reuben’s adventure

That was Dr. George’s comment after rounds today.  While I was posting last night’s news about Reuben’s good day, he had another episode — probably as a result of an infection that he was getting.  He’s back on three kinds of antibiotics after a rest of 36 hours and that seems to be helping; they’ve been able to wean his oxygen back to 65% again and he’s still statting in the low 80’s.

He’s getting more albumin and lasix today to try to help drain off some of the fluid that he’s retaining as well.

Dr. George talked to me a little bit this morning about ECMO; I think they’re trying to gradually get us used to the possibility in case they decide to go that route.  We really hope they don’t have to because it’s much more risky than what they’re doing now.

Love,

Eric, Jonna, and Reuben

Reuben had another good day.  He kept his oxygen levels in the high 80s even though his oxygen in the ventilator is down to 65%, so that’s great (at the end of last week he was only statting in the 80s even though he was on 100% oxygen.)

I asked Dr. George today at rounds where we are in the process, and he said we’re about to our 25 yard line.  We could still have setbacks, and there’s a long way to go.  But we sure like the good days better than the bad ones.

Grandma Higgins came up to the hospital today to see Reuben and keep me company, and we went up and had lunch with Eric and his old boss Gary at the rooftop cafe, which is quite nice.

We’re trying to contact everyone who’s written on the blog or called, and we’ll get to everyone eventually.  We’re in enough of a routine now that we should be able to return phone calls and emails more promptly.  My cell # is 319-558-6267, and I carry that all the time, though I have it turned off when I’m in with Reuben.

As always, thanks for your love, support, and prayers.

Best,

Eric, Jonna, and Reuben