Monday night update

Lisa just left a voicemail for us (Phil & Denise). Here's what she had to say. More good news than bad, so let out a cheer!
Cardiac:  Epinephrine (used to increase heart rate, contract blood vessels) was lowered from yesterday's dose. Naomi's heart tolerated the reduction well. She's still on the cardiac pump at a 1:2 ratio. Her heart is still functioning at 20% while most of us are about 65%. I'm not sure, but based on what I know from a lengthy hospital stay that my wife had, I believe this number refers to the "ejection fraction" which means the amount of blood pumped out of the vetricles with each contraction of the heart (some blood swirls around in the chambers, which is normal, and thus 65% is fine, but 20% is a problem). So toss up some prayer for that cardiac status (stronger contractions, lowering of meds, better ejection fraction).
Respiratory: Her breathing seems better. While only being given 30% oxygen, her oxygen saturation is around 100%. Her blood gas numbers are normal. This is phenomenal! She is still intubated (and heavily sedated), and of course it would be nice for her to get to the point where they can remove the tube and perhaps just use the nasal canula for any extra oxygen.
Her PH is normal (too much acidity = bad news for the body). This is a very good thing.
Kidneys seems to continue to do their job, and this is a big thing working in Naomi's favor.
WBC (white blood cell) count is between 7-8 (normal between about 4 & 11). When WBC is elevated, it means there's an infection raging somewhere. Nice to hear that her WBC count is within the normal range.
About 4 liters fluid were removed. When there's fluid buildup, there's something wrong (infection, congestive heart failure, hard on the kidneys), so we want to see less and less fluid being drawn out of her.
Lisa also wanted to say a special word of thanks to the doctors, nurses, RTs (respiratory therapists), and others (secretary, etc.) that have sustained her sister thus far. If you're the praying sort, please join me in lifting up these medical professionals in prayer. Their hours are long, their work is stressful, and they are expected to have the right answers all the time. She also appreciates the encouragement and expressions of caring from so many of us, and asks for your understanding if she's not able to reply promptly.