Update #16

Things are much better today. Respiratory therapists have been relentless with Ryan's lungs. They pound on his back, give him breathing treatments that open up his lungs, and suction him out repeatedly. They keep taking chest x-rays to determine the amount of fluid in his lungs. The doctors told me today that it has improved a lot.

Physical therapy came by, but they had bad timing (as usual). They came right after a heavy respiratory therapy session so he was really tired and not responding to their commands.

Ryan is still spiking fevers, but they are not as drastic as they were on Monday. At one point on Monday, Ryan had a fever of 103.9. Now, his fevers hover below 102.

The plan is to maintain this course of action. (Respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and neurology until he is stable enough to leave intensive care.) After that, he will be transferred to an "intermediate" intensive care unit. After that, he will be transferred to a neurology ward. Then, he'll be transferred to the Richmond rehabilitation facility.

The doctors think he may be stepped down to the intermediate intensive care unit early next week. (We'll see.)