Tarsorrhaphy
Ryan’s last eye surgery some three weeks ago, called a partial-tarsorrhaphy, is successful to this point. In everyday terms, a tarsorrhaphy is nothing more than sewing the eyelids shut. Anyhow, we will know even more today. The eye surgeon is seeing him later in the day to make some “adjustments”. Namely, snipping a few (but not all) of the sutures from both eyes and taking away the plastic that reinforced the stitches.
The objective is to allow Ryan’s eyelids to open… just a bit. This way, if he has the cognitive ability to process any visual input this will just barely allow it. All we know for certain about Ryan’s vision is that his brain’s cortex senses light and darkness. Beyond this, he might not even be able to process what it even means. I believe visual stimulation — even minimal — is important in his chance for any recovery.
But, there’s a trade-off. There always is. The more the eyelids are opened, the greater the exposure risk.
Baclofen Pump Removal
Now that I know we have a house-sitter (to include watching the woofers), I am free to tell you the exact date of Ryan’s next surgery. This is to remove the implanted baclofen pump in his abdomen that was placed in January 2010.
The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3rd, but he might need to be there the day prior. This is being performed at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Following the operation, Ryan will be admitted for a minimum of twenty-four hours for monitoring.
I must keep it short today. I am writing this at five o’clock in the morning because I am getting Ryan up in a matter of minutes. We need the time to meet his therapy goals for the day and take him to the eye surgeon. Before wrapping up, I want to let you know that a local Irish Pub in Northern Virginia (between Ashburn and Leesburg) is holding a fundraiser tomorrow evening, between 6pm and 9pm. I literally just learned of this event yesterday afternoon, and it looks like it was announced just this Tuesday. I absolutely plan on attending.
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Good morning, Ken
I hope everything went well with Ryan’s eye check up. It will be nice to get a glimpse of those beautiful brown eyes.
On another note, the Fundraiser tonight should be awesome!! Finnegans in Leesburg, right? Sounds like a partay to me!! Anyone in the area who has a moment should drop in to lift a toast to Ryan on behalf of Team Diviney.
Hoping you all have a smooth weekend, maybe get outside for some fresh Autumn air.
Love & prayers, hope always
Paula
Yes, in Leesburg.
Hope all went well with the Doctor visit and will pray for successful upcoming surgery to remove the implanted baclofen pump. Children’s hospitals are definitely top notch organizations and I’m sure everything will go fine. Hope the fund-raiser was a another success.
Know how busy you are and we appreciate you making the time to post these updates. God bless you and try to get some rest this weekend.
Enjoy the fundraiser and sending good vibes for the doctor appointment. You got this!!!!
Ken, Hoping all goes well at Drs today..Will be thinking of you and Ryan
Any one looking will just be thinking .”what a handsome young man”,and then do what Anna said..
Enjoy the fundraiser in Ryan’s honor,Ken and have a good day!
Love Gail
Hello Ken,
Thank you so much for the updates. I am happy some of the stitches will be coming out. Does this mean you will need to start eye drops again? Here I am reading this at 9:10AM and you’ve already been up for over four hours. This is the power of a parent’s love for his son. You sacrifice all for love. This is what will always be remembered. This will always be what really matters.
Sending my respect, admiration, love, hugs and prayers
Paula
Good luck to you today. Remember, don’t get mad at the curious onlooker, its human nature. Pass on to them the story of Ryan and add these onlookers to your potential website followers and maybe even financial donations. Looking forward to the Declutter Day!
Praying that all goes well today and on the 3rd, and really happy to hear you’ll be at Finnegan’s tomorrow evening — you deserve a night out (in Ryan’s honor, of course)!