meet them at a certain set of elevators at the end of the walkway between two of the hospitals (this hospital campus is really like a complex maze). When I got to where I thought they should be I didn't see them, but thought I probably beat them there so I went up one floor and went to the end of the walkway, figuring I would catch them there. Well, when I got there they were nowhere in sight and I realized that there were some elevators nearby and perhaps they took them instead of the other ones I had meant. Still thinking that I beat them to this location, I figured I would at least go down one floor on this set of elevators to make sure they were not waiting there, so I hit the down button and shortly an elevator opened around the corner and a hospital employee came out so I ran into that elevator and pressed the button to go down one floor. The elevator passed the floor I wanted, went all the way to the basement then started back up and again passed the floor I wanted! About that time I realized I had boarded a "Card Access Elevator" and the doors don't open unless you have a special card to swipe. Finally the elevator stopped and the doors opened and I was met with the smiling face of another hospital employee as I said, "Boy am I glad to see you! I am obviously on the wrong elevator!" So I had some unexpected "ups & downs” this morning. ~(;^)    Eventually I was able to find the Bordner's and get them to where they needed to be.

March 17, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.: After we left Karin early this afternoon she was able to use the bed pan, got a sponge bath and was resting comfortably when we went back in at 4 p.m.  She slept for a while and then the respiratory therapist came by and asked if she wanted to do another weaning exercise.  She gave him the "thumbs up" and went for it!  She was able to breathe on her own for about 8 minutes before he decided to turn the ventilator back on.  He of course is watching her stats on the monitor and determines when it is time to quit but Karin seemed to handle this very well and didn't seem to get anxious or tired.  I just hope she can maintain this positive attitude throughout this whole experience.  Seeing her give him the "thumbs up" was touching. 
   This evening we are going back in to visit with Karin until about 9 p.m. and then going home to Gram & Pap's to celebrate Brandon's birthday.  Hopefully I will be able to get to a computer so that I can download and send some pictures of today's visit.  I got some good ones today; one of Karin giving Brandon a birthday kiss and her with her green Saint Paddy's Day ball cap on.  
   Oh yeah, we stopped at the "Pretzel Shop" in "Sau-side" ( Pittsburgheze for South Side of Pittsburgh) and picked up 20 soft pretzels for the waiting room group and for the staff in the CTICU.  They were really fresh and hit the spot!
    In spite of the APB and BOLO (cop-talk for: "All-Points-Bulletin" and "Be-On-the-LookOut" for...), the stuffed wiener dog still evades detection!

March 17, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. I don't want to make it sound uneventful, but things are pretty much the same as yesterday!  Karin was sitting up in a chair again today for a few hours and they allowed her to breathe on her own again for just a few minutes - twice today!  This is obviously very tiring for her and she just shuts her eyes and takes a break after the exercise.  You and I may breathe without even thinking about it, but we are told for Karin this is like running a marathon!  Again they are not taking off any fluids and she is puffy and bloated!   When we left at 2 p.m. they were going to put her back into bed and let her try to use a bed pan.  The wayfaring wiener dog has not showed up as of yet but Karin still has one that was sent to her by the children of one of her mom's co-workers.  It is a small dog named "Scoundrel" from Skylar and Taylor Ciccolini.  She was also surprised today with another special stuffed Koala named "Beaut," given to her by Karen Arrowood (www.karenarrowood.com) who has the identical twin to it!!!   What a bond these two special ladies will have! 
    Tomorrow there is a meeting here at the hospital sponsored by TRIO (Transplant Recipient International Organization) and I think we will try to attend since it is in the early afternoon when we can't visit Karin anyhow.  Yesterday we met with a lady named Georgina who is a volunteer and a heart/double lung/kindey recipient (also strangely enough the sister of a co-worker of our brother-in-law, Bob Catalano, right here in Pittsburgh).  She and Linda spent some time together discussing what to expect down the road.  Back in the photo gallery on this site there is a picture of a poster (3-04-07) that is hanging in the hall outside of the CTICU that says, "Notice anything different about these people?  Neither do we!"   The people pictured are recipients of all types of transplant and I have to tell you that after meeting Georgina I would never have guessed she had all the surgeries she has had!   She looked great!
     Given the positive attitude Karin has always had toward this surgery, we are confident she too will make a full recovery and perhaps, for the FIRST TIME in her life, take in a full, refreshing breath of fresh air!

