Update

David's condition continues to be stable. His bilirubin has gone up a bit as well as his ammonia levels. The ammonia levels have gone up because the medication he's been taking to lower the levels was reduced. The doctors have decided to raise the level of the medication back up since the lower level of medication isn't adequately controlling his ammonia levels. The big side effect of the ammonia medication is frequent trips the the bathroom, even at night, so the doctors don't want him to take any higher dosage than he needs to.

Folks have asked if its okay to use the comments section to leave David well-wishes. It certainly is and we encourage you to do that.

At the hospital, the cafeteria is the only place with wi-fi access, so David has had chances to see the blog, albeit infrequently.

David's dad, Joe, had returned home earlier in the week and is now driving down to Miami so that the family will have a car down there. So right now, David and Parichehr are in Miami together.

Please keep David in your prayers.

A good day

Some definite positive signs today, although we are not sure where it will lead.

• David ate some solid food last night -- a couple of bites of pizza
• Some of his numbers are improving. His ammonia levels have come down and his bilirubin is down to 31--still much higher than it should be, but lower than its been since mid November. Since that time, the number has been as high as 50.
  

His brother Ben talked with him tonight and thought he sounded better than he has in a long time.

We'll see if it goes anywhere--the plan is still for a transplant when a liver becomes available.

Daily update

Today's update is from David's mom, Parichehr.

David has had some trouble swallowing, and as a result his diet consists of his IV, along with milk, juice and popsicles.

This has created a temporary problem with his blood sugar--this morning the blood sugar was 400. With the help of a dietition and a specialist in diabetes, the Doctors are trying to adjust his IV food so that he receives calories but not too much sugar. They also adjust the food with his ammonia level. More protein means more ammonia.

The waiting is frustrating, but I do believe at this time we all are doing whatever we can and the rest is in God's hands.

Please keep David in your prayers.

A bit of improvement

David's is doing a better than he was over the weekend. His ammonia levels (a side effect of a failing liver) are down, his platelets are up, and his white blood count is down. Ben talked with him over the phone Monday night and it was clear that he is more alert.

Please keep praying for David