Michael is still recovering nicely, however, he has had a couple of issues that the doctors are watching closely. The first main issue is that Michael has developed a rash all over his chest and part of his neck. At first, the doctors thought it could be a reaction to the morphine or vicadin that he was taking, but since he doesn't have the rash on his legs and back, they ruled that out. They now think that the rash is from either the iodine they put on his chest before surgery or the surgical tape they use to keep all the tubes, gauze, and lines secure on his chest or a little of both. Needless to say, but Michael is very uncomfortable, and the Benedryl that he takes really knocks him out and makes him VERY tired. He hasn't been his usual chipper self the last couple of days.

Secondly, Michael had two draining tubes in his chest that were removed a few days ago. X-rays are showing that a small air bubble is visible in one of the areas that the tube was in. Since it is small, doctors are hoping that the air bubble goes away on its own. If it doesn't, they will have to re-insert the tube to get the air bubble out, which will prolong his stay at the hospital by a couple of days. We had originally been told that Michael would be released Monday or Tuesday at the latest. So let's hope and pray that Michael can get out sooner rather than later.

The third issue (Which the doctors aren't really concerned with) is that Michael's heart rate has elevated slightly. The doctors are saying that the trauma, the new valve, all the medicine, the rash, the anxiety, and everything combined can raise his heart rate. The functions of his heart and the rhythm of how his heart beats is absolutely perfect!!

So friends and Family, we still have some praying to do! God still needs to do a little work, and I'm sure He won't mind if we ask him to speed it up a little!! Once these issues are resolved, Michael will be able to GO HOME!! Thank you again for all your prayers. We will continue to keep you posted on his release date!!