Tuesday, June 22

 I'm reminded to not get too low with the lows and too high with the highs. Dad's breathing has been great with the capping, but his CO2 level is too high. The way to decrease the CO2 level right now is to ventilate it out through the ventilator. So, they are putting him back on the vent and hoping he can get rid of the CO2 over the next few days and hopefully start on the trach collar again later this week.

My prayer is that he won't have to go on the vent again after this time- that his CO2 will normalize and he won't need to. What helps him ventilate the CO2 once on the trach collar is time and strength. He has been on the trach collar a long time so praying that he is getting strong enough to do well on the next cap trial. 

The general plan is: 

1. Once he ventilates the CO2 well, to go on the trach. collar.

2. If he does well getting weaned on the trach collar, try the PMV speaking valve. 

3. If he can tolerate the PMV well for around 4 days or so and his ABG shows that his CO2 is normal, try to cap him.

4. If he does well with capping for a week or so, the next step would be to remove the trach. 

We know this is a lot, but we also know that all things are possible with God. Thank you for continuing to hope, pray, and believe with us. 



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