Working out Next Steps

Hey guys! Zaner update. Medically, there hasn't been much change in the last two days. He's been too sleepy to extubate (remove from ventilator), but he's been weaned off sedation and pain meds and he's getting only what's necessary for his heart rhythm and a couple antibiotics, so he should become more and more alert. 🤞Although he's napping now, he was far more active this morning than we've seen since the start of this ordeal. He's on a breathing trial right now for a few hours, and if he keeps up the good work, we will extubate later today. Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed.

It's most likely Zane will need a subcutaneous defibrillator (sort of like a pacemaker) installed before leaving this hospital. After 4 cardiac arrest events, he would not likely survive another if an internal device isn't installed. This will mean no MRIs for 6 weeks, so all the medical teams are gearing up for that as the next hurdle here once we have him breathing on his own.

Zane's situation is one of multiple complications, That said, he's a uniquely qualified candidate for the renowned Shepherd Center Brain and Spinal Cord Injury rehab center in Atlanta, Georgia for intense rehab therapy. I have started talking to them and he would begin in their Disorder of Consciousness program and graduate to Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery. So, clinically, I'm sure I can get him accepted as a patient. They also have an internal 10-bed ICU unit, which gives me great comfort given his condition. I plan to get social work here at Methodist and the Shepherd Center people talking "turkey" today with me about the insurance/money issue, which will be the biggest hurdle, but nobody tells me "no." That word isn't in my vocabulary when it comes to Zaner. They can tell me it might be difficult and then I'll work to find a way.

Meanwhile, he's listening to 2Pac and chilling out. Thanks to Michelle & Paul Shephard for the new socks! Peace and Love. ✌️❤️ #MakeZaneBetter