Ryan’s day began a couple hours earlier. I started getting him ready at 4:30 AM for our journey to John Hopkins to get the MRI.
In the ambulance, leaving for Johns Hopkins.
The ambulance transport arrived at 4:45 AM. We had Ryan on the road just past 5:00AM. I, as always, rode in the back with him. We made good time up to Baltimore. The trip took a hour and twenty minutes from door-to-door.
For the past several weeks we’ve had to jump through hoops to meet the paperwork requirements at Hopkins. Imagine my shock when we arrived and no one was expecting us! After some lady made about 15 minutes of phone calls, we were escorted to the Imaging area. I promptly learned they had nothing ready either. I had to complete more paperwork before they would even acknowledge Ryan was there. Appearantly, he doesn’t exist unless there is an wrist band around him. This seems to counteract the invisibility cloak that engulfs people when they pass through hospital doors.
I was told Ryan did fine in the MRI. The images will be sent to IBRF for comparative evaluation from past scans. This also puts us in the position to have the digital 3-D model of Ryan’s brain built.
I was fortunate to enjoy the company of Ryan’s roommate’s dad, Tom. He actually does some really important stuff as a leader in the Burn Unit at Hopkins. It was great to catch up. We hadn’t spoken since the sentencing. Good thing he helped me pass the time. Another logistical problem came up, delaying our discharge another hour-and-a-half.
We arrived home mid-afternoon. Ryan seemed no worse for the wear, but I am exhausted. It’s so stressful. It makes me equally angry and sad.
Ken,
Unfortunately your experience did not surprise me. My father who voulnteers as an EMT has shared stories of the lack of care that has become the norm for most hospital systems. My own extensive experience with our healthcare system is also overwhelmingly dissapointing at best. I appreciate the need for an identifying wristband, but with the circumstances surrounding Ryan’s condition and need for expediency, preparedness on their part is demanded not optional. I hope your week ends on a much better note and that any need to go there in the future is a more positive experience. Give Sue and Ryan a hug and get a good night’s sleep. Hugs~ Jen
Paula’s idea sounds like a great one. You have enough going on, let someone else make the phone calls to make sure everything is ready. I don’t know Paula but I have a feeling things might run a little smoother for you with her on your side. I’m glad there was a step forward with the MRI and now it’s onward, always onward. I hope you have peaceful day. Spring break is a few days away and your beautiful Kari will be home!
Glad to hear that Ryan got to and from The Hospital Fine. Sorry to hear you had to wait since they didnt have things ready. But Its all gonna be fine. God Bless
Thinking of you tonight….
Ken, I am so very sorry you and Ryan were treated this way. It’s unacceptable, and I don’t understand why this happened. If you and Ryan have to make other trips like this, I would like to help. I will call ahead and make sure everyone knows of your impending visit. Then I will call again, and then once more for good measure. You have enough on your shoulders every day that you shouldn’t have to deal with extra (unnecessary) stress like this. On a positive note, I am thankful to the Lord that Ryan’s MRI is now done. One more thing to check off the (never ending) list. You’re a remarkable Dad, Ken. You’re a hero to a lot of us. I pray that you will be able to get some good rest tonight. Many of us are surrounding you and your family with an blanket of love and prayers every day. Always here, always praying. God bless you, dear Ken.
Ken
When I see pictures of Ryan my heart breaks for Ryan, you and your family. It brings back all the heartache that my family felt when my little nephew, Matthew, went through this. I feel your pain and know exactly how you’re feeling. I’m so sorry. I understand completely when you say you don’t understand why this had to happen to Ryan and your family. I’ll never understand why this happened to my nephew when he was 10 years old. He’s now 16 and is in the Children’s Hospital in Richmond where they’re taking great care of him. Keep your chin up. You’re a wonderful Father.
Dear Ken, Unbelieveable that once again you had to go through waiting ,when everything should have been totally prepared for Ryan. Glad it ‘s over ….when will the 3D MRI be ? So sorry it was such a long day ,but happy Ryan did good….How do these big known hospitals not get things right ,especially since you’d thought you had done all the work from your end….It kind to of makes you wonder……..Hope you can chill out a little .Give my best to Ryan and Sue, SHSP. Gail. Glad you had someone to talk to. ~
I cannot believe this! I just doesn’t sound like Hopkins. It is simply a wonderful hospital. Somebody sure goofed! I feel for you and Ryan, but you are home safe and sound, so we shall all rejoice! Thank you for letting us know that this important part is finished, so now… …onward! Always here.
Disbelief, shock and anger. That pretty much sums up my emotions after reading this post. And, unfortunately, it also served to remind me how preparedness, professionalism and compassion are constantly in short supply these days… even at renowned institutions. I’m sorry that you had to endure this. May a restful and peaceful night await you.
Ditto from me, the unmitigated gall and indignities faced when entering the doors of instiutions such as hospitals, Senior Citizen facilities, ugh. I’m glad that you made the most of your experience at Hopkins with Ryan despite their incompetence. You rose to the challenge again Ken, you are unstoppable!