Tidal Volume

 Brian remains stable. We were able to visit him one last time before heading back to Sacramento for the week. We came in a little after 9:30 am. Nathan and I were visiting first and it seemed that he was sedated a little more than yesterday, or perhaps just a little more tired. After talking to him for a while I told him that Nathan was going to leave the room so that Jillian would have a chance to visit. He immediately opened his eyes very wide. Flattered, Nathan stayed a bit longer but then traded out his spot with Jillian. Jillian came in and started talking about her dad's beard that was growing. She mentioned that she wanted to take a picture to send to him telling him how great it looked. (so he could have a record of it). Once again, Brian's eyes came open but he began mothing a word. Pretty sure he was telling her no as I could tell he was trying to, ever so slightly, shake his head no. Once I assured him that no pictures would be taken, he relaxed and closed his eyes. Even in a very sedated state, he is still making it clear that, understandably, he really does not want any pictures taken. 

Yesterday, I mentioned there was a machine that measures Brian's oxygen levels that had begun beeping before we left for the night. This machine measures something called "Tidal Volume" which is the amount of oxygen the ventilator is able to pump into a person's lungs. Last night (Saturday), his oxygen level on this machine was between 40 - 42 ML. When I left the room and the two kids were in there with him, this is when his oxygen level went to 39 ML and the machine began to beep. (A nurse was in the room the entire time keeping watch over him while the children and I were there.) His night nurse had told me that an average, healthy person would normally be able to have around 500 ML of oxygen going into their lungs at a time. So, low 40's is not good and below 40ML is really not good, thus the machine beeping. The best thing we could do for him at that moment was go so that he could rest. Today, I looked over and saw the machine was reporting between 58- 60 ML. I mentioned to Brian that going up by 15 to 20 ML must be a good sign! I later called the hospital and asked the nurse about this and she did confirm, that yes, the closer his numbers get to 500 ML, the better. At least this is something I can begin asking about over the phone and look for when I get there again. It is only one piece in a large puzzle that needs to come together for his recovery, but at least it is something I can measure and report on.