Ryan returned to his full schedule therapy yesterday, albeit less demanding. He did great, and showed no discomfort. I’ll go with the same plan today and tomorrow before stepping it up a notch. I might even wait until the weekend.
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I spent the bulk of the day researching nutrition and medicine/supplement interactions. What was gained? Well, I’m more confused then when I started. I would say “back to square one” for today, but I never really left it. Unless negative one would count. Yep, I’d placed myself firmly in square -1. This has turned out to be familiar territory for me.
For today I’ll completely change my approach to solving this. Instead of beginning with what I want to achieve, I’ll start with what is already given to me. Those things that can not be changed… the least I can do. I’ll build from there until satisfied I am at “the most I can do”.
Realistically, this is just an ideal since I know I will never believe I am doing all I can. It just nags at me that I’m missing something. Anyhow, the immediate challenge is achieving certain medical and nutritional goals, both independently and interactively.
Still here.
Me, too…
Checking in, still here, still in awe of the love and dedication you show your son. Stay strong, it is simply amazing that Ryan went through surgery and is back into his routine so soon. I for one still believe in all that you do, in all the love you all show Ryan and in Ryan who has touched so many.
I get extremely nervous when we don’t hear from you – I hope all is well.
Ken,I haven’t written before, but I must tell you, I am in awe by the love and dedication you, Sue, and Kari have for Ryan. The care you provide Ryan is incredible. I am appalled by the gang of thugs that did this to Ryan. What a group of losers from loser-families. I can’t believe none of the cowards or families have reached out or helped. It is scary! I worry about people that cross their paths. If you live near or know these losers, stay away. They are dangerous. Who hits and kicks a stranger who never touched them? Who runs and hides? Who shows no remorse? How do you live with yourself?
Ken, stay strong. You have a son to be extremely proud of. And he is fighting to get back to his amazing family. We are all with you.
Good job Ken. Admirable that you are trying a different approach to achieve results. Keep up the good work and I’m glad you and Ryan are back home.
Hi Ken,
Another thought, have they checked Ryan’s thyroid lately. I’m sure they have with all his tests, but specifically if they can check his calcitonin level, this hormone is responsible for taking calcium from the blood and transferring it into the bone. Sorry if I am suggesting things you already know or tried. I don’t know your medical background but you seem very knowledgeable in the profession and may find all these suggestions annoying. Anyway, I thought I would throw this out there. Thinking of Ryan and your family often, since I feel we are all in the same situation.
I have had trouble absorbing calcium carbonate (the standard) supplements and have had to go to calcium citrate. Just throwing that out there.
Be careful of the range of motion exercises until you find out what his bone density is. I have a feeling it is low.
We learned it was low about a year ago, but thought changes to his diet and supplements brought him back up. We will be taking him for another dexascan (bone density) test soon.
Ken, Keep doing what you’ve always done ,don’t beat yourself up, Ryan is in the best of care with you and Sue. If there is something new ,you’ll find it…So glad Ryan is doing good with exercises and has no pain. Always here
love Gail
I would talk to people that are specialists and not spend so much energy trying to find a magic answer. You could also take your list of meds and supplements to your Pharmacist and ask him/her to go over it. Taking a lot of any supplement is actually harmful and a waste of money. Most people take supplements if they feel they are not getting the proper foods daily. But, he is getting proper nutrition. Looks like it will be beautiful in Va today, maybe you and Ryan can get outside for a while.
I am sure you have researched his prescription medications and the side effects. I wonder if any of them produce bone loss. One thing we found out is that the actual paperwork (can’t think of a better word right now due to severe sleep depravation) contains more information than published on the internet and there is even fine print that is revealing.
Still think some doctor ought to be able to help you with why this is happening.
Praying.
Thank you for the book! It’s great.
I believe I know all the interactions and effects of (and on) all drugs and supplements, but going through it again.
I haven’t been able to find anyone who know more. None can factor in the effects of brain injury on the body’s systems and are forced to rely on a “normal” male. I have run my med/supplement list past every doctor who will listen. None, so far, know what to say. Even nutritionists and pharmacists are overwhelmed.
In sports when things go wrong (individuals or the team is not producing or working together in the right way), we always go back to the basics – we do what we know works, what is simple. There is nothing wrong with that and it usually gets you back on the right track to move ahead. Good luck today Ken!!
Hi Ken, I can only imagine your frustration. I hope you document your research and efforts — there are many who may someday benefit from all that you have learned.
Most of the time you’re not even re-inventing the wheel, so to speak — you’re inventing it!!
I think people with brain injuries are such a marginalized group, unless you happen to be someone famous. Ryan is just so blessed to have you as his Dad, in that you have the right combination of many things — intellect, determination, perseverence, dedication, inner strength and the physical strength to keep pushing the envelope to find the answers. Certainly no one has ever given them to you on a silver platter!
I’m praying that sooner rather than later you will be able to figure out the answers to these issues. You know, I feel like you should qualify for grant money to do some of this research.
I’m very glad to hear Ryan’s therapy is going well and that he’s on the mend. It’s a testament to the excellent shape he is in. Thank God for you, Ken.
Love, hope, and prayers for figuring out the best solutions for Ryan. What an amazing young man he is, and what an amazing Dad you are!!
That actually sounds like a great plan, Ken. Sometimes less really is more… We know that you and Sue are doing everything you possibly can for Ryan, and we support you 100%. It’s so good to hear that he is recuperating comfortably at home. We are keeping you all in prayer always <3
Hang in there Ken, we are always behind you. We love you, Ryan, Kari and Sue. We have never waivered, we are following your example.