I prefer to get my daily posts out earlier in the day. By eleven, whenever possible. Well, this morning I started out about an hour behind and still I struggle to catch up. As of this very moment I’m still an hour behind. Ugh! I know it shouldn’t matter, but this frustrates me. I actually get a little stressed out. Crazy.
Eye Exam
The morning was made better with a visit from Dr. Hinkle. Last week Ryan’s eyes were not in the best of condition. Each eye had abrasions and significant redness. We were worried the scar tissue (around each pupil) might even be advancing downward.
Today’s exam was improved. Still not where we want, but better. Ryan’s eyes are always under assault from exposure (he doesn’t often close his eyes), but it’s worse when he does the hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The supplemental oxygen is nearly impossible to keep from getting to his eyes and drying them out.
The treatment plan was adjusted to remove him from the eye lubricant antibiotic. He is back to the old schedule of Fresh-Kote every eight hours (and continuing every two hours of GenTeal eye drops/gel).
Dr. Rodriguez
Dr. Rodriguez and two of his nurses, Leanne and Lisa (two longtime friends), came by yesterday morning. They gave Ryan a quick, but thorough, examination. Clinically, they feel Ryan is in superb physical health.
What a relief! I didn’t expect anything apparent was brewing with Ryan but it’s always good to hear it from a doctor that I completely trust (and, as you know, I don’t have many I trust). Really, it was great too hear how well they thought he looked.
IBRF
In the group of “I’ll believe it when I see it”, we are told we should get the qEEG results Friday. No, not next Friday… tomorrow. Granted, this might be late into the evening tomorrow (so they say), but tomorrow nonetheless. We’ll see…
It’ll certainly take me several days to digest the information after I receive it. I educated myself already on reading an EEG, but it’ll take some brushing-up before I apply the latest results. Then I’ll compare and contrast these against historical results. I hope I have good news to report…
As for the team’s examination, I’m a bit worried. Ryan really seemed out of it throughout. I realize that I can never really tell for sure, but sometimes it just feels that way.
Agree with Peggie! Thanks for the continuing updates, we rely on them. As always you are in out constant thoughts and prayers.
Looking forward to learn of the results from the IBRF assessment. Praying to God for Ryan’s recovery and hope the tests provide signs of progress. Good luck in the start of the basement project. Will be really neat when that’s complete and will provide more flexibility for Ryan and the family.
Ken, you just sound so very worn out. Ryan does too. We all feel for you and keep praying for your continued strength. Thanks so very much for taking the time to post. It keeps us connected. You are doing an outstandingly awesome job taking extraordinary care of Ryan. He is still fighting and we are so proud of him.
Keep up the good work. We are with you in
prayerful spirit…always.
Love, Peggie
Ken, Glad to hear Ryan’s eye is better and he got a good report from Dr. Praying all the tests from yesterday will also be good,Thanks for all the updates Can’t blame you for not writing when you’re down, .We just worry about Ryan and you all..Hope you’re feeling a little better thoughts and prayers for all Give a hug to Ryan Love Gail
As I’ve kept up with your posts over the past year and a half, it saddens me at what the medical community and insurance companies tend to do to people (and their families) in vulnerable situations like Ryan’s situation. Thank God you have the intellect, perseverance and intellectual curiosity to learn and question everything. I feel terrible for victims and families in similar conditions as Ryan’s situation that don’t have a loving, intelligent advocate like you and Sue that question everything and won’t take “no” for an answer. I understand this is a brutally difficult and emotional position to be placed in, but Ryan is VERY fortunate to have you as a father. Keep “fighting the good fight” and know that we’ve always got your back, my friend!
Considering the shortage of qualified physicians, I suspect that sometime in the near future, the call will go out for self-taught medical doctors. You have all the qualifications! You continue to amaze us, Ken. Your mind is like a steel trap, catching and holding on to every little detail. Ryan is fortunate, indeed! Praying for a good report from the IBRF–can’t wait!! Also praying that neither Ryan’s eyes, nor any other part of his body, will ever need a surgical procedure. Love
Hello Ken, thank you so much for your update, especially since you have so much to do. I really appreciate you taking the time to post, given the intense schedule you keep each day.
I was thinking that it’s possible Ryan was acutely aware of all those doctors being in the room, and just didn’t feel like dealing with it. I read a case last night where a young man who appeared to be unresponsive used an assistive communication device to spell “get out” to a group of doctors. Wow, it really made me think.
I read another case in which a minimally conscious young man who was recovering over the course of several years had an MRI that did not show the fact that he was able to converse and eat. According to the MRI, he shouldn’t have been able to do any of those things even though he was. The more I read, the more I see how very different each person is.
Gosh, Ken — here is a bigggggg hug from me to you. I wish I could wave a wand and take all this stress from you and your family, you all do not deserve this suffering.
Whatever the test results are, we know Ryan is making strides and showing distinct progress. We know he hears and responds. We know he’s an awesome young man and is part of an awesome family.
That’s what I’m carrying around in my heart and mind. Tests or no tests, Ryan is healing and he will keep healing.
Love, hugs, prayers…Paula
That’s what I say too: “Tests or no tests, Ryan is healing and he will keep healing.”
Right on, Paula. Ken, just keep doing what you are doing….Ryan is healing at his own pace, tests or no tests (your homework for this session is to read Paula’s comment 6 times–more if needed–but i would advise against calling her in the morning…). Actually, i think you should transfer her comment to a plaque and hang it on the wall where you will see it every day….it will give you blessed support as you go about your day’s work. Love u Ryan, Hang in there Buddy. Love, Annie Still here, still praying..