Today was Better

A lot has happened since this last hospital admission two days ago.  Michael came in for fever and to flush his kidneys with lots of fluids.  We're still waiting on cultures, but he is covered with several antibiotics, but he has still had some fever, so Michael will be here for at least several more days. 
Now for the kidneys, Michael's kidney function test had been rising so yesterday the doctors inserted a nephrostomy tube into each kidney.  The tubes were inserted through the skin in his back and are now draining his urine.  The purpose of this was to bypass the ureters and bladder as the viral infection of his bladder he had in the past, which has come back after the intestinal bug, was irritating not just his bladder, but the ureters.  When the ureters are swollen it puts pressure on the kidneys, so the kidneys have to work harder.  (So there was probably no kidney stone with the last hospital admission, but the start of this issue with the irritated ureters.)  
Anyway, the good news today is the kidney function tests were much better and the doctors feel they will continue to improve.  It has also decreased his pain considerably.  However, the virus has been depleting his platelets, so he has required more platelet transfusions.  But, yesterday the doctors started decreasing his steroids for the Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD), which when the steroids are stopped will help the virus clear faster.  
A note on the handwashing issue I brought up as a prayer request, we have seen a big improvement--thanks.  The nurses on this floor have been super!
Our prayer requests:  for all infection--both bacterial and viral to resolve, the nephrostomy tubes to continue to resolve the kidney issues, for the GVHD to resolve so the steroids can be weaned and to remain in remission.  Thank you so much for your prayers, it has made this so much easier!!