Aubrey is Stable, but She's in Critical Condition

We want to thank all of you for taking the time to check out Aubrey's site.  Within twelve hours of putting it up, the site received 1,760 visits from all over the globe (thanks to those of you in Tunisia who are praying!).

Here's today's update on Aubrey from her dad, Andy, who is a doctor at the hospital where Aubrey is being treated.

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Andy and Ashleigh

Let me begin by thanking you for all your prayers.  They mean so much to us, and I will provide some specific ways you can pray for Aubrey later on.   But first, let me tell you where we are medically and then I will talk about how we're doing emotionally.

Aubrey is still in critical condition but has been more stable for the last 24 hours.  She has a drain placed in her brain because of the swelling and pressure, and it is working well to keep the pressure low enough.  Unfortunately, though, she has developed pneumonia and is on antibiotics to treat it.

She remains on high doses of anti-seizure and sedatives to almost completely eliminate all brain activity, allowing the brain much-needed rest.  She is still on a ventilator and is now being fed through her veins, and we hope to start feeding her through a tube into her stomach in the next couple of days.

The pediatric infectious disease service has been placing calls to experts all over the country to assist with the case.  We still do not have a specific cause but, at this point, we believe it's viral encephalitis.  We're still sending tests out to try to nail it down.

We are hoping she will remain stable, have no more seizures, and be able to come off the ventilator.  But if she keeps having seizures, we're back to square one.  We'll have to put her under even deeper sedation to keep the seizures from happening.  That would be frustrating.

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Many have asked how Ashleigh and I are doing.  Frankly, we are not doing well.  But please know that we appreciate all the visitors and people who have come to pray with us.  We have received and read all of your much-appreciated emails, and I hope you'll accept my apologies as we cannot answer all of them personally at this time.

Andy and Aubrey

As for me, I have peace most of the time, although I have my moments.  As a rehabilitation physician, I am more troubled by the possible prospects for the future.  I understand all of the possible implications of the potential brain damage Aubrey has experienced, and I am fearful for the outcome.

Ashleigh is more affected by the present.  It is very hard for her to be away from the hospital, even to sleep or nurse our four-month-old baby, James.  She shared with me today that the house feels empty without our loudest and most rambunctious child running around and causing general mischief.  That is the hardest for her to handle right now.

I especially hurt for our older daughter, Lilly, who is four and a half years old.  Every day, Lilly asks to see Aubrey in the hospital, but for now, she's taking Aubrey's absence quite well.  We prayed together at the bedside for a short time today, and Lilly is content that Aubrey is sleeping, and with Jesus' help, Aubrey will get better.

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Here are the things you can pray for right now to support Aubrey:

• resolution of the pneumonia
• stability for the next 24-48 hours
• complete resolution of the brain infection - there is no way to treat it medically, so it is up to Jesus and her immune system to fight it
• reduction of the brain swelling to the point that a ventricular drain is no longer necessary
• that all seizure activity will be eliminated so that as we wean the sedation, the EEG remains normal; and
• a complete reversal of any brain damage that has taken place.

For myself and Ashleigh, please pray that we remain strong, hopeful, and trusting in the goodness of the Lord.  Again, thank you all so much for your prayers and support.  We can't wait to see Aubrey dancing and running in church again soon.

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