Jimm Update June 20th

More mixed results.
A wash out was done on Monday and during a turning of his body for cleaning he incurred a mucus plug which lead to a bronchoscopy and a partially collapsed left lung. It was successfully reinflated. A member of the surgical team said that his lungs are in less than ideal shape and will be watched carefully.

Another wash out was performed today in his room. . the usual damaged tissue was removed, but still no parts of the pancreas have been excised. It is good to hear that the pancreas is calming down a bit. This may be an indication that the inflammation is slightly lessening and the self-destruction abating. Let's hope.

Rather extensive blistering on his left arm is being treated with Silvadene.. a topical antimicrobial drug often used for burn victims to prevent wound sepsis, and a splint has been put on his left hand.. perhaps to avoid wrist drop, which can result in hand problems later. One bedsore remains but is healing(sounds like the fancy moving bed is working). Some parts of Jimm's body are puffy, but his BP has been high enough so that the dyalisis machine has been used to drive off some of the excess body fluid.
The feeding tube food volume has been cut back and is being made up by IV nutrients. His white blood cell count is still up indicating continuing infection.. but on the good side, he is putting out more urine.

Jimm continues to open his eyes from time to time, but is still basically unconscious. All our cards have been put on the bulletin board he usually faces, so when he wakes up enough he will see them right away. Maybe he even sees them now. I'd like to think that is the case.

Will try for another update on Friday.
aw