What a relief. Ryan had a better night last night. In fact, he was so comfortable that his heart rate never climbed above sixty. I was happy to see him having a restful night after a few rough ones. I feel the source of his agitation is slowly resolving.
I’d like to say Ryan is becoming more alert, and this was causing the restlessness. But, I can’t. At least not yet. I think some discomfort over the past several days is more likely the cause. He developed some really nasty blisters between several of his toes (on both feet) that still haven’t all popped or dried over. I noticed these on Wednesday. My guess is multiple factors contributed to these blisters forming (like his night-time foot wear — to keep the foot drop from progressing — being too tight), but I’ll probably never know.
To treat these during the day, I keep his shoes and socks off. I clean the area well with iodine, then apply an antibiotic cream and topical steroid. Unfortunately, this condition is causing havoc with his therapy. Since he can’t wear shoes, he can’t get into the standing frame (which is great for his respiration, circulation, digestive, and foot drop). I also need to shorten his time on the ActivCycle, or risk skin breakdown from the cuffs rubbing his feet.
At night, after he showers I use a hair dryer (on cool setting) to dry between his toes. I use a blow dryer on him every night anyhow (to thoroughly dry his bottom and g-tube site), so this is not a big deal. Then I do the same topical treatment. Again, I leave his feet exposed. The drawback to not wearing his boots is he is not being treated for foot-drop prevention/correction.
I’m doing my best to substitute these therapies by spending much more time with him on the exercise table. Still, it’s hard to replicate the benefits of these other therapies. Very difficult, indeed. I guess I should just stop lying to myself and admit I cannot do what this other equipment can. Try, as I might.
Brain injury — and it’s collateral damage — is so damn challenging. Miniscule things to us are magnified and compounded many times over to Ryan. It’s a cascading effect, that falls like dominoes. Somethings as tiny as blisters creating such turmoil, commotion, digression, and extra work? But, it does.
In a big way.
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Good job facing the latest challenge. Happy to read Ryan rested well and heart rate good. Thanks.
I have been praying for Ryan’s healing and I firmly believe it is slowly happening. I believe that he is becoming more alert. Ever so gradual but constant.
Gosh, when it rains it pours. Brain injuries suck!
Hi Ken,
I’m sorry these blisters developed, poor Ryan, they must have really been hurting him. You do such an excellent job staying on top of everything, it must be extremely frustrating to get one situation under control (rash) only to have another start up (blisters). Not to mention the amount of extra physical work you now need to do to make up for reduced time on the equipment. Good thing you are very strong, honestly, it’s a very good thing because not many could do that level of work out.
I’m praying the blisters will quickly heal and that Ryan’s discomfort will abate. But what about you and all your aches and pains from this constant working out — praying for you, too, Ken. Thankfully both you and Ryan have always been in excellent shape due to all the athletics and working out.
Sending love, hugs and prayers to you and your family, and hoping you enjoy a good weekend.
Paula
Ken, Hoping toes clear up quickly and I’m sure Ryan will love you doing the exercises with him too. May you stay strong and well and please give Ryan a big hug from me .I will always be here and thinking and praying for Ryan and you all, Keep up the AMAZING work ,Ken. love Gail
I can’t think of a more loving act than applying tender care to your child’s feet. That’s what Ryan needs more than the standard therapies you are always so diligent about for just a few days. I hope you can relax and enjoy this “down time” together. I’m sure that Ryan appreciates the fresh air and rest his feet are getting, and of course I’m praying that they heal quickly so he can get back on track with everything else. Enjoy your whole family, Ken — love to all of you!
Hi Ken: When Jon was at Helen Hayes he deveoped blisters on the soles of his feet and on his toes. The nurses used something called “Sure Prep” which is applied right on the blisters. It creates a barrier so that the blisters can heal. I can find out the name of the manufacturer for you if you wish. Also, I have some extra ones that I can send you. Stay strong! Karen S.
Yes, we are huge users of Sure Prep! I wish they sold it in drums. We use it on his penis, bony areas, etc. We’ll start using it on his toes, going forward.
Ken, it seems that there is something new every day to take care of and get the healing process to kick in. You take such good care of Ryan. He is so blessed! Praying for him always and for you and yours. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date daily. We are very grateful.
~Love~Hope~Faith~
P.S. Just between you and me–if I am ever really sick, I am going to put my bed right next to Ryan’s so that you can tell my nurse how to take care of me! You are tops!