March 18, 2008

Family/Friends -

Today Nate stayed off the ventilator, and spent most of the day getting used to breathing on his own. Go Nathan!

On the flip side, we learned that both his kidneys are allowing urine to flow back into them from the bladder which can cause bacterial infections which are not good for his heart. Prophylactic antibiotics will be used to prevent infection until either the condition reverses itself or surgery is done to correct the problem (in a few months).

Beginning tonight, the doctors will ween him off the drugs. He'll need to be off most drugs (all I.V. drugs) before being ready to come home. Pray for Nate to get off of the vaporized oxygen as well. Once off I.V. drugs and the vapor machine, the focus will turn to eating. This could take 1-3 weeks--all dependent on Nate & his progress--so please pray for him to quickly adapt.

Thanks to all for your continued support & encouraging emails! :-)

Erik & Trisha