For the second morning in a row, Ryan’s urine tested positive for both leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrite. It seems the urinary tract infection beat us, yet again. Unless Ryan becomes highly uncomfortable, it might be best to wait out the culture so we know exactly bacteria to treat. The urine culture went out on Monday and it usually takes three or four days to grow out. So, tomorrow at the earliest.
To say I’m pissed seems appropriate, given the nature of the infection. Really, I don’t know what else to do. No matter, not knowing will never stop me from continuing to try to solve this. That’s for damned sure. Despite all the setbacks failures, I still hate that I can not resolve this problem. Perhaps it unsolvable, but I really have trouble accepting that.
<via http://www.homeforthedef.com/>
I feel so bad for Ryan. I just want to take this out of his life once-and-for-all. It’s tearing me apart, from the inside-out. He doesn’t deserve this, or anything over the past two-plus years. Damn you, Austin Vantrease. Damn you, Jonathan May. Damn all of you thugs that were involved in this senseless, brutal attack on my son. Hell would be too good for you. It is not damned good enough.
If there is any justice in this universe then I will be appointed to decide their eternal punishment. Like most everyone else on this planet, you’d wish you were never born.
You pathetic bastards.
These criminals can go to hell too:
Kevin Kless a 23-year-old native of Warwick, N.Y was brutally assaulted because of a senseless act of crime.In the 400 block of Chestnut Street in Old City, PA on January 14, 2012, he died shortly afterward at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Kevin Kless was trying to hail a cab with two female friends at about 2:30 a.m. Police say the cab did not stop and Kless yelled at the driver, and three men in a maroon car who apparently thought he was yelling at them got out and slammed his head into the wall and sidewalk. The men proceeded to punch and kick the victim, leaving him unconscious. Police are asking for anyone who was in the area and might have seen or heard anything to call the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or 215-686-3335 or call Philadelphia Police. If you are interested in making a donation towards the Reward please make money orders and checks payable to: Citizens Crime Commission 1518 Walnut st Suite 902 Philadelphia, PA 19102 ( add Kevin Kless in the memo area of the check).
While awaiting the sensitivity results of the UA, pyridium can help with the discomfort from the UTI. Is an OTC medication. Works wonders
Excellent! We’ll pick some up, but first I’ll see if someone wants to but it from Ryan’s Wish List.
How I hate that you are having to deal with this yet again. Praying the UTI is under control, that you somehow magically find the right combination of vitamins/what-have-you to keep these UTIs at bay in the future. Also praying that the lawsuit is coming along and you are able to get some financial relief. If these kids and their families had any idea of what your life (and Ryan’s, Sue’s and Kari’s lives) have become, I would hope that they would leap at the chance to try to make things right. This is probably not the time or place to say this, but I think it would benefit (and strongly deter others from such heinous acts) if the people who did this had to watch a 24/7 feed of Ryan/his care for an extended period of time. The act itself was despicable. But the collateral damage that has ensued and continues to snowball is an utter disgrace.
Still here Ken. Still praying, NGA.
Love, carla
Culturelle (probiotics) – You may have him on already, but thought I’d throw out there as a possible preventative aid.
~praying..
Yes, he is. Thank you.
Immobility and, according to a Mayo Clinic article, neurological problems that make it difficult for a person to control their ability to urinate increase the chances of getting a UTI. Also, a National Institute of Health study suggests that “recurrent UTIs may be the ability of bacteria to attach to cells lining the urinary tract.”
The Mayo Clinic article gives a list of treatments:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286
As well an informative report on Medscape:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/231574-treatment#aw2aab6b6b2
Surgery for UTIs is another possibility, although I imagine that would be a last resort. In the end, I’m sure you’re diligence/persistence will pay off and you’ll find something to end this UTI headache once and for all. In the meantime, my prayers will be with you.
So sorry to hear this, Ken. Hope that test result comes back pronto! There must be a way to prevent these recurring UTIs! I can ask my nutritionist, but I am sure you have already asked Ryan’s.
We read in the newspaper and hear on TV about the most unimaginable attacks by humans, not only against other humans but helpless animals as well. Evil exists! It seems that no amount of education or enlightenment of any kind can stop it. When I think of the cruelty of pitting one animal against another in fights to the death, it makes me sick. Now I am hearing of cage fighting involving people! What is this world coming to? What is in a person’s or group’s head who would do life-threatening/taking harm to another? It is simply beyond my comprehension! I have not heard of the disturbing case you describe above, but I read the supporting blogs of others whose lives, for all intents and purposes, have been taken by murderous perpetrators. It is just heartbreaking!
If only we could do more to help you in the day-to-day work that is involved with Ryan. We can’t imagine where you get the energy, but we are so thankful that you do have that energy. We pray for your good health as well as Ryans. Always here with love.
