Thursday EVENING Update

Just spent some time with sister Missy on the phone (I'm actually talking to my family during this crisis more than I ever do - weird!).

They have already received the results of the Spinal Tap. The protein level they were checking is naturally at a 45. Dad's protein level was at 180. Yes, very high. The protein level is recorded as the protein in dad's spinal fluid. This is not a definite 100% diagnosis but about as good as it gets. They are going to proceed with his treatment as if he has GBS (Guillian-Berra Syndrome). This is known as an Auto-Immune Disease. What is happening is his immune system is attacking his muscles. The doctors won't give us a 100% diagnosis. We will know shortly depending on if dad begins to improve.

Treatment: They are going to start a 'Plasma Exchange', which means they will be pulling dad's blood out, removing the damaged cells, then putting back his own red blood cells. Then they will be adding new plasma into dad which comes from donors. We do not need any donors for this process.

Missy did say that dad's blood pressure and blood oxygen levels continue to drop and climb. His oxygen level is sometimes at 60% and his blood pressure has been very high and then will drop to 50/30. The good news is this is very characteristic of GBS. Tonight they have reduced his sedative which has helped to stabilized the blood pressure and blood oxygen level. He has been responding positively to voices and touch.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that dad has a good reaction to the plasma exchange and his body responds quickly
• Praise God for the wonderful nurses and doctors who have been caring for dad at UofM
• Pray for peace and understanding as dad is sometimes brought out of the sedation (currently he seems to become very anxious when he is not sedated)
• Pray for mom who continues to stay in Ann Arbor
• Pray for travel safety as our immediate family travels back and forth

** We are not medical professionals - we are relaying the above information as best as we can under the current stressful situation. Thank you for your understanding.