Jan 5

There is not much to report today.

The cultures they took yesterday haven't done much, so they are waiting until tomorrow to learn more. His blood pressure is a bit high, but managable. He opens his eyes and responds to pain, but doesn't focus or follow any commands. Currently they reduced the work the ventilator is doing by about 50% and he's tolerating the 'exercise.' Yesterday he was able to breathe with the reduced ventilator for about 90 minutes. His incision still looks good and they are thinking about closing him up in a day or two.

I guess all there is to say is sepsis is hard on the body - all its systems. He is working double-duty to try and recover from the infection. The doctors haven't ordered another CT scan, no EEG to measure the electrical activity, or an MRI - so perhaps it's me who's feeling impatient. I'm ready for the 'next step' and he's still working on the one he's one. Patience isn't my strong suit...

Our son - due in March - has heart arrhythmia. I imagine half the world is walking around with an irregular heart beat and most of them probably don't realize it. Every week we are hooked up to a fetal heart monitor and his heart rate is monitored/recorded for an extended period of time, at least 30 minutes but up to an hour. Today was our 5th visit to labor and delivery and so far, his heartbeat has always been within the 'normal' range. It was very disconcerting at first to learn about this arrhythmia, now we have 'lived' with it for almost two months and I don't feel so anxious. I'm glad our doctors are being cautious, particularly with all that is happening. I'm trying to get lots of rest, pay close attention to the nutrition I'm getting and take breaks from 'reality' when I can.