Tues- Ventilator is Out!

 Post 3 (Tues) April 8, 2025

Great news! The were able to take the ventilator out and Britt is starting to respond a little bit. The process of “awakening” is a slow process. But he is responding with a nod or a word… which is incredible!

I'm so grateful that both Steven and David are there. Steven is doing the night shift and then going back to the hotel for a few hours to get some sleep while David is there during the day. Two men that love Britten so much taking such good care of him.

Since they took the ventilator out Britt is coughing up so much junk, and he's extremely hoarse. Both of them are taking turns getting the gunk out of Britt’s mouth with a suction tube when he starts coughing and gagging because of all flem in his throat from the ventilator.

Because of his sodium level (which caused the seizure) is rising to high, now they are trying to decrease or dilute it in the bloodstream. If the sodium raises more than 10 points in a 24 hour period it can cause brain swelling so that’s why they have to increase it slowly overtime. He was 114 when checked into the hospital and the normal range is 135 to 145.

The doctors told them they suspect he will be in the hospital 7 to 10 days. But we all know that Britt exceeds all expectations and Steven and Dave are hoping for five days. He just needs time to awake from all the sedation.

As I was facetiming with Steven, Britt’s body was coming awake. They took the straining bands off his wrist, so he can now move his arms, but they are trying to be cautious to not let him pull all the IVs out. Steven and Dave will have a busy day today as

they try to keep him safe. He is still not conscious, but he keeps trying to sit up and leans over to stand up. But, Steven is there to catch him, or he would have fallen out on his head. Even worse, with the risk of tubes and IV's pulling out.

So many tender, mercies and miracles are happening for Alisa and Britten right now that she is recording them all as she is witnessing them.

Tuesday evening Steven said, "Sodium and Potassium and both in "normal range now...YeHaw! Oxygenation is at 99-100%..So, even oxygen tubes are in the nose, those days are numbered.

Britten is going back and forth from anxious to sleep deprived...but doing good. One minute he is out of it and the next answering questions with nods. And, on occasion a word or two. Sometimes he moves and acts like he's in pain with a grimace on his face, but then it's gone as quickly as it appeared. Occasionally I can almost get like what appears to be a very small grin...sounds pretty positive huh...but, then once and only once I saw a half grin."

Alisa's feelings for the day...Britt is extubed!! They took him off of the sedation meds and he did well enough that they could take his breathing tube out! He is still so drowsy and sleepy. I facetimed him and he could say very slowly, "I Love You", and shake his head yes or no. Things are looking up.

His sodium levels jumped too fast early this morning so although they are still considered low, they need to lower them so that the quick rise doesn't cause any futher injury to his brain. The doctor suspected he will be there another 7-10 days, but we all know that Britt defies all odds!

Right now things seem to be going positively, and we pray that they continue.

We feel the love and support we have had from family, friends, our Ward's and people from afar. Thank you for putting Britt's name on the temple prayer roll, in so many different temples. Alisa said, " the support they have felt from everyone has Buoyed and lifted their spirits! "

Love, Alisa and Karla