A Ray of Hope

This morning we were on our way to the hospital when the doctor asked us to pick up Clark's MRI from Timpanogos Hospital. While we had him on the phone we asked what the status was for the morning. He said that several of Clark's levels are down, which is good! Upon hearing this there were a couple hoots and hollers from the mother. We were all relieved to hear the news. Clark also said he feels better today than he did yesterday, although mornings are always better for him. Of course at this point things can still change quickly but it's better than yesterday's news when he was ready to go under the knife. At this point, if they received a call saying that they have a liver, they would decline it. It is better for Clark to recover on his own and not have the transplant. If he does, he will not have the trauma of surgery, lifelong meds and other effects, major expenses, or risk. He would also never have the chance of catching this again. Obviously this is the preferred recovery. He is still on the list in case it's needed but today we have a ray of hope that it's not!

He was able eat to half of his lasagna last night which is more than he's eaten in days. They said if he doesn't start eating, or even drinking shakes, they will have to insert a feeding tube to get him some calories. The doctor asked him to count down by 8 starting at 100 and Clark did it faster than any of us could have. His mind is still sharp which is a good sign.

Here are some of the levels they're watching and what Clark's were today:

Liver Enzymes - in the 2,000's
Normal - 50
Clark's was as high as 8,000.

Bilirubin - 23.5
Normal - 1
Doctors said this dropped by two which is good.

Pro Time (coagulation rate) - 41.9
Normal: 12-15

This number was getting worse everyday but has stabilized today. It hasn't gotten better but at least it didn't get worse.