Day 61 - Saturday Evening Update

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Mendy was kind to call Saturday evening after a long day at the hospital with Daniel and give us an update on his progress.  Following is her report:

Daniel is still in a lot of pain from having his organs handled and cleaned during the emergency surgery after the liver abscess ruptured.  And also from the surgical incision itself, which required cutting through his muscles.  He told Aubrey he feels like someone stuck a sword in him.  The pain medications are causing severe nausea, so Daniel has stopped taking them.  Due to pain, nausea, and weakness he doesn't speak much and when he does, he is barely audible.  He hasn't eaten since Aunt Karen's pool party on Memorial Day.  

There are no good veins left in Daniel's left arm for a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line and his right arm is the injured one, so the doctors have inserted a line directly into the jugular vein in his neck.  From this line he receives two broad spectrum antibiotics to fight off any potential infection caused by the ruptured abscess.

The latest surgery exposed the extent of the injuries Daniel received from the accident.  The worst injuries were internal and could not be seen.  It now appears fairly certain the doctors will also have to perform another endoscopic surgery to replace the stint in Daniel's liver, which has stopped working.  

Please keep Daniel in your prayers.  We will continue to update everyone on his condition here on the blog.