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Mine survivor breathing on his ownStill 'too early to know' extent of recovery, doctor says
RELATEDYOUR E-MAIL ALERTSMORGANTOWN, West Virginia (CNN) -- The sole survivor of last week's West Virginia mine disaster began breathing on his own Sunday after sedatives were withdrawn, but he remained attached to a ventilator in case he should need it, the hospital said. Doctors at West Virginia University Hospitals told reporters they hoped Randy McCloy Jr. would show signs of consciousness in the next couple of days, so they could assess his brain function. But the timing remained uncertain. The 26-year-old miner suffered liver damage during his ordeal, which could affect the time it takes for the sedatives to get out of his system, his doctor said. He remained in critical condition. Larry Roberts, the lead doctor on McCloy's medical team, said the miner's lungs remained inflated. One lung had collapsed after the January 2 explosion that trapped him underground for about 41 hours. During that time, he breathed in coal dust and the toxic gases carbon monoxide and methane. Twelve of his coworkers died, and their funerals began Sunday. (Full story) McCloy's wife, Anna, spoke briefly to reporters Sunday morning, reading a statement that asked for the other miners' families to be remembered, too. (Watch priest's message on mine victims -- 1:09) "Our entire family is so grateful for the thoughts and prayers," she said. "But our families' thoughts this morning continue to be with Randy's coworkers and their families." After spending three days at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Randy McCloy was returned Saturday night to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, part of the University Hospitals system. (Full story) At Allegheny, he underwent hyperbaric oxygen treatment, during which he was immersed in pressurized oxygen in an effort to reverse the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning and oxygen deprivation he endured while underground. His doctor at Allegheny said McCloy was "doing exceptionally well" before he was taken back to Morgantown, about 75 miles away. On Sunday, Roberts said the miner's physical condition continued to improve, and his neurological status was stable. "We would consider his condition still critical," Roberts said. Heart, liver, lung and kidney function tests showed improvement, but Roberts said McCloy would continue to require dialysis until his kidneys regained full function. Roberts said doctors had seen "no significant change" in McCloy's neurological status, but a CAT scan had shown improvements in two areas of hemorrhage. "The body is reabsorbing them," said Dr. Julian Bailes, the chief of neurology. "There is not any swelling that we can appreciate. We are very pleased with the CAT-scan appearance." "We're hoping for a great recovery, but it's just too early to know," Bailes said. "This was a severe poisoning, and as I mentioned, carbon monoxide may ultimately affect the brain." Bailes said doctors will be watching for McCloy to "begin to arouse" and open his eyes. "We're looking for a gradual awakening." CNN's Chris Huntington contributed to this report. 
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