Monday evening was the maiden voyage of the Chick Magnet. Earlier in the day I spent about an hour installing new tie-down straps (gifted to us through Ryan’s Wish List) to secure Ryan’s wheelchair. The existing bolts were rusted and I had to put every ounce of my strength to get them off. As is always the case, the last bolt was the worst. It simply refused to budge. Oxidation made the bolt and nut forever united. Using my superhuman strength (I wish), I actually applied so much torque that the bolt seared off! Hey, whatever works, right? Just like me, not pretty, but effective.
The biggest challenge (I thought) I was facing was getting Ryan up the hill to the van. I took a risk that the weather would accommodate and drove the van behind the house instead. So we simply wheeled Ryan out the door and to the lowered platform-lift. That move paid off… well, kind of. More on this later.
As expected, we ran into more than a few glitches in getting Ryan ready for transport. It was a tight fit. Very tight, indeed. In the end, everything worked out, our trip was uneventful, and Ryan’s eyes were given a full examination by Dr. Hinkle and a corneal specialist.
Ryan takes his 1st trip in Chick Magnet to see eye doctors.
Currently, Ryan’s eyes are quite healthy. There are no abrasions nor ulcers. The surface is intact. Unfortunately, damage that occurred prior to Dr. Hinkle’s care (while at Kessler) will need both eyes to receive a corneal transplant and Ryan is not a candidate until his mental status greatly improves.
It is believed that the scaring doesn’t fully encroach on Ryan’s vision, but deep blood vessel growth certainly impairs the acuity. It is most likely that Ryan can see only broad shapes, colors, and patterns. Knowing this, I will use an iPad to give him the best visual input.
Now, back to the van. We unloaded Ryan and I told Sue I’d move the van in the morning. She thought this was a bad idea since rain was coming. Well, I really should have listened to her… mostly because it’s just another thing I’ve done that she will never let me live down. I sure you guessed by now, the van is stuck behind our house on the soft ground. I just knew she would be standing in the window watching me spin the wheels, and she was (smiling)! I’ll need to wait it out until the ground hardens enough to get traction. In the meantime, it is taunting me every time I look out the window.
Baclofen Update: No adverse effects up to now.
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When I saw the title of this page “Chick Magnet”, I thought it was going to be about Duke!
So you got the Chick Magnet on the road, huh! Great news! Glad Ryan was seen by the specialist, and you got there and back without incident — except for the mud. As far as the wet ground, these 30 mph gusts will dry it out in no time. I know you and Sue are taking it one day at a time, and this is good. Love and prayers always.
Smile on my face as I picture the van sitting in your backyard!! Glad Ryan’s trip was safe and sound!!
I bet Ryan enjoyed the drive in his own car! Hope he is able to get out frequently. The ride will do him good. My prayer’s continue for Ryan’s healing.
Ryan is SUCH a good looking young man!
Ken, So glad you got Ryan in van, but next time you should listen to Sue :):), Ryan looks so good! Hoping Baclofen reduction is working and UTI is improving. By the way how is tick bite ? Hope no side effects. Give a hug to Ryan and hope the day goes smooth. Love Gail
Sure, jump on the Sue bandwagon! No side effects from the tick bite, if you don’t count the huge scab I self-inflicted.
Well ,sometimes we woman have to stick together. And …….she was right 🙂 Glad no effects from bite and hope Ryan is ok with reduction. Keep up the good work.
Two pieces of old carpet placed directly and tightly in front of each back wheel might give you enough traction to roll forward.
Glad the reduction is having no adverse effects.
Ken (O’ thee with superhuman strength),
It was great that the chick magnet got the job done! Ryan doing his part I am sure helped:). What a comfort knowing you have such confidence in your medical team! I so miss seeing all of you! When I am back on my feet I will be pounding down your doorstep. Much love to you, Ry, Sue, Kari and the pups! Hugs~
Are you using the van to get Ryan to his next appointment? Please let us know if you’d like a little extra muscle to combine with your superhuman strength in moving it back up the hill. We are here for you! Ryan looks great, by the way. It must’ve felt good for you and Sue to get him out by yourselves (and get a good report from the doctors). What a blessing the Chick Magnet is 🙂
I might need some muscle power to get me out of the fix I got into. :/
I’d be happy to loan you my husband’s muscles. He works out almost as much as you do every day 🙂 Just name the day/time.
Hi Ken! I have a question — how well did you, Sue and Ryan fit in the van?? I know you and Ryan are both over 6 feet tall and built for power. If you guys are planning on taking any (day) trips — we might need to be thinking about something larger.
What a joy it would be if your family could go somewhere together — even if just to the beach for a day. I’m sure the sounds of the ocean with the seagulls flying around, along with the fresh air would be refreshing for all of you!! Just thinking aloud here…
Love, hugs, prayers,
Paula
Tight, but do-able.