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Ryan enjoyed another restful night, free of chronic coughing. All signs point to the poinsettias, which were removed from the house on Friday. There’s only one way to know for sure and that is to reintroduce the plants. There’s no way I’m going to do this, so I will always have some doubt in my mind. You know what, though? I can live with not entirely knowing. I’m okay with that.
It’s insane how the mere presence of a plant can cause such discomfort. This is counter to every effort we take to create the healthiest living environment for Ryan. Early last year I researched plants that actually “scrub” the air of common household pollutants and asked if I could get starts from anyone who might have them. People were literally dropping off full-blown plants on my doorstep!
I also use the best air filters I can find in our furnaces. They aren’t even carried in the stores around me. I must order them directly — dozens at a time — from the company (Filtrete). These get replaced each month, no exceptions. It doesn’t stop there, either. There two air purifiers running all the time. The first is “whole house” unit. The second is a smaller (but powerful) model that is in Ryan’s room.
Another step to keep it healthy is vacuuming the entire basement almost every day and mopping every other. I only dust with a damp cloth (or sanitary wipe) and some powerful detergent. This extends to the laundry too. We only use fragrance-free detergents and dryer sheets for Ryan’s bedding, linens, and clothes.
And yet, a flippin’ plant sabotaged all these efforts! It makes me worry that I might be missing other things. Am I overlooking the obvious? If you might know of other allergen sources that are commonly missed, please share it with me.
In the meantime, I’ll be putting the pets in plastic body suits. I’m kidding! Just in case PETA is monitoring me…
Hoping the restful nights continue, Ken. Days, too, as you continue to reduce Ryan’s Baclofen dosage, and praying that you will see a difference in alertness. I know that you will let us know the details over time. Always here, there in thought and spirit. Hope this nice weather continues. š In other words, NO SNOW, please! Please!!
I’ve always been allergic to just about everything in nature, including wool, feathers and pet dander. It sounds like Ryan has developed some new sensitivities recently, so just be on the lookout for allergic reactions like wheezing, unusual eye redness, hives and other rashes as you always are. I sure hope that he can always tolerate the presence of your family pets, including Maddox. (We use Filtrete air filters too — they’re the best.) Way to stay on top of things, Superdad! P.S. Did you get any sleep last night yourself?
Want to wish Kari a great semester! Study hard! Also we’ll continue pray for Ryan in hopes one day he’ll be able to run and laugh again. Keep up the great care, you and Sue are amazing parents.
Ken, I think it was definitely poinsettia plants .You are just soo careful about things that would irritate Ryan . So glad he had a good night .Hoping Baclofen reduction goes well ,that is so amazing in one year ,how much reduction has been. Praying this time Ryan will become more alert. Also hope you got some sleep..Give Ryan a hug for me Love Gail
Is he allergic to latex? http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20031124/latex-allergy-beware-poinsettias
Hi Ken,
I love to hear Ryan had a restful night! I can only hope that somewhere in the mix, you are able to get some rest, too, but…I’m pretty sure you don’t. Everything you do adds up to make a positive difference in Ryan’s life, and you always manage to think up new ways to help him. I hope someday the treatment protocols you have developed will be published so others can benefit.
Hope you have a smooth day with your wonderful son and wife, and I’m praying Kari has a great semester!
Love & prayers always,
Paula
Isn’t it interesting how the body can respond so quickly to an allergen. The body produces histamines and the cycle starts. Don’t reintroduce the plant it might cause a more violent response.
Someone mentioned latex. I am allergic to that. My skin forms blister’s immediately and then it gets ugly. I have to be careful of bandaids.
Wow, your house sounds as close to being a hospital as you can get. The air filtration and constant cleanliness sure sounds like things that hospitals do. Good job. As many of us recognize, Ryan is blessed to have you as his father and he is getting the bst care possible.
I think PETA will leave you alone and go after my friend, Gina. She named her dog Peta. It stands for “Pain In The Ass”.
I’m sorry, she spelled it Pita, but it sounds the same.
Wow, amazing that his body could pick that up…so glad that Ryan’s better with it gone! If he reacted that bad to the poinsettia then keep the lilies away at Easter! Im sensitive to a few things but lilies get to both Ben and I…super potent although good scent!
Here’s (imagine a splash of rum in my coke) to many more sleepy nights for ALL of you!!
Glad Ryan’s cough seems to be gone! Amazing that you figured that out Ken but of course you did! Thinking of you all always and hoping Ryan has nothing but good days so he can keep with his routine to keep his body strong for recovery. Love to you all and to Kari for another great semester at WVU! xoxo
Just checking in for a blog update…
Just letting you know you all remain in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Still praying – additionally praying the lack of update is only because of good things happening.