What goes up...

We are expecting many ups and downs over the recovery period. We had a minor set back this evening. Lars has recovered so rapidly and was doing so well. He has been breathing well on his own most of the day. As the afternoon and evening wore on, it became more and more work to breathe. His respiratory rate ( the number of breaths per minute) was pretty high. It is hard work, even for a swimmer, to keep that up for very long.

As a result, they started him on a BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine. It is like a scuba mask that fits over his mouth with a pretty tight seal. It allows him to have a little constant pressure in his lungs, to help keep them open better. It is kind of the little brother to PEEP, which was used when he had the breathing tube in place. Some of you may know someone with sleep apnea that uses a CPAP machine at night. It is very similar.

He has responded very well so far to the BiPAP. His respiratory rate has slowed significantly. He doesn't have to work as hard to breathe. It should help him get a better restful sleep tonight.

He is doing well, but if he worsens further, they will likely put the breathing tube back in. I want to say a few words about that. I have had you focus on the breathing tube quite a bit the last couple of days. However, if they have to put it back in, it is not a failure or a problem. Now we know that Lars is alright. He has spoken to us. He has told us he doesn't hurt anywhere else. He is our Lars.

If the tube goes back in, this time we'll know all of that and we will consider it just as a form of treatment to help him. Our anxiety level will be very low.

We will continue to have ups and downs over the next many days. It is unreasonable to expect otherwise. Our love goes out to all of you who have shown your concern and love for our son. We would still appreciate your remembering him in your thoughts and prayers.