March 17, 2007 at 12:30 a.m.: Leaving the hospital in Pittsburgh Friday night Tim & Linda were greeted by several inches of snow on the ground.  Just when it was beginning to look like spring!  The good news is that Karin had a very alert and awake afternoon and evening.   After the long period of sedation her body seems to have gotten nights and days a little confused so hopefully she will have a good night's sleep tonight.   The usual minor adjustments to meds to keep her fluids, minerals, blood pressure etc. in balance is a priority right now and the nurses monitor those levels regularly.  Her vital "numbers" are still looking good.  Karen has no complaints and amazingly she seems to be relatively pain free even when she is moved about.  The nurse said the doctors may look at reducing her relaxer meds a little more now since she seems to be tolerating the ventilator and breathing exercises.  The bad news is that Tim had to issue an All-Points-Bulletin on her little stuffed dachshund whose whereabouts are currently unknown.  It is suspected that it may have gone adventuring among the laundry chutes in the bowels of the hospital.  The dog was a special gift from her friend Donna and a stuffed substitute for Karin's beloved Kola who doesn't qualify for a vistor's pass to the hospital.  So if anyone sees a little rusty red colored stuffed wiener dog hangng around UPMC, you know who to return it to.

March 16, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.: Fayth and Be-gorrah! Linda and I left home early this morning to do some shopping and Brandon went to the hospital himself.   When Linda and I got to the hospital about 1:00 p.m. we were pleasantly surprised to see Karin sitting in a chair beside the bed!  Brandon informed us that she was in the chair when he got there this morning and while he was there she had been taken off the ventilator for her first breathing test and she lasted just about 10 minutes!  Praise God! She continues to look good but they did stop removing fluids again because her blood pressure had dropped.  At 2:00 PM when we had to leave they were putting her back into the bed.  The nurse said she was awake quite a bit through the night so she may be pretty sleepy this afternoon!
Many thanks to the folks at Corvette America and the USA-1 Corvette Club for organizing a Corvette, truck, and cycle rally next month as a benefit for Karin's fund (details on the Fundraisers page). We are so blessed by everyone's support and prayers - they are WORKING

March 15, 2007 at 11 p.m.: Tim was unable to access email earlier this evening so he called en route home from the hospital at about 10:30PM with tonight's update.  Things have not changed much over the course of the day but what has changed is movement in a positive direction.  Praise the Lord! Karen is no longer sedated so she is now aware of what is going on around her.  She seems to remember the first few days after surgery and has been brought up to speed on how much time has passed.  She is still pretty much under the influence of some relaxers which make her mellow but also affect her small muscle control so that her attempts to smile are more like a smirk right now.  But being all woman she is managing to press her lips together to make sure lip gloss is evenly distributed.  The swelling in her hands and arms is noticeably less with dialysis being monitored and adjusted accordingly.  Communication is still very limited since mouthing words, whispering or using a letter board takes more muscle control than she has right now.  She continued to improve as the day went on and she continues to try to smile.  She did manage to pucker up for a goodnight kiss from Brandon.  The staff says the pneumonia is not a major development but until they have cultured it out she is on broad spectrum treatment with triple anti-biotics.   X-rays show slight improvements in her new lungs daily.  Karen A., the other "Special K", got some good news tonight.  She improved enough and reached the goals needed for breathing on her own long enough to be promoted back upstairs to another floor & out of CTICU.  Her room had been across the hall from our Karin so when she was being moved the staff stopped long enough for the Special K's- Karen & Karin to make eye contact and acknowledge each other by way of introduction.  Hopefully they will get to compare notes and triumphs more intimately at a later date. 

