Muscle Function

People have asked me to explain why Michael is paralyzed (temporarily).
In order to save Michael's life during the critical stage of ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome - sever lung damage due to the H1N1 and pneumonia), they had to give him paralytics (to stop the coughing), steroids (to decrease the inflammation in his lungs), and narcotics for the pain. He was in bed for a month. People lose muscle if they just stay in bed for a short time. A week in bed can cause some significant mobility issues. Michael was bedridden for a month. Paralytics and steroids cause muscle weakness. The choice was, death due to ARDS or temporary paralysis.
The coughing fits caused his oxygen saturation to become dangerously low. His lungs had to have time to heal and the only way to do that was to let the respirator breathe for him. Breathing is an unconscious function controlled by involuntary muscles. The paralytics were necessary to disable his involuntary muscles.
What muscles are affected by the paralytics, steroids and bed rest? Muscles are necessary for swallowing, breathing, standing, walking and even using the bathroom. Every move we make, whether voluntary or involuntary, requires muscle function.
Hopefully, Michael will recover muscle strength with PT and OT.