It’s the middle of the Fuddruckin’ night. Sadly, I’ve been awake for hours. I can’t sleep… at all. I suppose this is fine since I’ll be tucking Ryan into bed very early tonight. He’ll just get his day started a earlier today.
In just twenty-four hours — the middle of the fuddruckin’ night again — Ryan will be on his way to Children’s Hospital (Washington, D.C.) for his surgery. Sue and I will ride with him in the ambulance. He is having his internal baclofen pump removed from his abdomen. The operation is scheduled for 7:30 am, but we must to be there before 5:30 am for pre-op. This is, in truth, little more than signing endless waivers and billing authorizations. Yep, two hours is just about right for us to sign away everything.
Children’s Hospital, Washington, D.C.
The surgery and post-op should be wrapped-up before noon. Then Ryan will be admitted for at least twenty-four hours for recovery and observation. Because of his brain injury I expect this will be in the ICU where he can have his vital signs monitored continuously. Both Sue and I will be with him the entire time. Children’s Hospital does a wonderful job of providing comfort to patient’s family members and welcomes us staying by his side throughout.
I’m certainly not looking forward to the next couple of days. I can’t wait for my family, especially Ryan, to have this all behind us. Friday simply can not get here fast enough. It is (hopefully) then that we will be back home and Ryan will be free of that huge bulge in his stomach that’s been part of him since January 2010. It was a constant reminder of the excruciating, unrelenting pain he endured and finally it will be gone. No, it will never be forgotten, but at least it’s not in our face every time we give him food, shower him, exercise him, or even just put our arms around him.
I intend to keep you informed as the day unfolds. Please check-in often to see how it’s going. For quick updates, I certainly will use Ryan’s Fan Page on FaceBook, but also hope to use this website. It will come down to two factors: 1) internet accessibility, and 2) time to do this. It’s easy enough to update Facebook over an iPhone 4G connection, but no so much so for writing a full-blown blog post. I’m hoping the hospital has wi-fi that I can jump on with my laptop, but we’re also taking a 4G mi-fi (a.k.a. mobile hotspot) that usually works, even in hospitals.
This is an incredible milestone for Ryan, hopefully worth all the sacrifices that you and Sue have made along the way, including all the sleepless nights. We pray that you can have some rest and peace of mind today as you prepare Ryan for his big day tomorrow, and that all goes smoothly at the hospital. I have a friend whose 21 year old son had a brain injury over 10 years ago. Even though he has some mobility and has recovered much function (enough to graduate from high school 2 years ago), he is still on a Baclofen pump to this day. His mom came to the Declutter event on Saturday hoping to meet you or Sue, and was amazed to hear that you were able to wean Ryan off of the Baclofen. God is with you every step of the way, and your family is an inspiration to so many. Hang in there with Ryan these next few days, and try to get some sleep at the hospital — you got this! Much love to you, Sue and Ryan. P.S. I can give you the name of a big-wig I know at National Children’s if necessary, although I’m sure they’ll take great care of you all regardless.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan and his family as he has to go in for another surgical procedure. I pray that you all are blessed with the best medical Dr’s, nurses and staff around. Also, that Ryan’s procedure goes as planned and everyone can get some much needed rest very soon!!!
Dear Ryan, Ken, Sue, and Kari!
What an exciting, nerve wracking experience today and the next few days will be. I am hoping all is on target today and that the dosctors have the discernment to make the wisest decisions for Ryan during his surgery. I will be thinking of all of you and look forward to any updates that are available. Much love~
Hello Ken, I’ll be with you, Ryan and Sue in spirit, and I’ll be sending a river of prayers your way — Lord bless all who are in need of Your healing waters, the living waters of life … our families, friends, neighbors and our precious children. Encircle Ryan in light and love and give Sue and Ken extra strength and courage. Help them feel Your power, Lord.
When we can’t physically be near those we love, we must turn to God for strength from above…
Still here
Love, prayers, faith and always hope
Paula
p.s. all updates are deeply appreciated!!
Such decdicated family. Everyone should be so blessed as Ryan to have such a loving family. God bless you all. Prayers for you all today.
Ken and Sue, Praying for the best outcome of removing pump.Know you’d never leave Ryan alone ,but hoping each can get a little sleep.Will be there with you all in spirit and Ryan will get through this like he has all his other surgeries,like the champion he is!
love Gail
Ken and Sue ,Praying all goes well tomorrow and Ryan will get through this like all his other surgeries. With you all in spirit and hope you each can get a little rest. Tell Ryan I’ll be thinking of him.
Thanks for any updates ,if possible
love gail
May you all feel the positive energies, the love and the prayers being sent your way. May you be bombarded from every angle. May this bring you the comfort and Ryan the healing he so deserves.
With love and in prayer for your Ryan and family,
Keri, My C.F. FRANKIE and family
Good luck tomorrow, will be thinking of you. Don’t be irritated with the onlookers, tell them Ryan’s story.
They may be future Ryan’s Rally followers, contributors, friends. You never know. I always think of the stories I hear about the waitress who gets a $100 or $1000 tip just for being nice. Those wonderful people are out of there, why not let them help Ryan?
On another note, DeClutter was awesome! Families all day leaving with armsfull of toys, sports equip, furniture…. it was a never ending parade leaving the door. Everytime they use what they bought they will be thinking of Ryan and spread his story.
Love and Prayers to all of you!
Praying for all of you!
my heart is beating hard for you. “we have a High Priest who is able to understand … ” <3
Hoping for some news soon……prayers.
Thinking of you all – praying as always – you are the epitome of grace and strength, Diviney family.
Much love always,
Carla & family
We will pray for the surgery to go smoothly and for safe travels home where Ryan can recover quickly.
We will be thinking of you guys and wish you the best of luck. Look forward to read the updates on progress during the the next couple days.
God Bless you.
Thinking of you and praying for tomorrow’s surgery to be successful with NO complications.
God is with you all, and we are with you in spirit. Love