March 15, 2007 at noon.: Karin is running a fever this morning!  It is 38.2 C (100.8 F), which isn't real high, but considering the dialysis actually lowers the body temperature because the blood is circulating outside the body at room temperature, it actually equates to being between 100-101F. Her other numbers, BP, pulse, respiration (over the respirator) continue to look good.   They did a broncoscopy this morning and did see some yucky secretions (medical term) and they suspect pneumonia.  They started treating her with some general, wide range, antibiotics and sent a culture to the lab.  Again this is nothing out of the ordinary for transplant recovery.  They'll see what, if anything, grows then decide on a further course of action.
     They are now removing 150 ml/hour of fluids with the dialysis and they have increased the nutrition she is receiving through the feeding tube to 25 ml/hour.  One of the critical care doctors was in this morning and said that they are pleased with her improvement over the past two days.   Even though the dialysis has been described as supportive, there is a chance the kidneys may be damaged and not recover fully.  Almost all the drugs they use are toxic to the kidneys.  Again, this comes as no surprise to us but we remain optimistic.  Optimism however is not enough and I would ask for your continued prayers! 
     Although Karin is still taking baby steps in the recovery process we are approaching the point where she will hopefully be sitting up soon and beginning the weaning process from the ventilator.  Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that she is awake and seems to understand what is going on around her but of course is not able to talk with the tracheotomy and until they get some more fluids off and she feels stronger, we aren't going to let her use the "letter board" to communicate!
     The other "Special K", Karen Arrowood, is progressing nicely and has been weaned from the ventilator!   Her mom, dad, husband and 2 young boys are all here to visit this morning!  An exciting time for all of them, I'm sure.   As always, keep them in your thoughts and prayers too!

There was another woman in the CTICU unit who received a heart-double lung transplant on January 4, 2007. She is about Karin's age and her name is . . . Karen (with an "e") Arrowood!  She was the first heart-lung transplant done at UPMC in 2007 and our Karin is the second. The Arrowood's are from Georgia. The two families seem to have A LOT more things in common than just the transplant: for example, work backgrounds in law enforcement and both families have boys named Hunter. You can read about all the ups and downs Karen has encountered recovering from her heart-lung transplant procedure two months before Karin's.  Her web site is: www.karenarrowood.com Please remember both Karin and Karen and both families in your prayers.

March 14, 2007 at 9:30 p.m.: Well a least that Post Script Rosemarie wrote in the last update didn't say "Little Timmy"!   This update is going to be short and sweet!  It's now just after 9 p.m. and Karin is more alert now than she has been for over a week.  Still not wide awake but well on her way there.  They continue to take fluid off and that is the strategy for the next couple of days.  They are trying to "up" the amount they are able to remove without giving her any blood pressure medications.  When we went into see her at 8:30 p.m. they were taking off 140 ml/hr but then the BP alarm on the monitor started going off (the BP was low) so they reduced it to 130 ml/hr.  I feel sure they will try to raise it again after we leave this evening and through the night. 
    When I told Karin I was going to leave so I could send an update I asked her to wink if she understood and she did!   Not just a quiver, but a full blown WINK, with the left eye of course!  Little things can be so exhilirating!!!
    I really do have to go ... we have to be out of her room at 10 p.m. and this is too good to miss!   Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers and please don't forget the donor family.  

March 14, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.: "Top O' the Day to ya !!!" What a neat look to the web-site and how appropriate. For those of you who don't know it, March 17th is Brandon's birthday and it was almost one year ago that Karin had the first "dry run" to the hospital for a transplant! As I recall, she got that call on the 16th because we were kidding her that this would be Brandon's birthday present. You can go back and read the account of that by clicking on the "Current News" button and reading the 2006 updates at the bottom of the page.
      It was an even longer day yesterday than normal and an even shorter night. After we left the hospital last night we decided to go shopping for some small items and some more appropriate clothes. It was winter when we left home a few weeks ago but it does seem now that "Spring has sprung". Someone will soon have to make a run home to re-supply but not until we are able to communicate better with Karin.
      This morning all was still pretty much the same when we got here but Karin had a good night and remained stable. They discontinued the BP medication and everything is looking pretty good. Hopefully as the day goes on she will become more awake, in fact just as I was leaving the room to write this update and I told her that was what I was going to do, she nodded her head yes and opened her eyes, so she is coming around. Last night a nurse explained that because she is on dialysis, that waking up from the sedation may take longer because the machine doesn't rid the body of this as quickly as the kidneys would. They continue to give her 20 ml/hr of nutrition through her feeding tube as well as the 20 ml/hr of the normal IV fluid. They have been taking 100 ml/hr off with the dialysis and all her numbers (heart rate, respiration, BP) continue to look good.
     Although I have access to a computer to send the updates I don't have easy access to one to send pictures but will try to get some current pictures posted soon!  Gotta go check on Karin Marie McMarks O'Bordner!
      Webmaster's wife's PS: Karin's Irish grandmother on her father's side Mary Frances (Marie) met Grand-Pap on St. Patrick's Day; her Irish showed when it came to naming her children - Patricia, Rosemarie, Jack, Danny, and Timothy. She was also born in March on the 27th. So we do like to let our Irish roots show around this time of year.) 

