Medical Update

Today, Zach’s breathing continued to be laboured. They took a blood gas sample this afternoon, which measures how well Zach’s air exchange is happening. The blood gas test showed that Zach’s carbon dioxide levels were quite high, meaning that he’s not breathing out enough. He was also acting quite sleepy by this point in the day, likely because of the high levels of carbon dioxide in his blood. The doctor decided that Zach needed to be connected to a ventilator again to support his breathing and ensure that he is receiving enough oxygen and exhaling enough carbon dioxide.

Since Zach’s tracheostomy was removed on Wednesday, they had to intubate him again. The intubation went well, and Zach’s breathing is controlled by the ventilator right now. They also gave him a central line, which is similar to a PICC, but in his neck instead of his arm, and an arterial line for monitoring blood pressure. Zach had to be sedated for his intubation, which caused his blood pressure levels to lower. At the time of writing this, Zach is sedated, intubated and on the ventilator, receiving blood pressure support and continuous monitoring through his art line.

Please pray for Zach as he continues to fight his infection. Pray that the intubation will be for his benefit and that he will soon be able to take steps toward breathing on his own again. While this is another step back in Zach’s healing journey, we acknowledge that all of this is part of God’s good plan for Zach. Thank you for your continued prayers for healing.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)