I started getting results back yesterday afternoon from Ryan’s trip to Reston hospital the prior day. One good. One okay. One bad. Dr. Hinkle (Ryan’s eye doctor) visited earlier in the day. This exam found some items that need addressing.
Here’s what’s in so far:
- Doppler Scan. This is an ultrasound of Ryan’s limbs. The purpose is to search for blood clots that are either attached to the veins or (much worse) floating in the blood stream. Ryan is clear of any clots.
- Dexascan. This measures bone density. Ryan is not showing any signs of osteoporosis. He does have osteopenia. This means his bone density is below the normal range. I suppose I was expecting this, but now I have a name to call it. Nutritionally, I’ll continue with supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Therapeutically, the ActivCycle, standing frame, CPM, and ranging should continue to help him regain density.
- Forearm x-Ray. This was not good. Not good at all. His radius (the smaller of the two forearm bones) has joined. The ulna has a “non-union”. Simple put, it never healed completely. I had a strong feeling this was the case and am happy we followed-up with an x-Ray to confirm it. The next step is to get him in to an orthopedic doctor. I expect Ryan will need it reset and screwed it in place. This really has me angry. You might remember all the fuss I was making about this early on. Turns out, I was right. Believe me, there is no satisfaction in being so.
Original break 6 months ago. Waiting on image from 2 days ago.
- Eyes. Doctor Hinkle is simply the best. When he found an abrasion in each eye, I knew before he even told me. I could see the empathy in his face. He was hurting. Mind you, this is not a major concern (yet). We just need to get ahead of it and get Ryan’s eyes healed. Dr. Hinkle modified the treatment plan slightly to include antibiotic gel every six hours. Then, late that same evening, he called me to see how Ryan and I were doing. He told me he was having a difficult time all day from seeing both Ryan and me cope. What I didn’t tell him is I already knew he was sad.
I hope to get the formal EKG report and blood results back today. The preliminary EKG looked good, but I’ll breathe a little easier knowing it’s official.
Like you, I have had much concern about Ryan’s arm–even dreaming about it. You have surely done everything you can to encourage healing–vit. C, calcium, bone stimulator, hyaluronic acid–wondering now about hyal. injections. The orthopedic physician might try them before resorting to surgery (I’ve been picking the brains of my ortho. and nutritionist/herbalist). Praying for healing of Ryan’s arm. Thank you for the update and hoping the other tests come back normal. With much hope, faith and love, Jo
That is Synvisc injections for bone? and cartilege repair–
I think you are very lucky to have Dr. Hinkle…both for Ryan and you. Wish I had a magic wand. SHSP
Ken, Hoping EKG comes back normal and sorry about Ryans arm, and all the problems you had with that hospital too. Pray it can be corrected without too much pain to Ryan. Dr Hinkle sounds like a very caring Dr,and will surely help Ryans eyes heal Thanks for updating us on tests .Take care and say hi to Ryan and a big hug. Stay cool and hope the day goes smooth ,Gail
Hello Ken, we know that the way Ryan’s broken arm was handled was subpar. Sometimes we are at the mercy of people who don’t seem to have our best interest at heart. As a Dad who goes above and beyond in order to give the best care possible to his son, I know the less than stellar treatment Ryan received is infuriating. It’s upsetting to all of us. It’s unacceptable.
On a positive note, thank the Lord for Dr. Hinkle and Dr. Rodriquez. Both of these superior doctors exemplify the best the medical community has to offer. I will always sing their praises for the excellent care they have given to Ryan.
Ryan’s vision — I am praying everyday for his eyes to continue to heal. Somehow I just believe his eyes will heal and his vision will be improved.
Wishing you and Ryan a smooth sailing Friday and a good weekend.
Sending love, hugs, prayers — Paula
I continually pray for Ryan in all regards — Thank God for Dr Hinkle — a truly dedicated doctor, and that he takes care of Ryan’s eyes. Each day is a new day for Ryan’s healing…..probably better not to think of how slow the process is, but rather, each day healing IS happening. I have sleep apnea…each day of my 16 yrs at work i prayed my way thru the day so that i would be able to do my job professionally and that i would have the energy i needed to do the job the Lord wanted me to do that day. 16 yrs, every day, just to make it thru the day (i was a phlebotomist, med lab assist–and it was never a good idea to go into work tired since i was sticking needles in people and had to be up to snuff to do so). I didn’t know what the prob was, only that something wasn’t right; always complained of extreme fatigue at physicals but no conclusions except stop donating blood, which i loved doing (diagnosed w/ sleep ap after retired). So i say those same prayers now for you — you don’t have sleep apnea, but you have just 35 hours including naps for sleep time. I pray for you and Sue and Kari to have what you need each day to ‘get the job done’. God bless you all. Love u, Ryan, Annie