March 13, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.: This afternoon at about 2 p.m. they stopped giving Karin any sedative so she should be more awake this evening but she was still pretty groggy at 6:30 when we had to leave.  They also increased the amount of fluid they are removing from 50 to 100 ML per hour and they increased the amount of calorie and protein dense nutrition (looks like Kahlua) they are feeding her through a feeding tube from 10 to 20 ML per hour. Just before we left at 6:30 they repositioned the feeding tube to be sure it was beyond the stomach and into the intestine and ordered another X-ray to be sure it was where they wanted it.  Just as we were leaving the X-ray tech was coming

March 13, 2007 at 11:30 a.m.: Karin's father Tim writes: "Things are pretty much the same as they were when we left the hospital last night!  They did increase Karin's BP med slightly but other than that everything else remains the same.  They continue to take about 50 ML of fluids off per hour, which they have been doing since yesterday morning.  Karin has been sleeping since we got in here at 10:30 a.m. so I really don't know what level of conciousness she will be when we see her but since all the meds are pretty much the same as they have been I suspect she will be about the same as she was yesterday.  The critical care doctors are making their rounds as I write this and I was tempted to wait until they saw her but I know the updates are important!  I asked Karin's nurse about the echocardiogram they did yesterday and she said the report indicated they saw nothing unusual but that she hadn't talked to the doctors about it yet, and perhaps they could elaborate when they come by.  Karin continues to get cards and e-cards and I think I may try to lay them out somehere to get a picture of them to post!   Keep em coming!  Thanks.

March 12, 2007 at 9:30 p.m.: "Today was a good day for Karin!  She seemed pretty stable all day and they were able to remove about 50 ML of fluid/hour since early this morning and they have been lowering her BP medication and she seems to be tolerating things pretty well.  She did receive a unit of blood today, as she did one other day and I forgot to mention that previously.  They did the echocardiogram this afternoon and at that time removed another chest drainage tube.   She only has one remaining.  Haven't hear anything about the echo but I am confident it will be fine!  As I write this update they are changing the filter on the dialysis machine so they "kicked" us out for a few minutes.   Hopefully Karin has a good night and a better tomorrow!  Gotta go, visiting time is precious time!  Thanks to all for your well wishes and especially your prayers!"

March 12, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.: Sorry for not sending something sooner today!   I know a lot of people are checking the site throughout the day and hoping for some news so I will try to give updates more often.    When we got here this morning they told us they planned on doing an echocardiogram of the heart today (rountine for transplant recovery).   I was hoping to have results of the "echo" and some other tests from Friday before I sent this update.
    Karin is much more alert today than she has been for quite a while.  She is still not wide awake but she is at least responding to our voices and sometimes nodding yes or no.  On Friday they took some samples from the lungs to culture and today they told us they couldn't grow anything.  That was very good news!  Dr. McCurry also stopped in today while we were there and said she was improving and that the recent chest X-ray looked good.  One of the critical-care doctors was in early this afternoon and said they will contiue to reduce some of her meds and hopefully she will be even more responsive tomorrow.   We pray that will be the case, because as one of the nurses put it; "The only thing Karin is being consistent about is being inconsistent".        
    Even though we no longer have to wear the diposable gowns when we visit we still have to scrub our hands when we enter her room and again when we leave.  My hands have never been so clean!  Brandon and I are starting to get "Girlie-Man" hands!  Oh well, a small price to pay to be able to spend time with my HERO! 
    Please keep the "Special K's" (Karin & Karen) and their respective donor families in your prayers! 

Karin's CT Transplant Surgeon

Dr. Ken McCurry

Time: 1:30 p,m. on March 9, 2007: They have taken Karin off the sedation (Propofol) but have incresed some pain meds (Fentanyl) to help her relax.  The nurse spoke with the Surgeon (who was in surgery) and he is supposed to come over to do Karin's trach after he is out of the O.R. and before he is scheduled to go back into the O.R. (hopefully).  Please pray they can take advantage of this window of opportunity to do the trach between these other surgeries so Karin will not have to go through the weekend on the ventilator tube. Will let you know when they have done the Trach!

