It’s been a long day. Stan’s condition was roughly the same most of the day, but started improving a bit this evening. His temperature is normal, his blood pressure is good, and his kidneys are functioning acceptably (with the help of Lasix). He also had tests performed on his heart and it looks to be in very good shape.

They attempted to lower his FiO2 to 65% this morning, but he didn’t tolerate it well so they returned it to 75%. The doctor then ordered a change to his ventilator settings (IP 38, PEEP 20) which increased the pressure pushing into his lungs and also increased the resistance on exhalation (keeping his lungs open more) and he seemed to do a bit better. His tidal volume (volume of air in each breath) increased to 550 mL (up from < 450 mL) which helped oxygenation. Late this afternoon they reduced the FiO2 to 65% and he was able to tolerate it without problems. They reduced it again to 60% at about 6:00 PM and his SpO2 was still maintaining 93% at 10:00 PM tonight. This is the process of starting to wean Stan off the ventilator. They are also starting to slightly reduce the levels of the steroids, pain medication, and paralytic agent they have been giving him.

We are encouraged, but remain cautious due to the up and down nature of his condition. Go, Pop, Go!

Channel Man Stan is still holding his own. The doctors and staff are busy doing rounds this morning and his nurse Jennifer reported that he had a quiet night. Stan’s vital signs are pretty much unchanged from yesterday evening and the ventilator settings have not been changed since 7:00 PM last night. His nurse has said repeatedly that we are likely in this for the long haul and that things will be up and down. She also keeps reminding us to stay well rested and to be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Stan’s condition is still extremely critical, but he is stable for now. He still does not have a fever and his kidneys are putting out fluid. His FiO2 was reduced to 75% at around noon and has remained there since, but ventilator settings had to be slightly adjusted (not in a good way) to keep his SpO2 levels above 90%. Overall his condition has improved very slightly from yesterday, but things are still very tenuous. Stan’s brother Harold and sister-in-law Pat arrived in Rochester from Florida this afternoon and have joined the chorus of support.

Something I have been meaning to address on this blog is the South Channel Blog itself. The SC blog was created to support the South Channel area by sharing information and helping protect this unique and stunningly beautiful natural resource. Until his recent illness, Channel Man Stan had been diligent about updating the blog regularly and was receiving feedback regarding the blog and SC website from South Channel lovers near and far.

I have temporarily been using the blog as an efficient way to share information about my Dad’s condition with family, friends, and South Channel lovers, wherever they may be. My father will probably be somewhat annoyed by this and I can hear him saying, “What the hell does this have to do with the South Channel?” My response will be that for me and for many who know him, Channel Man Stan embodies the spirit of this rugged and beautiful place and it is entirely fitting and appropriate to use the blog in this way during his time of personal crisis. We encourage anyone who wishes to post comments, feedback, well-wishes, or prayers on the blog.

We all love you Pop.

– Channel Man’s Son Lance (ltopping@bizwonk.com)

The RN assigned to Stan in the ICU reports that he had another relatively good night. His blood oxygenation improved enough that they were able to lower his FiO2 levels to 80% and he seems to be tolerating it ok. They have also begun to lower the amount of paralytic he is under which will encourage his own respiratory system to start trying to do some of the work. We are hopeful this trend will continue, but are cautiously optimistic as this situation has been one of constant ups and downs.

The South Channel must have been glorious this weekend! Channel Man will be upset with the fact that he missed being in his true element for a stretch of such beautiful weather. Words can hardly describe his love for the Parry Sound area and his special place in the channel. He occupies a similar place in many of our hearts.

Stan’s condition is largely unchanged tonight. His kidney function is acceptable for now, his white blood cell count is lower and he is not running a temperature, and his blood pressure is reasonably normal. The pathology report from St. James Hospital in Hornell came back completely negative. The main concern now is improving his respiratory function, as he is in complete respiratory failure. His SpO2 (saturation of oxyhemoglobin or blood oxygen saturation) is around 92% with the respirator set on 90% FiO2. The strategy is start lowering the FiO2 level by 10% once the SpO2 has stabilized at > 95% for two hours, with a goal of having his body then maintain an SpO2 level of over 90%.

Tomorrow will be a new day. Goodnight Pop, rest well.

Stan is still critical and his condition remains largely unchanged this afternoon. He does not have a fever and his blood pressure is normal. His FiO2 level was decreased to 70%, which he tolerated well. It was then decreased again to 50%, which caused his blood oxygen saturation level to decrease to the point where they staff restored his FiO2 back to 90% to help him stabilize again. He was given Lasix to stimulate his renal function and this seems to have worked somewhat well for the short term.

The past few days have been a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs and this may very well be the case for a while. Having our family and friends together is helping us hold on and cope with the rough ride. Fight, Channel Man, fight!

Channel Man Stan’s vital signs are improving. He is stable and his overall condition and blood oxygenation levels have improved enough that the doctors have lowered the FiO2 level on his respirator to 50% to test what he can tolerate. Kidney function is of primary concern at this point. A renal specialist is being consulted this morning to determine a strategy to improve things. The Physician’s Assistant monitoring Stan said, “Things are still critical, but we no longer feel like they are minute-to-minute.”

Stan made it through the night and continues to improve slightly. His blood pressure is close to normal and his oxygen saturation is still looking good, but not yet good enough to lower his FiO2 level to less than 90%. He has stabilized enough that he was able to be repositioned on his bed and have his bedding changed and he seems to be resting more comfortably. However, his kidney function has decreased and the doctors will be monitoring that closely.

Thank you to all the medical and hospital staff at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, the ambulance and Medivac helicopter crews that transported him from Hornell to Rochester, and all the people at Highland Hospital in Rochester who are currently taking care of him. The level of professionalism, sensitivity, and caring from all of these folks has been incredible and the quality of care he has received has been nothing short of phenomenal. Thank you also to all of his friends, extended family, and the clergy who have been so supportive during this difficult time. We are overwhelmed by everyone’s love and support and cannot begin to fully express our gratitude for you all being there during our hour of need.

Channel Man continues to hold his own and although he is still critical and on a ventilator, things seem to be beginning to stabilize. His temperature is now normal. His blood pressures are slowly trending upward toward more normal and his blood oxygen saturation improved to the point where they were able to decrease his Fi02 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen or the amount of oxygen they are giving him) to 90%. The night staff is hoping to continue to lower this to 70% before morning if he continues to improve oxygenating on his own. For more details on ventilation follow this ventilator info link.

He is also starting to show signs of excess fluid accumulation in his body and is experiencing increasing renal distress, but nothing exceptionally abnormal given the overall situation. The nursing staff said, “You need to swell to get well.” We hope Channel Man Stan and all of his family will get a good night’s rest tonight!