Saturday - Update (2/9)

** I hope everyone likes the new upbeat look and feel of the blog! -- Seems to be working! **

I spoke with the Surgeon's resident and the update is good, including a better outlook for Dad's recovery.

The results from his liver biopsy are still not back. The doctor's chose to biopsy for diagnostic reasons to be sure the TPN lead to his liver failure; therefore the results of this biopsy are not too important unless they point to viral infection, which in their opinion is unlikely.

The CT scan results are back and revealed that Scott does NOT have pneumonia, although he does have fluid in his lung, which is why he is on the ventilator. The doctor says he may be intubated for up to another 5 days (we'll see how things go--today they are trying to get him breathing on his own again, baby steps). Scott also has a pool of blood in his abdomen. This is not uncommon after a surgery like the one Scott went though, and because his liver function was very poor before the surgery, his blood was not coagulating or clotting during the surgery. The risk surrounding this pool of blood is infection. To prevent this, the doctors have him on 3 antibiotics that are helping to ward of infection.

His jaundice seems reduced since last week--I'm happy to see that. And since they are trying to get him breathing on his own his sedation is less so he's been a bit more responsive during the day. He's listening to his music again, which seems to put him at ease and comfort him.

His levels are stable without the use of blood pressure drugs or pain killers, his platelet count is up and his vitals seem good. Another important thing to note is that his heart is strong and healthy, his kidney is healthy and producing a good amount of urine.

..and the MOST important thing to note is that, after a few dye tests administered through the NG tube, the intestines seem to be connected, healing and functioning just fine. The nurses plan to increase Scott's feeding (through his j tube) with each day. This means more nutrients will be absorbed, thus nourishing his liver allowing the liver to clean itself and Scott's blood. His liver will begin to purge the poisons that are present and he will get better, it's just a matter of time.