The sputum sample collected during the bronchoscopy on Thursday returned the presence of another bacteria, pseudomonas. Ryan’s is now in considered on contact precaution/isolation because of the potential seriousness of this bacteria.
Continuous Passive Motion, or CPM, Machine
Anyone who enters or stays in his room, including us, has to wear isolation garments. This required wear is beyond uncomfortable. It is hot, sticky, and generally annoying. Imagine yourself wrapped in a plastic kitchen garbage bag all day…
On a more positive note, the tube feed rate was upped from 25 to 30 ml per hour. This equals two tablespoons hourly. Ryan has tolerated this increase well, so we expect another increase in the rate today.
Sometime in the mid-afternoon we spoke with the doctor about the anticipated length of stay. It looks like Ryan will be in ICU until at least Saturday. He wants to keep him in ICU until the full course of antibiotics is complete. We are in agreement with the medical team that Ryan should be discharge directly home, with our promise to not expose him to any avoidable infections entering his environment (which, in this case, is our home) for another week to ten days after discharge.
Therapy accommodated me and brought up a CPM for Ryan. We used it on both legs last night [See photo above], two hours on each leg. Without any discomfort, Ryan was able to get his right leg to 120 degrees (maximum flexion).
For multiple reasons yesterday took its toll on me, both physically and emotionally. By the end of the day I had a headache that basically shut me down. It was a marathon day filled with multiple difficult decisions, unanticipated outside pressure, and exhausting hours.
Sue stayed strong while I stumbled.
To the family of Ryan, Ken, wife and sister, I’m an outsider looking in, I don’t have your feelings/emotional stress of what has happened in your families life, but allow yourself to cry Ken. I agree with the comments about releasing your stress and yes, it will help to go outside, maybe in a moutain setting, country setting and just sit there and cry. Have someone with you to comfort you while you shed many tears but on the other hand, please don’t stress out too much because you will make yourself sick Ken. Be with someone that will just let you talk/scream, cry out loud and ask God questions if you must, that will understand what you’re going through and just hold your hand while you go through these emotions. Ryan has been touch and go, and now look how your wonderful son is doing. Try to get some sleep Ken, and family. Trust me when I say this, God is giving everyone the strength to sustain for Ryan all this time, but sleep is very important because the wear and tear will hit you worst then a ton of bricks. Please, just try and get some rest. Again, I’m so sorry.
This is truly heartbreaking as a viewer, and even worst for a mother, father, sister, and many of Ryan’s close friends to see him in this condition from when he first entered the hospital up to now. I thank the family for sharing the photos on Ryan. Those MONSTERS had no right to raise their foot no matter how mad they were, and cause extensive damage to Ryan’s life. I’m praying though I don’t know Ryan, that he recovers (though things may never be the same again) but at least recover 80 percent if not 90. To all the friends of Ryan, his family, continue to be there for Ryan, with all your love in more ways then one. Ryan maybe not be focused right now, but he can hear those sweet and loving voices and he can feel your touches and kisses, so this by itself is also healing to him. I am so sorry for what happened to Ryan but I am so very happy to see the progress he has made with the help of the wonderful therapist, and family and friends. To all the wonderful hospital staff, Doctor’s, nurses, surgeons, you had your hands very full with Ryan, thank you for working with Ryan who is doing much better now and will continue to do so. To the family of Ryan, stay strong, and keep the faith. Ryan is already a miracle.
I feel that Ryan would be so Happy to have His Family staying with him like you all have. I sure know that i would appriciate it 100% and sure he would. Seeing that he is improving each day shows that God is still in control. Just hold onto God he will get you all through this. “With God All Things Are Possible” and I hold onto that. I am Praying Everyday and God Give Ryan A Miracle! He Showed Miracles Back Then and He Will Do It Again. SO May God Bless You All!!! And Thanks A Million for the updates. (Friends in Morgantown WV)
Ken,
Prayers for you to feel better and as always prayers for Ryan,
Ken,
All I can say to you at this moment is, Go outside and scream at the top of your lungs, get it out , all the anger and frustration and helplessness, and sadness for what has happened to your beloved Ryan. I know, believe me when I tell you this, it helps. ( people may look at you a little strange ) but you know what it doesn’t matter. We all need a release. Still here and always praying.
Michelle Bradley
To Ken,
It’s ok to break down and have bad days. You and your wife and daughter are amazing individuals. Most people out there could not do HALF of what you do day in and day out, no matter how strong their love is. It’s infuriating that this scum bucket has filed an appeal. Unfortunately I’m a medical professional, not a lawyer and I really don’t know anything about appeals. Does anyone reading this know if there’s any way to stop this? Like filing a petition? I’m willing to bet 99% of Morgantown residents would sign it. Sorry if I sound ignorant, Im totally clueless! 🙂
Still here, still praying in Morgantown
Hi Jill. I don’t live in Morgantown, but in Silver Spring MD. I would love to sign a petition? How can I do that being in Silver Spring? That fuck face bastard deserve life behind bars. The system truly sucks and is lower then the lowest if they allow him to appeal.
