Update #16

Well, doc says he was very pleased with dads condition over the last 24hrs. His oxygen levels for the ventilator are at 60%, which is good because they are trying to give dad more control versus 100% oxygen from the ventilator. At some point dad was switched from intermittent dialysis to continuous For his kidneys. They are now going to stop the dialysis and administer medication that will help his urine production. They will play it by ear and monitor this see the progress and hope he doesn’t need dialysis anymore.

They are lowering the muscle relaxers and are going to see if dad can respond to commands. This is huge because this is a regular task for staff and can only be conducted if dad is well enough to do so. Well they beleive he is well enough to try.

I spoke with the chaplain who has coordinated an iPad to be checked out for dad to play our recording for him. Especially since he will have access to his own mobility briefly. I have asked the the Chaplian and their team to get as close as possible to dads bedside and pray for him and his well being. They are going to implement this in their daily rounds and conduct a prayer for him at his room window.

Update with in an update I spoke with the chaplain again who was at his room while staff was working with him. She was able to see dads eyes open and appeared to responsive to staff, she saw dad moving his head.

Today was tremendous step forward in comparison to the last few days. Dad is still very sick And has a long road ahead.

Till next time...

Update #15

Recently dad was put on his stomach from his back in an effort to assist his body, the fluids, and the oxygen fluctuation. Yesterday that caused a minor setback previously stated in the last update. They have continued the rotation from prone to back ever 8:16 hours or 1/3 to 2/3 of the day. He has continued to remain stable and is still in a condition where he will not be transferred back to the VA. There has been great discussion with medical staff about the transfer back to the VA. University will not send dad back to the VA (his primary medical care home) until they are comfortable with his condition to withstand the transfer for the appropriate rehabilitation settings.

Keep in mind that there are so many moving parts with his care and HUGE team that is overwatering dads care. Dad is extremely ill and was sent to University for their specialist. As soon as dad is well enough to return to the VA he will be in the appropriate place for rehabilitation.

In addition, the theme is that is takes 4-5 days for the convalescent plasma therapy to take affect if it works on dad. We are about 2 days in for this treatment.

Till next time...

Update #14

Dads levels oxygen levels fluctuated very little since yesterday. It is a very small setback from yesterday but is still much better than when he left the VA. The level change was very slight but doctors want to be cautious and hold off in the transfer to the VA another day to monitor him. It’s been one day for the plasma transfer and usually takes 4-5 days if it works. He is in a stable position now and levels are good. No other changes.

TI’ll next time...