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They had to change his breathing tube at about 12:15 pm today.  The one that had been put in last Tuesday night at Wood County Hosp. developed a small leak in a part that is like a little latex balloon.  They had the whole room full of doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists.  The switch went very smoothly -- hardly missed a beat.  He had to be put temporarily back on 100% O2, but they have already backed off to 80%, and his O2 saturation is still up at 96%.  Heart rate is steady at 112, peep is 18, respirations at 26, bp at 102/61, and temp still at 98.8 (which we are very happy temp is still down today.)  The respiratory therapist said having to have the new tube is sort of a blessing in disguise since after a week there had been some build up of secretions on the first one. 
 
He seems to be tolerating the new tube feeding better, kidneys are still doing fine, and they are keeping close watch on the white count (12.1 early this a.m., then 10.9 when retested), hemoglobin (7.3) and potassium (5.7 early, 5.1 when retested, which is a little high,. 3.5 to 4.5 is normal)
 
Dr. said not to expect any major improvement for some time.  This will be a long, slow process of baby steps.  There will be ups and downs like a roller coaster, but they are certain that they are on the riight track.  He will be critical and on a ventillator for probably at least another week or more.
 
Thank you everyone for all your positive thoughts and prayers!
 
Love,
EJ

They had a rough time between 5-6pm last keeping his oxygen levels up, but his numbers look much better this morning.  They had him on 100% oxygen input in the late evening but they were able to lower that to 50% through the morning.  They have to lower it slowly and each time they do his blood pressure, heart rate, etc. fall off a little, then slowly stabilize.  

Right now he is on 50% oxygen input and has 95% saturation which is a huge improvement from yesterday.  His blood pressure is good, his temp is 98.7 and his heart rate is 104.  They also were able to turn down his sedative a bit but he is still on a paralytic to keep his O² levels up.