Medical Update:

The CT scan yesterday showed that Zach’s pneumothorax caused almost a complete collapse of his left lung. The collection of air was putting pressure on his heart and shifting it over, which caused his excessively high heart rate yesterday. They inserted a chest tube last night that is now draining well, allowing his lung to slowly re-inflate. They also put him on sedation and blood pressure support to allow his body to recover. Zach is settled and relaxed this morning. Please pray that the chest tube will continue to be effective and that Zach will be able to recover from this setback.

Zach went back on the ventilator yesterday evening after his CT scan and is still on the ventilator at the time of writing this update. The doctor is very impressed with how well Zach kept his oxygen levels up even when his “good” lung was collapsed. She is optimistic that Zach will be able to go back on the trach mask later today. Please thank God with us for giving Zach strength in his breathing. Please pray that God will continue to grant healing and strength in Zach’s lungs.

This setback will delay Zach’s transfer to Calgary again. The doctor wants to give Zach at least one week to stabilize before we discuss transport to Foothills ICU. Please pray for patience while we wait for Zach to become more stable and move to Calgary.

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” (Psalm‬ ‭125‬:‭2‬)