Author: Dar

This morning, the nurses told us that they would be performing a procedure to remove the fluid that has collected in his lungs.

The nurse updated us that Seth’s lungs were holding a lot of mucus. They removed what they could, and are submitting to the lab to see what it grows.

The procedure carries a risk that O2 would go down, which it did, and so they had to stop. His periphoral gas finger monitor went down to 77 (Target is above 92).

They were able to clear the larger passage ways but not the smaller passage ways. This means they weren’t able to clear the parts that would make the most impact.

They are giving him Mucinex for him to break it up/cough up.

Please remember that Day 3 is critical for brain swelling, and we continue to ask for prayers. Visitation is still limited to family only.

Some numbers we have been monitoring are doing good and others not too good.

Intracranial pressure (ICR): fluctuating between 13-16 (Drs want less than 20)

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP): 62 (needs to be between 60-70)

PBTO2 (on the monitor is UAP and is the oxygen level taken off the bolt in his head): 7 (needs to be greater than 20)

Sodium (Na+): 156 (needs to be 145-155) even 156 is critically high, which means the brain is not doing well. They started free water flushes which means they put water down his OG tube and let it sit there for about 20 minutes. Then it’s suctioned out to see if it draws out any sodium.

Heart rate: 135 (needs to be 60-70) It started going up last night from 80 and spiked to 140. The nurse said 140 was equivalent to running a marathon. He was given more pain reliever and a liter of water.

The neuro trama tream and neurosurgeon will be coming this morning to determine the plan of the day.

Day 3 is critical, please keep praying that we get thru day 3.

There will be no visitors other than immediate family.

We have wonderful nurses that are taking wonderful care of Seth and to answer lots of our questions. We know that God is here with us and sees Seth.

When I grew up, this prayer was said every night before bed. Hannah, Ben and Seth said it too. Today these words are even more meaningful. Because we can’t stimulate Seth by talking or touching him, I whispered this prayer he was taught to pray:

Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen

Looking forward to a new day and better vitals tomorrow.

Darcy

Seth is stable with improved cranial pressures with increased sedation and pain meds. Days 2 and 3 are the worst for brain swelling and this is day 2. Visits are limited to family only. Please keep praying! We thank everyone who has stopped by, sent texts, and emails. We are humbled by all your acts of love.

Ben and Seth were in a serious accident on 4/3/25 but for now I will update as of 12:05pm on 4/4/25.

There were some little progresses made from yesterday and last night. Until now. The pressure in Seth’s brain is increasing making his brain to swell. If swelling, there is less blood to the brain. They started him on continuous Fentanyl, have raised his head, closed the shades, and are pushing sodium to send more blood to the brain. He is having a central line put in and are monitoring his blood pressure closely. They are going to start feeding him via OG tube. If he doesn’t get food in his intestines, they can start to break down and bacteria can get into the blood that way.

There is no time given, it could take days or weeks to see if this helps.

If this doesn’t work, there are 2 other more invasive risky procedures which would include being in a medically induced coma or remove the skull for surgery. Recovery is much harder, of course.

Please pray for a miracle!

We read this passage to Seth just now. I hope it gives you hope just as it does for us. Romans 8:37-39 For I am sure that neither life nor death will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord