Baby Steps in the Right Direction

This is Grandpa and Grandma Ryder relaying today's message. Katie and Bill are with Graham in the ICU following a surgical procedure to put in a central line under his right clavicle. Most importantly, this line will allow a variety of nutrients (and calories) to be given to our G-man. Also, blood can be drawn from the this central line...no more sticks!

Yesterday, Graham gave us a scare when he began to struggle to breath, so it was decided that the CPAP should be replaced by a ventilator. Since then, his ability to breath has improved immensely. This, combined with a little morphine and another blood transfusion, made him considerably more comfortable and less stressed, which will better enable him to fight the infection battle. Seeing him more relaxed has helped his anxious parents to also breath a little easier.

Another positive sign is that Graham's urine output has increased ... not drastically, but every little drop is golden, literally and figuratively. Dr. West said blood tests indicate that his kidney function has improved. Also, his swelling seems to have gone down a bit.

Today Graham will be given a echo cardiogram to determine if his heart function is normal. Specifically, Dr. West is interested in his ventricular efficiency. He is doing well in this department, but she wants to make sure all is okay.

Graham continues to get antibiotics. One has been changed to be more kidney-friendly and another was added to prevent a staph infection. There is still no word from the cultures on what, specifically, is the cause or causes of his infection, so they are covering all bases.

Even given these positives, we remain keenly aware that Graham is still at high risk and his situation is dangerous and unpredictable. But these hopeful events boost our spirits.

Your warm and supportive thoughts continue to carry us through yet another day.