Time: 8:00 p,m. on March 8, 2007: Not much change in Karin's condition today. She did not have the tracheostomy procedure -- perhaps tomorrow. After the trach is done, hopefully she will be able to be less sedated and able to mouth words. It's been ten days since the transplant and a week that she has been so heavily sedated. Visitors to Karin's room in the CTICU no longer need to put on gowns or masks or gloves. Between 20 and 30 e-cards arrive each day and are posted on the wall in Karin's room for her to read when she is off the sedation. The family is especially thankful for all the prayers, cards, e-cards, and post-a-notes sent to encourage and support all of them.

Time: Late Wednesday evening, March 7, 2007: Karin's father, Tim, writes: "We were able to sit down and talk to Dr. McCurry (Karin's surgeon) this evening to discuss things.  The plan right now is to do a Tracheostomy (again this is relatively common for transplant recovery) tomorrow (Thursday, March 8) sometime.  This should make things much more tolerable for Karin by eliminating the gag reflex anxiety she is experiencing now with the vent tube through her mouth and throat.  With the Trach, the tube would be below her voice box but she would at least be able to "mouth" words and be much more comfortable - EVERYONE assures us of that! Hopefully they will then be able to eliminate the sedation and eventually wean her from the ventilator altogether, but we'll be happy with baby steps in that direction.  By eliminating the sedation they should be able to at least reduce or do away with blood pressure (BP) meds too!   Sedation tends to reduce the BP so when she's been sedated they have had to give her BP meds.  Dr. McCurry says the heart is doing fine and the lungs look good and the chest X-rays have shown improvement each day. 

  Also Dr. McCurry assures us that the dialysis and the ventilator are simply supportive measures and nothing to be concerned about.  In addition to the fluids being removed by dialysis she continues to pass urine too, which is good!  She is being fed via a tube and has had several BM's which is also good--Unless you happen to be the nurse on duty!  They removed the "Pic-line" from Karin's neck this evening and she has a different one in her left arm now.  Of course, they like to change these occasionally anyhow and the one they put in today is less susceptible to infection. 

People who remember us from the first or second "dry-run" have come up to us and wished us well.  Karin must have made an impression on them for them to remember her!  We certainly are thankful to Dr. McCurry and his team, for their skills, and Dr. Murray ( the CTICU Critical Care doctor), all the nursing and support staff in CTICU.  They've all been great! 

Of course I PRAY for the "Special K's" (Karin & Karen) often but I am also in awe of their extreme courage, faith, endurance, ... you name it ... , in the face of such adversity!  Some people admire or idolize sports figures or Hollywood actors but they don't hold a candle to women like these two and others in similar situations.  Tim."

Time: 5:45 p.m. on March 7, 2007: Tim reports that things are still looking very good.  Another bronchoscope revealed that the lungs are healthy.  Today Karin seems able to tolerate the ventilator during her wakeful times for a longer period but is still most comfortable when she is sedated.  As you can appreciate managing a recovery period like this is based on a lot of research and good science.  Most of us would like more information but medicine is still part art and part science.  Years of pioneering of these transplant procedures has helped established protocols which are not always easy for the layman to understand.  There simply is no predictable timetable.  Knowing exactly what is going to happen next and when it will happen is not always possible.  This can be somewhat frustrating to the layman.  Tim and Linda and Brandon do get good information from the nurse coordinator of Karin's team and her support staff has been very reassuring that Karin is on the right track.  When things seem to be moving at a snail's pace it helps to remember that it is important not to do anything prematurely.  Moving Karin ahead prematurely can cause set-backs so she may remain on the ventilator a little longer.  So please continue to send cards and e-cards and Post-a-Notes on the web site to surprise Karin when she is able to read them and to encourage her family who feel the strengthening power of your love and prayers. Tim and Linda are especially greatful to their employers (Pennsylvania Game Commission and AGChoice Farm Credit ACA, respectively) for their supportiveness; Brandon is a self-employed contractor, so his business is "on hold" for the time being.

