July 15, 2007

Sunday.

Yesterday Michael's paralytic medication was increased because he was metabolizing the drug too well and it was wearing off too quickly. I guess he really wants to be a part of the world still, which is comforting.
We are getting ready to go visit Michael tonight, but we've already talked to the nurse from the dayshift. Michael had a good day. There was one small desat spell, which was short, not very low, and completely reversed when Michael was suctioned. On the super-positive side, his ventilator settings were turned down again (yay!).

And, unexpectedly, Michael's digestive track has started working. (Graphic detail coming in the next few sentences -- fair warning.) He was not expected to have any bowel movements while on the paralytic drugs, but he has had several in the past day. As a result, the medical staff has turned off the tube in Michael's nose that leads to his stomach and suctions out the stomach contents (bile, etc.) We are taking this as a good sign that Michael will make a quick recovery as soon as they let him off the drugs.

We plan to be spending more time at the hospital tomorrow -- haunting the doctors until we know what the decision is about letting Michael's medicine wear off. We'll let you know what they decide.