Layers of Added Complication

This afternoon the docs did another bronchoscopy after seeing a new "infiltrate" (area of pneumonia) in the right upper lobe. The major pneumonia to this point has been in the left lower lobe. During the bronch they pulled out pus and sent it for cultures. The pulmonologist seemed to indicate that he thought that this could be a different bug that was introduced by the ET (breathing) tube.

The cardiologist, who is responsible for monitoring his hemodynamic status (blood pressure and blood flow) came in again just a bit ago. The mitral valve seems to be functioning decently, however, TJ's blood pressure has been very low. It was low last night and they added a drug to correct it (vasopressin). He is receiving the maximum dose but his pressure is low again after seeing an intitial bump up. This is because he has the infection in his blood (septicemia) as well as his lungs and all his blood vessels are dilated. They will add another medication to help the blood pressure. This med will put more pressure on his mitral valve but the cardiologist feels that the valve can handle it.

Last evening they placed a Swan Ganz line (deep IV that goes in through his right juggler vein in his neck) from this line they can do a number of direct measurements that very accuratly reflect his hemodynamic situation (how the heart is working, how hydrated he is in general, blood pressure directly off the heart, etc). Based on those readings he is a bit dehydrated so in addition to the new medication they will give him more IV fluids. A lot of this will leak out of the veins (due to the septicemia) so he will get rather puffy.

Current Prayer Needs:
1. Effective and rapid treatment to the new pneumonia and the septicemia
2. No complication for the added med, particularly for the mitral valve
3. That his blood pressure return to normal values
4. That his lungs (specifically pulmonary edema, that is a lot of extra fluid in the lungs kind of like drowning in your own body fluids) and kidneys would be protected. His kidney function has been a little abnormal but they are not overly concerned at this point.
5. The prayer requests we have already mentioned (some overlap)

I would also add to pray for our fellowship, Rockpoint. A board member and good friend or ours mother died today. Also G. N., who has been our rock here and also a board member, mother was just admitted to the hospital with a possible blood clot in her leg.

This is a battle for TJ and our fellowship members that is fought in realms that we cannot see but can and do directly impact through prayer. We are requesting a day of prayer and fasting tomorrow for TJ's situation and our fellowship. Fight hard! I feel like Reepicheep (from Voyage of the Dawn Treader) who sails off to adventures off the end of the world. I feel like I am sailing off to what life after miracles looks like.

Rose also passed away today, so, again, although this isn't the Reach Rose blog, keep her family in your prayers.

We are deeply grateful to all of you.

MA and the guys

P.S. We have done our best to make sure that the medical jargon is translated into plain English. If you have questions on something we said let us know.