Ken, thank God you are you. Even though this heartache you are suffering through seems insurmountable, Ryan has you — and you’ve got what it takes to shepherd him through this. Lay down and rest when you can, my friend. Let the doctors and nurses watch over Ryan right now, with you and Sue nearby. I know a hospital is a terrible place to get sleep. Just rest your mind, because it has been too full of too many difficult things. The peace is that Ryan is receiving the best possible care, you and your family are deeply loved and cared about, and we are all going to stay close at hand, ready and willing to help. This is up to you, but if you would like, one or two of us could put on masks and gloves, and clean the lower level with sanitizers. Maybe there is a protocal for this. We know Ryan cannot have visitors for the time being, but we don’t want you to be too isolated — I know it’s hard because you have a schedule for Ryan each day, and interruptions interfere with that. I also realize that if someone hugs you/Sue, they could unknowingly pass unwanted germs to you guys and thus Ryan. Still, we’ve got to put a safety net of love around you guys as best we can. You’ve been shouldering so much, as have your beautiful wife and daughter. We’re going to help you to the best extent we can. My heart is heavy for you and your family, but we’re going to keep on keeping on — no defeat, no surrender. Love & prayers, Paula
Ken…..You are human!!! Although your family has gone through and responded to more than any man should go through ! You all have shown super human will, but please allow your selves to be weak at times. This will allow you to sort of reboot, to break down and cry, talk, or write about it , lets you get it out and feel a little better and stronger again ! I will continue to pray for all of you…..sending lots of love….Crystal
You persevere because the Lord is with you. Your family exhibits a faith so strong that you are a role model for families everywhere. Keep trusting that Ryan will heal. All of your medical teams have provided wonderful care, and procedures help doctors focus on his greatest needs. It is painful to see the pictures of Ryan’s latest journey through ICU, and my heart aches for your suffering. May God lead you in the path you should go, relying on HIS strength and guidance. Thank you for allowing us into your lives, and know that we’re praying for all of you. When you feel you can’t carry any more burdens, let us pray to lift these from you. Have a blessed day. Hugs from Morgantown.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these updates. I don’t want to sound too philisophical but everything needs to waiver and stumble now and again in order to build stronger roots. You folks are an inspiration to us and Ryan is just unbelievable in his tenacity to keep fighting the fight. Please know that you are all in our thoughts everyday and if there is ever anything we can do just ask.
Ken, I hope you can find comfort in knowing so many people are pulling for you. Those of us who check on you all through the updates you write are all here for you. Many of us wishing we could do something real to help. As for your wonderful wife Sue, she is the shining example of what a true partner should be. You help one another, are stong when the other can not be. Those of us who read about each and every day you all face, can only imagine the pressure the entire family is facing. Don’t be hard on yourself. I hope you can get some rest, and your headache eases. Still here, still praying.
Everyone is allowed to stumble, you’ve stayed so strong for so many months Ken…. I hope you can get some rest. And thanks for the update. Love you guys.
Still in my prayers. My Mom contacted this bacteria when in the hospital; the antibiotics worked.
I hope that you all continue to be given the strength to continue fighting. I don’t know you all personally, but my heart breaks every day I read this blog. Every day I see the struggle you all face makes me hate those cowards that did this even more. I will continue to pray for healing for Ryan and I have faith that he can pull through . God forbid though if Ryan is taken from this earth too soon I hope you go after them for homicide. They deserve the most maximum punishment they can get for what they did.
Words cannot explain how I feel after reading your post Ken. Those jerks didn’t just punch and kick and harm Ryan….they took you, Sue, and Kari along for the ride. Just know that we will never leave you; we will be here for the duration. You’re srength is beyond amazing. Sending hugs, love, and prayers as always.
Damn you Jonathan May and Austin Vantrease! Jonathan the punch was unnecessary and Austin the kicks to the head were just plain EVIL! Look what this entire family has to go through because of YOU! Austin, I hope one day you and your family finally get it….
I have to agree with you Anna. I’m am so angry at these men, if I were a judge, they would see life behind bars. Look what they did to Ryan, (FOR LIFE). I’m trying to be a godly lady but I’m sorry, it’s not easy to just forgive something like this. But you know what Anna, the Bible is so true and I”m not trying to preach to you, but hear me when I say this, those two MONSTERS, will reap what they sowed. God did say, (Vengence is mine, I will repay) and his vengence will not be a pretty one onces these two horrible monsters get what they deserve.
Ken, you will never know how important these updates are for me! I just wish some of us could be there now when you need us, and possibly the stress wouldn’t result in a headache like this one. Isolation is not a good thing for you, Sue and Kari, but right now, it is good for Ryan. Here since Dec. 4, 2009, the day I saw Ryan’s story on NBC Washington News. HOPE ~ LOVE ~ PRAYERS ~ STILL HERE