Saturday...

Today has been more low key. I don't know if it is because I had lower expectations or because it really is an easier day. Ryan is holding steady with his numbers. He is using 60% oxygen and his stats are around 92/93. He has not been very awake today, but he is getting the rest that he needs.

Dr. Ojo came and met with us (Laurel, Grandma, Uncle Gary, Aunt Michele, and myself) this afternoon. She was encouraging but also honest about the situation. She said that Ryan is critical right now. She really wants to see some improvement on his oxygen needs. He will be able to get a trach when he is down between 40-50% oxygen, but he would still be using the ventilator 100% of the time until his needs are around 30-35%. She is not wanting to do the trach while he is running a fever. She thinks he may have developed that intestinal infection she was talking to us about on Wednesday. She is beginning the treatment for that which will take 14 days to complete. He will remain on "hold" during that time while they battle the infection. Once Ryan gets a trach it will allow better suction of the stuff in his lungs. This will hopefully speed along the recovery process.

Once Ryan does become active again, his LAS (81) will remain about where it is now, possibly higher. Ryan will probably be at U of M until the time of his transplant, unless they are able to get him off the ventilator completely. The plan right now is to get the trach in, reduce his oxygen needs, and use the ventilator at night as a support tool for his lungs.

The most important thing right now is to see a change in Ryan's oxygen needs. The doctors are looking for that as a sign that Ryan's body is healing and overcoming this pneumonia.