Some of you may or may not have heard that Karen Milek was in an accident
on Sunday.



She fell from a horse and hit her head, while visiting her cousin in
Syracuse, NY. She suffered a brain injury and has been in Intensive Care.



I just returned from Syracuse and I am glad to report that she is doing much
better than originally
expected. It was such a relief to see her. Sunday evening they were
telling me they didn't know if she would make it through the night, and
yesterday she was able to sit up and drink part of a smoothie. The doctors
wanted her to try to walk with the physical therapist this afternoon. Her
recovery will take some time and readjustment.

Her brain has been bruised in two places. Originally, the neurologists said
that she may need brain surgery, but now they have decided to allow the
blood remaining on her brain to dissipate on its own. She is having a
little trouble moving her right leg because the injury is on the left side
of her head, but it is still to early to know what are long term affects and
what will remedy itself once the swelling subsides. Her long term memory is
good, but her short term is not its best. There has been talk of 24-7
nursing care after she returns home, as well as physical and occupational
therapy. Her close friends and family are all preparing to assist her at
home when she returns.

Pam, Brenda, and their brother Paul are all staying with her in Syracuse
until she is released from the hospital. She was to be moved from ICU to a
regular room this afternoon. The doctors say she will need time to rest and
recover. They will continue to assess the extent of the her injury as the
swelling decreases. It is difficult for them to give any definite answers
right now, but the prognosis has greatly improved each day since the day of
the accident.

Karen is the strongest person I know, mentally and physically ... as with
most things she does in her life she continues to amaze the doctors with her
progress. I have been passing along all the prayers and well wishes to her
family and friends in Syracuse. They are so thankful for the support of the
HD family.

They hope to release Karen from the hospital by Monday, but I will try to
keep you informed when I talk to Pam tomorrow.



Best,
Michelle L. Pattee

Send cards or well wishes to:



State University of New York
Upstate Medical University
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210-2375

315-464-5540







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