August 3, 2009

Gene is having a much better day today.

It is very hard work to learn to breathe on your own again after the kind of shock to one's system as Gene had. He has some paralysis in one side of his diaphragm as well as the weakness that his pneumonia caused, so he really has to work hard when they lower the help that the ventilator gives him. He currently gets pressure and supplemental oxygen. The pressure today was at 6, and he has been breathing very comfortably. When he can sustain his breathing with pressure at 5 he will be ready for the medical team to take him off the ventilator and put him on supplemental oxygen only. The family also understands that once he off the ventilator it will be much easier to address all the other medical concerns including that pressure sore.

Gene's granddaughter, Elizabeth, spent part of the day with him today and read to him part of his memoir from the years he lived on the river down the Stepping Rock. He was very engaged with the story. The family will leave reading material in the room and any visitors who would like to read something to Gene is encouraged to do so.

Prayer requests
Please pray for Gene's body to continue to grow strong enough to allow his body resources to be used for the healing of his pressure wound and for his breathing to continue to grow stronger. Pray for Gene's children, grandchildren and Emily to have peace of mind.