I tried everything to not deep suction. Sometimes, there’s just no getting around it. It had immediate payoff, as his oxygen saturation is above 98% again.
Again, it can be hard to watch the suctioning. That part begins when you see me in a yellow isolation gown. Like usual, I tend to tear-up after doing this to Ryan. I will say I held it together throughout the video though.
You can view the video by clicking Oral Care and Deep Suctioning.
Ryan is a strong and brave young man, and you are a courageous and amazing Dad. Heroes to me, both of you. Love & prayers, Paula
Bless you both. I know how hard this must be and we all know how good it is that you are there with him. <3 RKD
Ken,
When I watch this, two things come to mind.
First, a reminder of doing it ourselves while Jonathan was in the hospital, but just his trach.
Second, because you were willing to take all of this on, you are keeping your son alive, healthy, well, and out of the hospital. As you know, Jonathan had major setbacks because of people not doing their job well, and I know you know that your environment is sterile compared to a hospital. They ought to send nursing students to you!
Great job! In a difficult situation, you all continue to shine!
That video is just HEARTBREAKING!!!! God bless Ryan. He is so lucky to have such a wonderful and caring family. God bless you all!!! Still here and praying in Morgantown
I’m not squeemish, although this might not be for everyone to watch, I think it would be good if they did. I can tell you this: we never know what procedures we may be required to perform for loved ones or even friends. Thankful he doesn’t have to get this done everyday, but, Ken, I feel like he knows exactly what is going on and why. Always here for you.
Ken,
I cant imagine what you are going through on a daily basis, but this is one thing I can relate to and I feel terrible that have to do this as often as you do. My brother was paralyzed in a car accident 5 years ago and spent weeks in the ICU on ventaltion machines. I kept it together pretty well, until the first time he began to choke. He was alert and awake but helpless. Tears ran down his face and he clenched his fists, trying anything for a breath. The nurses ran in and inserted the suction tube through his intubation tube and slowly pulled it out. This happened several time and each time he squeezed my hand harder and more tears ran down his face. It was awful. I was hysterical the entire time and much into the night. I still have nightmares about those five awful minutes. It is terrible to see your love ones in such pain and I wanted you to know that I think you are incredibly brave for being able to help Ryan in all the ways that you do, especially in this way. Stay strong, keep your head up, and know we are all rooting for you guys!
Watching this video, I’m convinced that your son is still in there, and he’s not another Terri Schiavo. Something about the way he reacted- it didn’t feel like it was just reflexes, but that he knew what was being done to him and that was his reaction.
Heartbreaking video to be sure, but you’re both pretty brave men.
Two comments for this video. Ken you are amazing and if the insurance company was run by someone with a true business sense they would realize the money you are saving them by having Ryan at home and not at a medical facility. Second, hoping the criminals that did this to Ryan and watched this done to Ryan along with their families get the opportunity to see these videos so the next time they stop or step in. So sad that such a fine young man has to go through this.
We don’t know how you do it all, and so competently, but what a blessing to Ryan and your family that you do. Ryan is definitely aware of all the loving care you provide for him, even if it’s not always pleasant for either one of you. I’m sure he does breathe and feel so much better after a deep suctioning treatment. Stay strong, Ken and Ryan, and we’ll keep lifting you up in prayer! (Sue and Kari too, of course <3)
Thank God you are here for Ryan. You are keeping him strong as he heals from the injury. We are praying for Ryan and your family. God bless you.
Ken, The way you care for Ryan is more than amazing and I agree with J!R. Ryan knows what,s going on and doesn’t like it at all (don’t blame him) but know it has to be done…He looks.so strong and healthy,thanks to his wonderful family and cute ??? Too and handsome… May God help you all get through this as Ryan heals a little each day. Gail
Ken, SHSP in Pittsburgh…thank you for sharing just a small part of your world…your posts often have me crying (and laughing!) – although this video is heartbreaking to watch, Ryan is blessed to have you and Sue as his caretakers. So many of us wander through life, wondering what God’s purpose is for us. It is clear you have found God’s purpose – God’s hands are all over your family, there is a reason you and Sue are Ryan and Kari’s parents – they are blessed to have you. Prayers continue, always…
Thank you so much for sharing this video with us. I didn’t find it heart breaking — I found it heart warming. It’s so clear that you’d do anything and everything for your son (as we already knew)! Those tubes down your nostril aren’t fun, but you do feel so much better it’s done. Keep doing what you’re doing each & every day. I think Ryan is just waiting for the right time to fully come around, but it’s so clear each time I see him that he knows EXACTLY what’s going on & responds in an appropriate manner. Love & prayers to both of you!!
This definitely pulls at your heart strings! I can’t begin to name all the emotions I felt in just a few minutes, the one that is most prominent is anger towards the boys that caused this. They should have to read this blog everyday and watch the videos. They should be going through this, every step.
Ryan is definitely aware, I was waiting for him to start yelling at you to stop.