Thursday AM update

Things are looking much better today than yesterday. Jonas' blood pressure was stable all night long (he is still on some continuous IV medications to help keep his blood pressure up) but the fluids have stopped. He is now on a fluid restriction to try to pull off some of the fluid that has built up in his tissues (he is very swollen!) He is still on the mechanical respiratory ventilator, but is breathing more on his own than yesterday (meaning the machine is doing less work for him), but he's not ready to come off yet because of all the fluid in his lungs. He has been very lethargic and hasn't really been alert much -- partly from the sedation he got before he was intubated yesterday evening, and partly because the infection is really taking a toll on his body. They've said maybe tomorrow we can discuss taking him off the ventilator if he's more alert and stronger. But for now it is needed so his body can rest and fight the infection.



His blood culture results have not come back yet, but it is presumed that he has a bacterial infection and he is being treated with 3 different IV antibiotics. They are saying he will need at least 10 days of IV antibiotics before the switch to injections and then if all else looks well he would be able to go home and continue more antibiotics there.



He has just been receiving IV fluids for hydration and has not been able to eat anything or have anything in his stomach. So Morgan has been pumping and trying to get her milk to come in so that when he's better he will be able to nurse.



We have had limited contact with him since he's so sick, and we have to gown up and wash up before we go near him. He's in the incubator, and a few times a day we can go see him and touch his little hands and feet. We can't wait for the day when when can HOLD HIM!! Soon, we hope!



Morgan is clear to go home from the hospital, but she will stay probably for one more day to be near him (she wants to stay until he is extubated at least...it will be hard to leave!) But Bruce will take Elijah home tonight so he can have some sense of balance in his world. He has been taken great care of by our friends here and seems to be really enjoying it and in good spirits, but we know it's hard on him too. He's come up to visit mom and dad every evening and has loved being soaked in Mom and Dad's love....and playing on the hospital bed that goes up and down :)



We are feeling hopeful for how things are going, and are so happy for the stable news from today. He's not out of the woods yet, but we know that he is being watched over and taken care of well by Jesus! It has been such a humbling experience feeling so helpless in taking care and protecting him -- but knowing that we can only entrust him to Jesus to take care of him and protect him.



Thank you for all your emails....it really does mean so much to us to hear that you are standing with our family in prayer.



Jonas yesterday afternoon before he was intubated and with a few less lines than he has now.