April 28, 2020: The ventilator is on the lowest setting today. The Dr. says he could take Michael off the ventilator but is concerned that he will not be able to cough or clear his airway on his own. So, they have scheduled a tracheostomy for Thursday. They will take the tube from his mouth, and insert a tiny hole in his neck in order to help him clean and remove secretions from his airway. They will also insert a feeding tube to make sure he gets proper nutrition.
Michael continues to open his eyes when we chat. They turned on the TV in his room today and put it on the sports channel. When the nurse asked him if that is what he wanted, she thought she got a positive response.
The Dr. says that Michael is strong from the neck down. The biggest concern is the amount of neurological recovery we will see. Thanks for all of your prayers about the breathing and getting him off the ventilator. That prayer has been answered. Please start praying hard about the neurological recovery. There is a severe brain injury due to loss of oxygen to the brain for an extended period of time. He does have age on his side. They keep telling me that this is going to be a long process, but let's pray together that his story has not been written yet!
Many of you have inquired about sending cards, flowers, and gifts to the hospital. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the hospital will not accept anything. I will try to get a P.O. Box for those of you that would like to send a card. More to come...
Not being able to be with him, and touch him is excruciating. For those of you that are parents, I am sure you understand! Thanks for all of the support. You keep me going!😍