Sunday, December 13, 2009

Setting the Record Straight

The news about Robert is a little better than it was yesterday. The word went around that Robert only had 24-48 hours, and we know that this was very stressful news for everyone that heard it. There was a time in the morning that his condition was very critical. His resting heart rate went over 200 bpm and there was concern that he would go into an irregular heart rhythm and require resuscitation. The doctors were able to adjust his ventilator settings and treat his pH levels to bring his heart rate down to a safer rate. It has been determined that he has ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), which is inflammation of the lungs. ARDS is a secondary response to some other stress. The cause has still not been determined since all the cultures have come back negative. Robert's condition is still very critical and he is receiving supportive care for ARDS, which means he is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. He's hooked up to a plethora of monitors and is being watched very closely. His condition has been fairly stable since yesterday afternoon. The diagnosis of ARDS gives hope that Robert will be able to pull through this, although his condition could change from day to day or even hour to hour at this point.


We are moving forward with faith and so appreciate all who join their faith with ours. We know that Robert is in God's hands and He is in charge of the outcome. We continue to believe in miracles and to ask for one for Robert. Ashley is holding up with her usual optimism and courage and advocating for the best care possible for Robert.


*We will be posting if there is anything new. If there is any specific information that you would like to know or questions that you have please feel free to leave us a comment and we will answer it in the following post. It has been an overwhelming weekend, but we do plan to continue posting at least once a day.


Once again, thank you for your fasting and prayers on Robert and Ashley's behalf. We have all felt their power this weekend, and your love!

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for keeping us updated. We are assuming the 24-48 hour time period is not necessarily the case anymore (with the understanding things could change rapidly). Does he have pneumonia as well, or just ARDS? Is Robert awake at all, or are they keeping him sedated? We continue to pray and fast and combine our faith with everyone else. We love you all.
    Mark and Annette and family

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