Time: 00:30 (Midnight-ish) on March 7, 2007: Karin's husband and parents were able to communicate with her a little this evening as Karin was semi-conscious several times. Earlier she had pulled out her feeding tube which was re-inserted, and so they have restrained her arms. The medical team is trying to sedate her less and increasing her pain meds hoping she will grow to tolerate the ventilator tube when awake and conscious. Karin's "numbers" still look good when she is fully sedated, but the reaction to the ventilator when she is awake causes her discomfort and anxiety which adversely affects her "numbers." They are going to see if they can increase Karin's ability to tolerate the breathing tube in gradual steps. This is equally hard on Karin as well as her family - both need your prayers, as well as God's guidance and wisdom for the medical team.

Time: 4:30 p.m. on March 6, 2007: Well, one week has passed now since Karin had her surgery!  Her father Tim says things are a little bit quiet today with just he and Brandon and Linda at the hospital.  He has had more time to spend in the room with Karin.  He is hoping to have some face time with her surgeon soon to ask some questions.  Right now Karin continues to be sedated and on the ventilator.  Transitioning out of sedation is a difficult thing when you are on a ventilator that is a source of irritation as you are becoming alert.  (Anyone with a strong gag reflex can appreciate how the body reflexes kick in when the throat is tickled.)  Feeling that kind of distress raises blood pressure etc. so they are keeping her sedated again today.  The good news is that when she is sedated all her vitals are good and we must assume her body is taking advantage of this resting time to heal itself.   Please pray that the doctors will soon be able to help Karin transition out of sedation without being so distressed.

Time: 4:00 p.m. on March 5, 2007: Karin's care takes precedence over having visitors, and it is often time consuming. Today is one of those days when medical procedures have run over into the visiting time so Brandon, Tim, and Linda have had to be content with second-hand reports so far today. The nurses report that they have needed extra time to work with Karin this morning. They have been doing another bronchoscope to check on lung function. They did not find any signs of rejection, just some excess mucous which they removed. By removing it and re-inflating her lungs manually they hope to get some sticking/sluggish sacs in her lungs to inflate more fully. Karin is fully aware and questions what day it is, etc., during some of these work sessions, but is sedated again afterwards for rest. This time of sedation also relieves Karin of any pain she might experience from the healing of the incision, which resembles a clamshell pattern with a midline over her breastbone. Incredibly, most of her stitches are internal ones. Tim said all the medical attention seems to be about regaining lung function right now. When queried about her how her new heart is doing the nurse said they hardly give it a thought. It is functioning well, if at a little faster rate right now, and that is to be expected. The nurses also try to prepare Karin's family for what may happen next. They were told today that later in the week if Karin requires ongoing lung support doctors may decide to do a tracheostomy. It would allow her to communicate more comfortably by mouthing words etc. once out of sedation. Information like this helps the family to understand that this is all part of a lengthy recovery process and something the medical team is prepared to deal with successfully. It also assures family and friends that although each transplant patient presents a unique situation, the surgery already has a well developed track record and Karin is in good hands. The Great Physician is still in charge so keep praying for Karin's full recovery on His timetable.

Time: 5:30 p.m. on March 4, 2007: Sunday finds Karin sedated for over 24 hours but looking very good.  They have been able to turn back the dialysis machine a little and her kidney function seems to be improving.  Her blood pressure and heart rate seem to be fine.  When at rest she is able to sustain the higher levels of oxygen saturation which her body needs to heal, so they are continuing to keep her sedated.  The more actively communicative times they had during the first days were a blessing and a time of celebration.  Tim says he is so glad that she was able to be alert for a few days during that immediate post-op period because Karin's enthusiasm and delight during that time continues to encourage them.  They were truly able to rejoice together with her over the success of the procedure, and even though she is not able to be as interactive right now, they know it is only temporary and in her best interest to be restful.  Of course her family, especially Brandon, Tim & Linda, look forward to the time when they will be able to see her less sedated.  Karin has a nurse in the room with her around the clock; their shifts runs 12 hours.  So far Tim says it is amazing that Karin hasn't had the same nurse twice.   Tim says he was able to get on-line in the hospital computer center today to view some of the encouraging post-it-notes on Karin's website.  He thanks you all for your prayers, encouragement, and good wishes.  The e-cards and snail mail also remind them of your support.  Some people have asked about flowers or gifts; Karin may not receive flowers or food while in CTICU because of the risk of infection.  If you want to send more than a message you may want to consider something like an NTAFund donation or a gas card for Brandon.  Tim, Linda, and Brandon will be in Pittsburgh for a while yet.   Tim reports the waiting room dynamics in and of themselves are yet another different experience.  Families of patients get to know one another over the course of time and begin to bond, comfort, and rejoice together depending on the circumstances of the moment.  Karin's age, physical condition, and attitude enabled her to qualify as a good candidate for a successful transplant and now she is counting on us to pray her through to a full recovery - - She has a l-o-n-g road ahead of her.

