Update on My Father-in-Law

> Hey everybody, time for an update. Heather, Denae, Troy and Mom have
> been here at the hospital since 11:00 or so today. We've mostly just
> been waiting for information, and periodically bugging the nurse
> without much success. President Steve McDonald just stopped by to
> visit, and we went back to see Dad with him. Steve explained some
> things really well, and we were very grateful for him to come and help
> us.
>
> We hear that the transplant team has been operating for more than 20
> hours in three different transplants including dads. So that's why we
> haven't been able to talk to any doctors today. Steve explained that
> he is doing as expected, and he felt really good about his progress.
> His blood pressure is good, but he is still getting steroids,
> platelets and clotting agents to help with that. One of the jobs of
> the liver is to help with the clotting agents and so they are waiting
> for the liver function to increase. The new liver is stable, and is
> functioning but at a reduced level. Since the liver has undergone so
> much trauma, it will take a few days for it to really come on line.
> His oxygen levels are great, and his kidneys are even functioning as
> well. He is urinating, and his pulse is normal. He is on a
> respirator that is breathing for him, but it is not working hard at
> all meaning there is no fluid in his lungs.
>
> The best thing about today was that while we were there, Steve woke
> him up! He is heavily sedated, but he was able to respond; squeezing
> hands, and wiggling his toes on command. He even opened his eyes for
> mom and Troy, and wanted to talk but of course could not. He was able
> to move all his arms and legs, and knew the difference between his
> right leg and left (which shows higher level of reasoning).
>
> Everybody is saying that he is "stable". He is not really improving
> yet, but it sounds like he is progressing as normal. Typical
> procedure for liver transplants is to put the liver in, and then leave
> him open to make sure everything is ok. Today they took him into
> surgery, and fixed a few leaks, but still left him open. They will
> try again tomorrow, and it is not uncommon for them to leave him open
> for up to 48 hrs.
>
> So have faith, and keep praying! We encouraged him and told him how
> much of a good job he is doing. We are so grateful for the faith and
> prayers of everybody who knows him. I am SURE that Dad will keep
> fighting, and will not give up. He is definitely not out of the woods
> yet, so keep up the prayers and faith. We love you all!
>
> With Love, -Troy