Fw: Daniel, day 5
Topic: Daniel

SeNT: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 7:32 PM
SubjeCT: Daniel, day 5


Where to begin....
He's still with us, but not doing well. Still critical, still in a coma.
Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day, which was a good thing -- no hiccups. He had a CAT scan (scheduled) and it showed no significant changes from his last one.
During the night he began having more brain swelling. By morning they ordered another CAT scan; induced a deeper coma to minimize brain activity and metabolism and rest it; administered mannitol to help reduce swelling. He seemed to respond to these measures as indicated by the pressure monitor implanted in his brain.
By late this afternoon the pressure was again rising in his head and his temperature was rising. They are concerned about the crud that they are suctioning from his lungs and sent it for lab tests. Aspiration pneumonia/infection may be an issue.
If they can't get the swelling in the brain under control they may have to remove part of the skull (temporarily). Tonight will be crucial.
They are also leaning towards a tracheotomy to replace the vent tube through his mouth and down his throat. And they want to insert a feeding tube through his abdominal wall. Neither of these two procedures are a matter of emergency, just better care/comfort for the weeks ahead.

Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers, notes, & kind words of support. It means so much to us to have so many friends carrying the load with us.