Time: 4:00 p.m. on March 3, 2007: Karin enjoyed all the cards and e-cards that came in yesterday. She is resting comfortably today under sedation. Because her kidneys were beginning to show some strain they are now being assisted by dialysis. Tim said they have been assured that for patients in CTICU this is not at all uncommon. It is a maintenance booster kind of thing carried on over a period of time, sometimes as much as several weeks. It is paced/regulated to give the kidneys a boost with their job rather than to do all the work and become stressed. It is a supportive measure which helps her body to deal with extra fluids. Tim says she is on a heated airbed with heated cover because dialysis can be a "chilling" experience. Last night he said Karin was beginning to feel the little irritations that come with incision healing, etc., but she is such a trooper that in spite of her own situation (which I would imagine would be all consuming) she letter boarded a remark about a family friend who died just last week. It was shortly after hearing of his passing that she got her call to Pittsburgh. She told her dad God just wanted one more angel up there to support her through this. Her heart seems to being doing its job well and her temperature is normal. Tim says he has an awesome appreciation for all the medical technology, time and effort that he has seen in CTICU. He says, in fact, it is unreal, almost surreal to observe how routinely the medical staff perform their duties using such sophisticated machines. As some of her family returned to their homes to resume their responsibilities at home and on the job; others have arrived so Karin is still surrounded by family members that care for her. For those of us who follow her recovery from a distance it is encouraging to know that although she has a new hurdle to jump over she has not had any serious setbacks. It is a real answer to prayer that the technology she needs to have a successful transplant is in place and at her disposal. Please continue to pray for those who minister to her bodily needs and for her body to weather the strain of adjusting to a new set of organs.

Time: 2 p.m. on March 2nd: Karin is having a little rougher day today.  Last night was a difficult one with the her body, fighting the ventilator much of the night.  So today she is more heavily sedated for her comfort.  They have increased the pressures so the ventilator is temporarily doing more of the work for her new lungs.  They are monitoring her fever as well and it has continued to drop throughout the morning and afternoon.  Praise God for that!  They have done some preliminary testing for a possible source of infection in her lungs and have ruled out the "primary suspect."   Undoubtedly they will continue to do more.  She has been moved to another room which is a little more comfortable for her.  Being a woman Karin is anxious to communicate more when she has company so today they recommend that she receive only one visitor at a time.  If you wish to send e-cards or suface mail change her address to Bed 9 in the CTICU.  Linda says the doctors and nurses assure them that everything that is happening is not uncommon.  But if you know Karin, she is an uncommon person and we want her to have an uncommonly good result, so keep remembering her when you pray.  Thank you.

Time: 9 p.m. on 3/1/07: Karin's father Tim reports tonight that Karin is doing fine.  He sees improvement every time they visit.  Her pain and temperature and blood pressure seem to be controlled and the ventilator is still her chief source of any discomfort.  Still, she is in very good spirits.  She spelled out on a letter board, " I just can't help but smile."  Tim said he is really tickled and can't wait to hear what else she has to say once she gets the ventilator out so she can speak.  Brandon spent the evening with Karin and Tim while Linda and other family members decided to give Karin a little respite from so many visitors.  They are planning to cut back some visiting in order to keep from overwhelming her with too many people during any one session.  (There are three designated shifts a day for visiting with breaks in between when the nurses take care of business in the CT-ICU unit.)  Brandon is looking forward to some of his family coming to Pittsburgh this weekend to see Karin.  Many folks are sharing their joy from a distance and we will try again to get pictures from Pittsburgh via email we can post so you can visit vicariously.  The family is so grateful to the hospital staff, the donor and her family, and to all who are responding to this site, and in so many other ways.  They truly feel your prayers and your love.  Keep it up and thank you!

