D+70: Rotavirus!

WBC 3.9
ANC 3198

Can you believe it?! Ryan has another *$&#^@ virus! Fortunately, it's unlikely that this one will threaten Ryan's health. The main symptom is diarrhea, and Ryan is already on some medications to treat that. Unlike some of the other viruses that Ryan has had, he probably picked this one up in the hospital (i.e. it was not dormant in his system when we came in). For Cheryl and I, this is just another confirmation that we have to be absolute freaks about cleaning the room and hounding people that come into the room. Ryan actually tested positive for the virus over a week ago, so that gives you an idea of just how benign it can be. Still ...

Ryan had another echo this morning and his heart is pretty much unchanged. We were hoping to see the fluid level drop a bit, but the current level certainly does not appear harmful. Ryan's pulse and blood pressure are normal (well, normal for Ryan), so it looks like his heart his in reasonable shape now. Every once in a while, Ryan's pulse will drop from the 120-130 range to 80-90. We would normally dismiss it as a blip with his pulse monitor, but his breathing appears to be depressed during these periods as well. Not sure what's going on there -- probably nothing.

Cheryl managed to get Ryan down to 30% oxygen on the BiPAP today. She eventually had to bring it up again, but that's another big step in the right direction. Keep in mind that Ryan was on 100% oxygen not too long ago.

Amazingly, Ryan opened his eyes a ton today. He is so strong. I don't know how he can open his eyes and pay attention to his surroundings after being through this much. Cheryl said that he would move his eyes when she would talk to him, which means that his awareness level is increasing. We are both desperate to see Ryan's glowing personality emerge again.