The newly-hired therapy company (partially) began in-home visits with Ryan last Thursday. All therapists have not come yet, but one did. It was the Physical Therapist, and she has made two visits thus far. I must say, it is nice to have the help once again. I can do so much more with another person assisting. As some of you might remember, we have been without this service for several months now due to the unethical administrative practices (in my informed opinion) of the earlier company, Capital Home Health Care (CHHC). Errrr…. I’m still fuming about how they treated Ryan.
My approach to professional therapy, as before, is to have Ryan limber before the therapist arrives. This way we can work on more complex therapy. So, I have him spend at least an hour on the ActivCycle for both his arms and legs. Then I stretch and range him for about thirty minutes. When the therapist walks in, he’s good to go.
One of the positions we put him into is to have him seated on the edge of the exercise table (or exercise ball) with his feet on the floor. Imagine yourself getting out of bed in the morning, sitting on the edge of your bed. I get behind him to support his back and head. The therapist (in front) provides input by pushing down on his knee, really planting his feet to the floor. It is important — for neurological input — that I keep his head neutral as much as possible.
On Thursday I noticed Ryan was making an effort to keep his head up. So, I let go. I wasn’t expecting it, so I didn’t time him, but he maintained head control for at least a full minute on several occasions. His head would bob, but he would make corrections and recover. He would tire eventually and his chin dropped to his chest. This let me know he must have some sense of where he is in space, even if it might not be cognitive. It’s a big deal.
On Saturday, I was more prepared. Not as prepared as I should have, though. I really am angry at myself for not video recording. I’ll do this next time.
We put him in the same position (seated with feet on the floor). I positioned his head and let go. We began timing him.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Three Minutes.
At four minutes, on the dot, his head dropped. Sure, his head was wobbly at times. But, he made corrections and kept it upright.
Can you believe it? Four Fuddrucking minutes!
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I don’t think there are any words in the human language that can truly express the awesomeness of this…
Go Ryan…way to keep fighting hard!! So proud of you! Head control is so hard and it is something that Ben still works hard on to!
That is great news! Go Ryan! Keep up the good work, Ken. We’re behind you 100%!!!
🙂
WOOO!!!! Go, Ryan!!
Thank you God! Tears of joy for this milestone. Prayers continue as we anxiously await the next step in Ryan’s healing. Faithfully in awe of this latest gift and never giving up hope. Ryan is doing his part, with the grace of God, in moving himself toward recovery. Just so very, very happy to hear such encouraging news!
Love, Peggie
Fantastic news! Ryan- your cheering squad is on their feet!!!!
Thank you, Ken, for your great update and incredible news about Ryan. I have quiet tears of joy slowly coming down my face. Yes, you have made my day!!
Keep doing what you’re doing and never doubt yourself. God put you on this earth for a reason, and I believe your reason is Ryan. Not that Sue & Kari don’t need you too, but you’re doing something with Ryan that no one else can do.
I’m so glad the night nurses are working out well, as well as the new therapist. You’re doing a great job prepping him. Three cheers for Ken!!!! Special hugs to Ryan. SHSP, NGA!
Always happy to hear about any progress that Ryan makes. It just takes little steps, one at a time…….
Oh my goodness, I too had (heck, still HAVE) tears of joy as I read your post today. Today when I was praying I asked God to keep up His healing of Ryan. I asked Him to give you strength because I know that YOUR work with him, together with Sue, Kari, his medical team, and God’s loving care, equals Ryan’s miracle in the making. SHSP, NGA. Your post made my day Ken. Love, carla
Ken, the tremendous amount of work you have done with Ryan continues to pay off in spades. He looks fantastic!! And now he is holding his head up on his own. It looks like Ryan is struggling to get back up on his feet bit by bit. He’s been hearing all the encouragement you, Sue and Kari have been giving him, and he’s doing his very best to push forward. He’s an amazing young man, just like his Dad!! Looking forward to hearing more good news as time goes on.
Your dedication to Ryan just overwhelms my soul with respect. Praying every day that you will hear Ryan’s voice and see his smile in the not too distant future.
With love, hugs and still believing in the miracle of Ryan…Paula
Ken, So wonderful to hear this,please video next time, if possible. I know all the work you’ve all done with Ryan is bringing him back,slowly but surely…So glad for new therapists and that the night nurse is working out…Nothing yet on ads????Still here and still praying. love Gail
Goosebumps of joy for this miracle!!
Oh, this is such good news!! I’m so happy to get on the blog and read awesome news. I was quietly supportive over the last couple of weeks, just not knowing what to say, but this makes it all worth it. I love hearing how Ryan is doing and every time there is such wonderful progress it makes my day~~ Keep the updates coming. And during the hard, dark days, I hope you all know that you’re not alone. We’re all here, silently grieving and crying with you. But now let’s all celebrate for yet another huge success.
I got the goosebumps and tears in my eye’s reading that, Ken!!! Way to go, Ryan! Keep working it!!
Wonderful news!!! God IS good!
It is always great to hear news of Ryan, especially when he is improving. The amount of prep you put into him before the therapist comes is incredible and reminds me of my husband David with Jonathan. It is remarkable and I commend you because I know the effort it takes. I am thrilled that you have therapists willing to work with Ryan. I am wondering how the night nurse is working out? Are you still pleased and are you able to sleep better?
The night nurse is working out well. The nursing agency has really stepped-up and is paying attention. As for sleep… well… I could have Florence Nightengale and Clara Barton and still not sleep well.
I totally understand that. Would love one night of good sleep myself. Glad the nurse is working out and the agency is doing their job.
Wowwww! More good news! This is really an event that calls for a celebration! Break out the champagne, that “beer, worthy of a slice of lime,” or some such means befitting of this event–later today, of course. We want your mind to stay clear (LOL) so that you can report every little accomplishment. Can’t wait to read the joyful comments here today. Always here, thanking God and praying for more miracles to happen. Love. And, Ken, I completely understand the need to re-live and vent. My life has led me to places where I have been there and done that! But I also know, quoting an old Chinese proverb now, “Resentment soon kills a man.” You are a wise man, and I know that you are dealing with it in a healthy way. More love and good thoughts.
God is great!! Great news on a beautiful Sunday morning!! Keep up the good work, Ken and Ryan 🙂