Time: 4 p.m. on 3/1/07: This afternoon Karin is quite alert and communicative.  She is enjoying the many e-cards you have sent and generally continues to do well.  As might be expected, she is a little more tired today and slightly uncomfortable because of the need to remain on her back in bed.  A "rotating bed device" helps some.  Her blood oxygen levels continue to rise but haven't reached the goal of about 96 when they will begin to wean her from the ventilator a little at a time.  Right now she is running a slight fever which is not unusual at this post-operative time.  Her brother Brian took some pictures for us to post on the web site but they seem to have gotten lost in cyber-space.  We will post them when they come in - keep checking back.

Time: 11 a.m on 3/1/07: Karin has passed the hurdle of the first 24 hours which doctors said would be the most critical. She continues to smile with her eyes and mouth and to ask her questions by tracing letters on Brandon, Tim or Linda's hands.  Linda reports this morning about 10:30 AM that they are enroute to visit Karin.  A phone call to the nurses this morning assured them that things are still progressing normally. Overnight Karin had a drop in blood pressure but it responded to medication and her blood pressure has leveled off again.  They have increased her level of sedation somewhat in order to allow her to continue to be able to tolerate the ventilator a little longer.  This should make her more comfortable as her new lungs work to raise her blood oxygen saturation levels.  Karin is one tough cookie but getting off the ventilator will be welcomed when that time comes.  Let's agree to watch and pray for more positive reports and her continuing high spirits. Let's also remember to pray for the family and friends of the organ donor.

Time: 6 p.m. on 2/28/07: Karin's father Tim reports that Karin is much much more alert today now that the anesthesia has worn off more completely.  Her color is good.  I guess you could say that today she is getting a little more aerobic exercise.  Tim said one of the first things he noticed today was that Karin's breathing yesterday had been more smooth and rhythmic than it is today.   It concerned him to see her breathing looking more pronounced today.  When he questioned the nurses about it they explained that and her lungs are being exercised a little more today so they will fill and expand more fully.   They have increased the volume of oxygen being administered over yesterday when they were just "waking up," so the lungs are filling more today and so her chest rises and falls more noticeably   She is getting oxygen through a ventilator and it will remain in place until her blood oxygen levels can be maintained consistently at a level in the high 90s.  She is already achieving that at sleep/rest but not yet while being more active/awake.  Her pain is being controlled pretty well.  She puts her hand over her heart to signal to the nurses when she needs anti-pain meds.   She is still playing a mean game of charades but cheats a little by using some letters to begin to spell out words.  The medical staff isn't really encouraging too much "talk" so they don't want to give her a pencil or letter board just yet.  Resting is the primary short term goal right now.  We praise God that Karin has had no setbacks and that she continues to make progress. 

Time: 9:30 a.m. on 2/28/07: Tim & Linda are on their way to the hospital and will give an update report after they have seen Karin this morning (around 10:30-ish).

Time 11:00 p.m. on 2/27/07: Karin is in good spirits, alert, and communicating by gestures (she is still on a respirator and cannot speak right now). Brandon says she is "playing charades" thanking her doctors, asking for a kiss on the cheek from her Dad, and waving "Hello" to visitors. According to her brother Scott, "She has more tubes and hoses coming out of her than you can count, but she is going to be just fine." Brandon says she looks GREAT!

Time: 15:00 on 2/27/07: Latest word is that Karin's NEW heart is beating on its own, she is on a ventilator, and the doctors feel her new heart and lungs are a PERFECT FIT! It will be later tonight before the heavy sedation wears off so it may be a while before we can get HER reaction.

Time: 10:20 a.m. on 2/27/07: Karin is out of surgery and her doctors are VERY PLEASED! Everything seems to be working fine, minimal blood loss, and Karin will be in recovery until around noon. Keep on praying that all continues to go well for Karin and also pray for the family of the organ donor in their hour of loss.

Time: 7 p.m. on 2/26/07: Karin gets "the CALL" to report for her transplant and drives 3+ hours to Pittsburgh. The procedure begins between 2 and 3 a.m. on 2/27/07.

We will continue to update Karin's progress and add pictures as we receive them.