Tuesday, March 26 – Morning Update
At around 4am on Tuesday, we were allowed to see Zach through the window to his room with two to three people at a time. He was intubated, sedated, and highly unstable. A constant ICU team was working with him to stabilize him, but things were not looking good.
At 5am, his doctor told us to prepare for the possibility that Zach may lose his life. He was not responding to any of the treatments and they were doing everything that they could think of to improve his situation. His blood pressure and heart rate were of primary concern as he was in septic shock. The doctors were giving him the maximum amount of medications that they could to increase his blood pressure and preserve his body function.
At this time, Zach’s kidneys were also failing due to the septic infection. This made his blood very acidic, and the doctors considered administering dialysis. The doctors were doubtful that his body would tolerate this option because of his profoundly low blood pressure.
Over the course of the morning, more and more of Zach’s friends and family became aware of his dire condition and the possibility that he might pass away. Emails to pastors were forwarded to congregations across Canada and many prayers were made for God to save Zach’s life.
At around 10:30 am, we learned that Zach was slowly responding to the doctors’ treatments, but he was still in critical condition. Zach’s dad, Ed, arrived from Toronto around 11:00 am to be with him. He continued to improve bit by bit throughout the rest of the day but was still in critical condition by the evening.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4).
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” (Psalm 130: 1).
Tuesday, March 26 – Evening Update
At around 4:00 pm, we were allowed to enter Zach’s room while wearing gowns, masks, and gloves and sit with him. Megan, Ed, and Alice went in as soon as they could. They were able to hold Zach’s hands, which were turning cold and purple.
On Tuesday evening, the family was called into a private room for a meeting with one of Zach’s doctors and a nurse. There, we received what we’re calling a ‘reality check’ update. This wasn’t pleasant to hear and won’t be pleasant to read. But it’s reality. Let’s keep praying.
Zach is needing less medication to support his blood pressure. However, his breathing has gotten worse due to inflammation in the lungs. He is requiring quite a bit of help from the ventilator to keep his oxygen up and his body relaxed. They plan to put Zach on his stomach tonight (called “proning”) to hopefully increase his oxygen levels. He is to stay flipped tonight for 16 hours.
Zach is still in a very tenuous situation. He’s still very sick and his hands and feet are so cold as his body is prioritizing the blood flow in his vital organs. His right hand and both feet are cold and purple. There’s a chance he could lose fingers/toes/hands/feet. This is very hard news as he loves to be active and he loves his work as a bricklayer.
We were allowed to stay in the large private family room overnight. We took turns sleeping so that somebody could be with Zach as often as possible. Rev. and Mrs Poppe dropped off sleeping mats, blankets, and water bottles to make our stay more comfortable.
This was a long, tough night for Zach. Lots of ice bags were placed on him as his fever was high. However, his oxygen did slowly improve while on the ventilator. The doctors are happy with his response to treatment.
Zach’s best man, Luke Van Bostelen, and Luke’s mom, Margaret, arrived from Edmonton around 4:00 am to support Zach.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121: 1-4).
