June 1

Brian remains stable. However, he has two main challenges today. 1) His oxygen levels continue to be quite low (30-40 ML). The Bronchoscopy from yesterday must not have been very successful as it doesn't seem to have cleared any possible blockage and helped him. His new doctor today performed a third Bronchoscopy before speaking with me. Once he called me today, he told me that he couldn't find a source of a blockage. Dr. Harris reported that the ventilator is at the highest level it can be and still be safe for him. If they were to increase the level any more, they run the risk of causing lung damage. To combat Brian's lower oxygen levels, his doctor has decided to increase Brian's sedation. This means that for the time being, he is back in an induced coma (like he was originally in Sacramento after going onto the ventilator). By lowering his heart rate, his body can rest and the ECMO machine can perform better. There is no timeframe for how long he will be in this state of sedation, although, he cannot be in it for a very long time as it can lead to other issues. Hopefully, his body will get the rest it needs quickly. 2) Brian has bleeding in his mouth and nose and around his trachea. Apparently, this isn't an uncommon issue with Covid/ECMO patients. Head and Neck Surgeons regularly assess these patients when they begin bleeding in these areas. The surgeon examined Brian and said that there doesn't seem to be any other, more serious cause of the bleeding. The surgeon then proceeded to use medical packing in Brian's nose and around his trachea to help stop the bleeding. He also received a platelet and blood transfusion to help replace any loss. My good friend who is an RN assured me that ECMO patients tend to have bleeding issues fairly commonly. The doctors tending to Brian are very aware of these situations and know how to properly care for him. I guess part of me feels a little relieved for Brian to be back in a heavier sedated state in hopes that when he is brought out of the heavier sedation, his lungs will be stronger and doing better. 

Here are some good things that Dr. Harris observed today: He confirmed that Brian's lungs have not collapsed (sounds like they were concerned this could be the situation), he couldn't find any evidence of any blood clots (this can be a common concern), his kidneys and gut look good, his heart looks good, he is continuing on the antibiotics and his infections are under control. We'll take all the good news we can get and just keep praying that these obstacles Brian has before him are temporary.