PICU Update # 2

     Overnight went well. Ethen has remained stable and shown signs of improvement. We've reduced his oxygen concentration on the oscillator a couple times during the night, and he has acclimated to those adjustments well. The medical team is encouraged by his progress since yesterday afternoon, which obviously encourages us. Today we will continue to take strides toward weaning him from the oscillator. It could take between one and three days to get him off of the oscillator to a standard ventilator. We'll then work toward getting him off of that ventilator and then the various medications he's on, one of which has temporarily paralyzed him to prevent his resisting the ventilator's rhythm. Ethen's lungs have been considerably damaged so it is going to take some time to repair.
     Please pray that Ethen's lungs can recover. He has retained some fluid overnight. He's going to receive some diuretic medication to help draw off the fluid. His lungs are also still inflamed. The fluid and inflammation have reduced his lung volume and functionality. Please pray for improvement in this regard. Pray also for protection for his body as his immune system is still compromised. We believe medical care is important, but it is not determinative. Things can change quickly. God's hand is sovereign, and we trust him.