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The regulatory center for body temperature is located in the hypothalamus. It is highly sensitive to temperature changes in the arterial blood as it flows through it. Depending on body temperature, the regulatory center makes adaptive responses, and body temperature then increases or decreases.
The hypothalamus is quite small. No larger than the size of a grape. It directs many critical functions in the body, making it key in the body’s regulatory system. It is one of the most critical brain functions for mere survival.
Sadly, this was one (of many) areas damaged in Ryan’s brain from the attack. If nothing else, this should let you see just how violent the beating was to injure an area so deeply protected. It takes extreme trauma to injure it; usually resulting from a horrific vehicle crash or an explosion.
Enough of the anatomy lesson…
Last night around seven o’clock, Ryan’s body temperature started dropping… and quickly. We decided to forego his nightly shower (so he wouldn’t get any more chilled) and get him straight into bed. We found that we are better able to mange this from there.
His temperature continued to drop, bottoming out at 94.2℉ axillary (armpit) just after eight o’clock. As a rule of thumb (but not always), axillary runs about a degree cooler than one’s core body temperature. So, Ryan was somewhere around 95℉. Falling below this threshold is mild hypothermia.
There is a certain finesse to warming a person up. Essentially, this must be done slowly. In Ryan’s case, we need to be extremely careful in adjusting his temperature, else he overcompensate and begin running a fever (hyperthermia). My best way to explain this is it’s like trying to come out of a skid on ice… small corrections!
After getting him into bed we covered him with two dryer-heated blankets and a scarf around his neck and head. Sue snuggled in next to him and we turned on the heat lamp (from Ryan’s Wish List). I turned up the heat in the house by five degrees. As Ryan began warming, we would methodically remove the heat sources.
I monitored him all night, making sure he was always going in the right direction and at the right pace. It was at five o’clock this morning that he returned to “normal”. By six o’clock, we began our day just like usual.
It’s a harsh reminder that Ryan can never be left alone, even for a minute. Yes, he is over two years out from the beating, but his body can still do unexpected things… and quickly. We must be vigilant, without lapse. He can not be apart from either Sue or myself. At least not yet. We, the caregivers, are the experts on brain injury. There is no one in this world that has as broad and practical knowledge as us. We are pioneers in the treatment and rehabilitation of this type of injury. We know just how suddenly things can (and do) change. We know how to identify and remedy these situations. We are the authority.
I say this with no pride or boastfulness. How I wish we weren’t.
axillary
Prayers continue for Ryan. You are doing an awesome job Ken. Ryan knows he is in the best hands 24/7 with you caring for every need he has at any moment. Sue your love…thru your touch and your reassuring voice is very calming for Ryan…I’m certain of it. And Kari fills the room with spirit and energy like no one else…and Ryan feels that too…I’m sure. We all marvel at your loving devotion to Ryan.
We are all with you in thought and prayer each day. You can count on that. Keep up the amazing work you are doing and remain positive.
Love, Peggie
Wow, Ken, my gosh I felt my pulse go up just reading this. I know without a spec of doubt that Ryan is in the very best hands and in the very best place for his recovery. That’s why you have so many people who want to help and support what you do, because we all knows it’s true.
You are re-writing the book on the best approaches to the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. You have been and will continue to help many who don’t know where else to turn. You rock.
I am praying Ryan’s temp (and everything else) will stay in the normal range and things will go well today.
Love & prayers always,
Paula
Thank you for your time and energy to continue sharing the details of your lives. May God bless you with rest and strength today. Please remember that prayers are continual being prayed for Ryan and your family. Our hearts are with you.
I agree with Jo. You need a nurse there at least for 2 shifts. I continue to pray for Ryan and his family.
Ken, Like Carla said, Ryan couldn’t have better parents than you and Sue and how well you are so aware of all that goes on with Ryan .And someday you’ll be able to pack all that knowledge away when our man Ryan is all better. Hoping fever continues normal and you all can get a little rest. Give Ryan a big hug … Love Gail
Dare I say it was Sue being next to him that made his temperature get back to normal? He knows you are both there and that you’re doing everything under the sun to make him comfortable.
He’s one lucky young man!
I am sorry to hear of this occurence, Ken. How you will get some rest today is beyond me! Is there any possibility that Medicaide will pay for nursing care in the daytime as well? Not that you could really rest, but you might just pass out from exhaustion! I wish you had someone there 24/7 or at least 16/5, nursing care in 2 eight hr. shifts 5 days a week. You are always on my mind. Love and prayers
Medicaid — but no matter how you spell it, it’s never enough!
Insurance will pay for 12 hours a day. Medicare will pay for a part-time “Certified Nursing Technician”… in this case, me. I get a few dollars an hour which I use directly for Ryan’s care. I prefer being alone with Ryan during the day and I’m not sure an agency could provide anything close to what is needed.
Sending our love. The whole family will be going to the fundraiser next weekend, and we plan to sync up with you and Sue to come by soon.
I thank God every day that Ryan has you and Sue for parents, Ken. And I’m thanking Him that Ryan’s temperature is back in the normal range. Still here, NGA