April 7-10, 2010 - Mixed Bag

The past few days have been a mixed bag.

• Wednesday and Thursday, Dad was off the ventilator during the day and into the evening. His breathing seemed labored, but his O2 saturation and other indicators were in the acceptable range.
• That turned the wrong way Friday and Saturday, as Dad was required to go back to full support on the ventilator all day. When the vent was withdrawn, his breathing was rapid and shallow, plus his heart rate jumped up. Discouraging.
  
• In general, Dad has been fairly withdrawn. At times, he has been more responsive to attempts at talking with him, but being on the ventilator prevents him from using the speaking valve. Frustrating for all.
  
• On Thursday, he started a new medicine intended to strengthen his heart's performance. His ejection rate is about 20% (normal would be 60-65%), which is very concerning.

• On Saturday, Dad started a new run of antibiotics aimed at the respiratory infection, after finishing the regimen started last week, and he had a fever of 101.
• The physical therapy and occupational therapy people have been on the case over the last week. He has been up in the stretcher-chair/robo-chair daily for 2-3 hours.
• We are encouraged that Dad has shown interest in participating in the therapy and, with encouragement, following up on his own with limited activity.
• Dad's fighting on multiple major fronts - heart, lungs, musculoskeletal, mental - and it's draining.
  
• He needs a win.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers and support. So many of you have been so kind to Mom and Dad during this traumatic time. It's greatly appreciated.

God is Sovereign and I pray for His grace and mercy to be poured out on Dad and Mom. Please continue to join me in praying for Dad's complete recovery and for him to be at peace with his circumstances. Pray also for Mom and Dad to have strength and peace throughout this ordeal.