March 17 9:05 am

Just talked to the doctor and had a brief visit with Neil. First things first, the doctor said Neil was "better". He changed the ventilator from bi-level to a pressure controlled ventilator. Yea!!!!! The ventilator setting is at 20 breaths a minute, 30 PEEP and 65% oxygen. This change was made at 8:30 am. Neil's oxygen sat is 93-94. His blood gases looked good this morning. They will run blood gases again in a couple of hours. This will help determine how to adjust the ventilator setting if Neil is not able to manage this particular setting. Neil is getting TPN, Total Parental Nutrition, which is all the nutrients, etc he needs. It is high in sugar. Neil has been on an insulin drip. That has been stopped and they will check his blood sugar and will give insulin as needed. Neil's blood pressure is high again. He was given medication early this morning and it has dropped some. The doctor said he will consider a trach in the next several days. For many reasons this will be better for Neil. The doctor said he is not considering closing his abdomen at this time. He wants everything else to continue to improve. We were again grounded in being told this controlled ventilator continues to be life support. We are so very aware Neil is still in critical condition. The medical personnel are grand in their skills in caring for Neil and just as grand in taking care of us. However, we are clear every step Neil takes in a step closer to being "less" critical. Please pray for Neil's lungs to be able to respond to this ventilator setting.

(DeAnn has is wearing green, so she will not be pinched. She has a big smile this morning. Yea!!!!!!!)