Critical again

Respiratory - Today was not a good day for little Matthew. He is back on the jet ventilator today because his carbon dioxide levels were extremely elevated and they were not able to get them back down to an acceptable level while still being on the regular ventilator.

Heart - The doctor also confirmed that the PDA valve in the heart is NOT closed and they will have to perform surgery later this week. They would normally do the surgery sooner than later, but to top everything off, Matthew has an "unknown" infection. They are not able to determine what is causing the infection yet, so they have him on three different antibiotics until the test results from the blood and spinal fluid samples come back. The down side to waiting to do the surgery is that his lungs could start to fill with fluids.

Brain - On Friday, a second ultrasound was done to see if the brain bleed has worsened. The unofficial report on Friday was that it did not. However, today two different doctors could not agree on what they thought they were seeing, so they are waiting for a third opinion and we won't know until tomorrow the official results of the bleed.

New developments - His abdomen is very distended and is blackish blue in color. He looks like he is badly bruised and the color has darkened over the last several hours and may continue to get worse. According to the x-rays they are taking, they don't think it is a gut infection, however the other signs they are seeing look like it could be a gut infection. On a plus note, they are no longer suctioning dark black liquid that looked like motor oil from his stomach. It is now beginning to look a bit more normal but they are still going to watch it for further problems.

He used to be very active but he has been lying in his bed pretty limp and at times appears to be lifeless. He used to grab my finger but he doesn't have the strength to do that right now.

This has been a very emotional day for me and it has been extra hard since Jason is out of town. I was warned that Matthew was going to have hard days like this, but I don't think anything can really prepare you for it until you are there. It breaks my heart to see my baby so ill and laying there so helpless and fighting for his life...I know God is in control and he is a God that can perform miracles beyond our wildest imaginations. It is hard to go through these dark hours not knowing which way things are going to turn, but I find peace in God and in knowing that all of you are praying for our little one, Matthew (his name means gift from God). Thank you for your prayers and support!