January 30th - Back on Ventilator

Dad rested well on Saturday, after returning to the ventilator for breathing assistance. As mentioned, he struggled a bit more over the past couple of days, so he was pretty shagged out. Also today, there was a more optimistic assessment of the stroke situation, along with some movement of the right arm.

• Dad's blood gasses were all good, but the pulmonologist opted to put him back on the ventilator. As his blood gas results showed, he was getting the job done breathing on his own; however, he had to work very hard to do it.
• He rested pretty comfortably all day, confirming that he had indeed been working very hard.
• We were counseled that going back on the ventilator shouldn't be viewed as a step backward, rather as a natural and necessary part of the weaning process to return him to independent natural breathing without the tracheotomy.
  
• The neurologist showed Mom the MRI results and explained that the area affected may not be as serious as we first thought. But, he cautioned that it will take time to know the true extent and implications of the injury.
• On a very positive note, Dad moved his right arm across his body and has followed that with smaller movements from time to time. This is very encouraging.
• Otherwise vital signs are good and stable.
  

Thank you for your continuing prayers and words of encouragement. It is a comfort to know that Dad is being lifted up in prayer.