Ken, I know how determined you are to solve every problem that arises, and you do an excellent job of it. I also know it frustrates you to no end when your approaches don’t fix whatever’s going on. That your precious son must suffer is the most agonizing thing of all, and it deeply hurts us too.
But the one thing about you that always stands out is that you never give up. It seems your mind never stops working, almost like a computer, analyzing various approaches, vetting different solutions, looking for answers. Everything you’ve done for Ryan has helped him to stay healthy and continue to heal. I know that you will implement the very best medical practices available to help Ryan recover from this UTI. I’m sad that you, Ryan and your family must suffer this continual stress and worry. I’m just glad you have the brainpower and fortitude to keep looking for whatever it is that traditional medicine has yet to develop. If anyone can do it, you can.
Sending you love and hugs, as well as my admiration for all that you do.
Keeping up my prayers, faith and hope…there is great power in all three.
Love,
Paula
Those pesky UTI’s! They can be deadly and thank God you are right on top of them. As for Austin and Jon May, I “second the emotion”. Where is Jonathan May?? How can he still be hiding away in seclusion and not standing up like a man? He slithered out of a just sentence in court and now continues to hide away like a snake. Shame on you Jon May! so very sad about the young man from NY. What kind of person slams another persons head into a wall and sidewalk? What is this world coming to? I pray for the parents of the dead youth.
As a child I had repeated UTIs that were resolved by having my urethra stretched. It hurt but it solved the problem. When I had a rare UTI as a young adult, I recall using AZO Standard – an OTC analgesic that virtually eliminated the discomfort and urgency. And made your pee orange while it was in your system. Hope this helps.
Have you tried the herbs Uva Ursi and/or D-Mannose? Combining the two works wonders with UTIs.
We have him on D-Mannose. There was some reason I couldn’t use Uva Ursi… I’ll revisit this.
I’ve been following Ryan’s story since the very first night. I lived in Arnold hall my freshman year and was actually woken up by lights and sirens the night he was attacked. I remember looking out the window and seeing the ambulance and saying a quick prayer for whoever the ambulance was there for. My grandmom taught me to always say a prayer when I see an ambulance. I still pray for Ryan and your whole family. It is heartbreaking to read about your day to day struggles. I’m not sure if it is because I witnessed the aftermath of the attack or because Ryan was a fellow classmate but I have always have felt a connection with him. I just wanted to let you know that I am still praying for Ryan and will continue to do so until he wakes up.
Ken- I just did a quick search (consulted the ever popular Dr. Google) and I was just wondering: have you ever tried Vitamin C for a UTI? One website says this:
Function of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C treats urinary tract infections by making urine more acidic. This inhibits the growth of bacteria. Vitamin C also fights urinary tract infections by strengthening the immune system.
Sources of Vitamin C:
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the best sources for vitamin c are citrus fruits and drinks, strawberries, green peppers, red peppers, tomatoes, leafy greens, pineapples, mangoes, blueberries, broccoli, potatoes, watermelons and cranberries. Taking a vitamin C supplement is also an effective way to treat urinary tract infections.
Just throwin’ it out there…
Blessings today and everyday~
Yes, vitamin C is hugely supplemented in his nutrition. Off hand, He gets 2,000mg a day via supplement.
Ken, Hoping Ryan isn’t in pain and this infection clears up fast .I don’t blame you for feeling pissed,you’ve done SO much to figure out why UTIs keep coming back and one day, know you will… That story…..just another innocent person left to die . What sick and depraved people out there . Just know Ryan is in the best of care with you and Sue. There are no words that can help right now ,except we are all here to help in any way and always will be . Stay strong Ken (easy words I know) Thinking of you all Love Gail
I guess I should know better by now, not to read these posts at work. Your emotions as a parent are so raw and so real, that you can’t help but feel what you’re feeling just for the simple reason that we are parents. I wish there was a way to take this away from you, this pain, despair, desperation to make your son feel better. I wish there were a way for you to know that Ryan feels your love and care everyday. Maybe if you knew that, it would make this some how a little easier – just a little. The pain of the other family you mentioned today fills my heart and soul with sorrow. Hoping there will be something good to say some day soon.
I am sorry that Ryan has another infection. I don’t remember reading what the last couple of cultures have grown out but wonder if it is consistently e-coli? I believe you started the Braggs Apple Cider vinegar. I know it has really helped me specifically and it is supposed to stop urinary tract infections. I am taking one tablespoon a day in 8 oz. of water. I know we talked about this before but guess I just want to come up with something that might help. I continue to keep my antennae up.
Reading and praying daily.
I’m actually giving Bragg’s 1 TBSP twice a day in 8 oz. of water.
Great. It will take a little time and I am praying it will start working. Also have you ever researched food grade hydrogen peroxide? I am just learning about this.
If you would, fill me in on this.