Ryan’s current urinary tract infection (UTI) is really a battle to resolve. Two antibiotics were administered that didn’t touch it. Fortunately, they aren’t meant to kill off the bacterial strain present. In one way, this is good news. I thought Ryan might have built up a resistance to those two classes of treatment, but now it seems they are still viable options in the future.
Late last week I collected a vial of Ryan’s urine for culturing. You must know, this is no easy process. For it to be fully accurate I must do what is called a “clean catch” of his urine. This requires a special, sterilized kit and impeccable timing. Anyhow, Dr. Rodriguez’s office swung by our house, picked it up, and sent it off to the lab.
In the meantime, I did another home urine test. The leukocytes (white blood cells) were still largely elevated. I felt completely helpless, knowing he wasn’t getting any better. Finally, the lab results came in yesterday morning and we changed course on the antibiotic. Ryan has a somewhat uncommon type of UTI that requires a strong antibiotic, since the bacteria is tolerant of many conditions and treatments.
Here’s the thing, too. This type of UTI presents very few clinical symptoms. Certainly nothing I would easily notice with Ryan unable to communicate. The only way we discovered it before becoming acute was our weekly routine urine dips (that were gifted to us through Ryan’s Wish List).
Staying somewhat on topic, we are expecting to receive the new urine condoms (branded as Liberty 3.0) today that claim to go a long way in preventing UTIs. I’m eager to make the change and see if this is true. Actually, it’s more than just a condom. The company (BioDerm) that makes it calls it a “urinary management system”, and I suppose this is a good description. It uses several materials and methods to draw urine away from the penis.
In re-reading this post, I see it is not very interesting. Still, for me, it is an effective way to recount, analyze, and plan. In some ways, it gives you a glimpse into the way I think when faced with these issues (which is probably even less interesting). Really, who knows, it might help others in a similar situation to discover and resolve a chronic challenge.
Thank you for staying with me as I work this through.
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Related articles
- UTI Beats Antibiotic (ryansrally.org)
- Baclofen Reduced. UTI Found. (ryansrally.org)
The Colangelis says
Good deal Ken. Look forward to reading results of how the new technique works out. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Ann H Tearle says
We’re with you all the way, Ken, and actually, from what i see on this blog, everyone else who reads this feels the same way, that is, very interested in what you write each and every time. You are absolutely fantastic for the care and love you are giving your son. I pray for Ryan’s recovery ASAP; and for strength and comfort for you to continue doing whatever is needed for him.Still here…prayers, thoughts and love for Ryan. Annie
Jo says
More quackery! Ken, I know you would never allow Ryan to ingest anything that would harm him. Remember the “blue man?” And who knows what else. Check with Dr. Rodrigues and Johns Hopkins for the most update information of colloidol silver and other questionable, dangerous substances! Even his nutritionist will give a thumbs-down on this one! I am very happy that you are so smart and almost have your medical degree, Kenneth!! Many thoughts and prayers, Ryan, and much love.
http://www.cqs.com/silver.htm
Jo says
Oops! “Rodriguez.” Sorry!
Scott says
Wow. Good link! That’s even more out there than the supposed sleeping pill (Zolpidem) waking up some coma patients. That sounded too good to be true, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of followup info about it since first being hyped back in in 2007 or so. There must be a reason there’s been no more research into it.
Jo says
To our many readers here: If you really want in-depth information on the toxic substance, colloidal silver, here is what the CDC has to say.
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp146.pdf
Ms. Blasé says
Providing thorough explanations, links and visual aids helps those of us who are not familiar with various medical conditions to better understand what you’re going through. Keep up the informative posts.
Carla Liberty says
Ken – your diligence in taking care of Ryan is paying off in spades. UTI’s are both tricky and frustrating. When my mom was ill, UTI’s were prevelant for her because she was bedridden/on a catheter. I remember well the doctors telling our family that they couldn’t just “put her on any antibiotic because you have to treat the one that is causing the infection, and for us to know, we have to wait for the culture to grow.”
Had you not been doing the urine dips, you wouldn’t have had that trigger to know something was amiss. I think that’s pretty remarkable, and I think that is a testament to how great a father you are!
Love and hugs, carla
Paula says
I think it’s very interesting when you explain these things, Ken, and most definitely helpful for all who are caring for loved ones at home. It is so impressive the way you are able to discern Ryan is having an issue, then proceed to evaluate the situation and procure the best treatment for him. Your unending diligence in staying on top of whatever’s going on is remarkable. I have great respect for the amount of effort and care you put into helping Ryan stay in tip top shape — and it definitely shows!!! It is very frustrating and upsetting that it takes these cultures so long to grow … thank the Lord you now know what you’re dealing with. Praying for a swift recovery from this UTI. Please know that we are thinking about you and Ryan throughout the day!!
Love & hugs, Paula
Gail Doyle says
Ken, Anything you write concerning Ryan or your family is of interest .Amazing how you are always finding better ways to test and what to give Ryan. Hoping new antibiotic and urine management system ( condoms) clears up infection and please never stop informing us .We are all with you …Say hi to Ryan and Sue ,and Kari ,when you talk to her Stay Strong. love Gail
Rita says
You always capture our interest and never cease to amaze us, Ken. (Even Sue admits she’s in awe of you 😉 Way to stay on top of every detail of Ryan’s care. You are both in our thoughts and prayers always. Big hugs to that beautiful wife of yours too <3