G-Man becomes P-Man

After marking time for three days, Graham has begun to show some positive signs. Quite simply, he is peeing! And I mean peeing! The renal team and surgical team agreed on a new strategy which was implemented last night, and it has worked wonders. The hope is that his urine output will continue to increase and that the edema will soon begin to abate, which should result in improvements in his heart and respiratory functions. The swelling has impacted Graham in so many ways.
Graham had the two chest tubes removed today, which meant Katie was allowed to hold him. She is one happy mommy. The proof is in the picture.
Graham is still on full ventilation, but his supplemental oxygen is now down to 27% and he is off the nitric oxide completely. He is doing fine with these changes as evidenced by his pulse oxygen level at or near 100%.
The G-Man is still not ready for breast milk. His stomach fluids are still green, rather than the clear liquid that will indicate his digestive system is ready for his mother's milk. He is continuing to receive his nutrition through his central line.
A rash continues to make appearances. It literally comes and goes and manifests itself on different places on his body. Dermatology doesn't have an answer, but preliminary results from the biopsy taken three days ago indicate a possibility of vasculitis (sp?). But Dr. West thinks it is just another symptom rather than a cause.
We have learned to keep an equilibrium through this whole drama, but positives are always welcome. We celebrate the small improvements, like we saw today, that will ultimately bring us back our healthy Graham. We are all ready to step off this roller-coaster ride of emotions. Thank you all for following us through this horrendous week. Your words of encouragement and prayers simply make everything easier.