BJ is still in ICU, being watched over by nurses all night. The doctors now expect that he will be in the hospital for 2-3 weeks. We don't know how long he'll be unconscious with the ventilator. The biggest concern right now is that they can't seem to get his oxygen levels up; they're pretty steady around 90%.
Today they did a broncoscopy, which means they took a sample of the crap in his lungs so they can run all kinds of tests on it. They're pretty sure now that it isn't malaria, yellow fever, dengay, hepatitis, or leukemia. And most likely it isn't tuberculosis, though the test results on that won't be confirmed until tomorrow. But there are so many other diseases it could be, and it's hard not knowing. Stereoids would help him, but they can't put him on those until they're sure it isn't TB or anything else that the stereoids would make worse.
They put him on more meds to try to up oxygen levels and chemically paralyze him, though his mind and hearing are there. His heart is doing really well, too, which is good. He briefly opened his eyes today and moved his right hand, but I think those were because the sedative was wearing off. Whitney and I talked to him, teased him about his hobbit feet and told him we're going to paint his toenails. I read him a few psalms, and my parents were in the room the majority of the day. Mom (Deanna) has been at the hospital for 2 days straight now. So many people came by today, being supportive, bringing food and hugs. But mostly guys, we REALLY COVET YOUR PRAYERS. So much. That is what will get him through this battle.
Tonight they started nitric oxygen, because the extra meds weren't increasing his oxygen levels. We're really praying that this works. If that and slightly increasing the ventilator pressure doesn't work, the next step is to bypass the lungs to pump oxygen through his body. But we're not there yet.
You all will never know how grateful my family and I are for your support through phone calls, hospital visits, and prayer. Rachel and I are probably going to get a video camera and start making a video card for when he wakes up. I'd love for you guys to all be part of it. Take care, and please keep PRAYING!!!!
-Lauren