It’s wonderful that Ryan has this surgery behind him, but the discomfort he is feeling is obvious. Even with a some heavy-duty pain killers. He’s moaning with almost every breath he exhales.
I feel so bad for him.
But, the simple truth is, it won’t be getting any better for a few days… at least. Tomorrow will likely be even worse because the soreness will pile on top of the pain. You know what I mean, like when you break a bone… it hurts bad the first day, then hurts like hell the next.
If all goes well — meaning no sign of infection or complication — he will get discharged tomorrow evening. Meanwhile, I’ll just keep my fingers crossed and hope to have him home as planned. It always feels more comforting to recover in one’s own place. It doesn’t hurt having the dogs around.
Ryan will get four days of rest to allow time for the incisions (abdomen and back) to heal. maybe even a couple more days. This doesn’t mean he’ll just be lying around though. He must continue to get passive exercising and range-of-motion stretching. I’ll keep him away from the FES Cycle and standing frame, which are strenuous. Now that I think about it, maybe the best approach is to double-up on the stretching lieu of resistance exercises. Hmm, let me sleep (ha!) on this. Either way, I’ll start tomorrow right in his hospital bed.
Now for the good part. A picture of Ryan’s new stomach.
Ryan will get through this he is strong and even stronger with everyone backing him and praying for him. Today is the Feast of St. Francis. I entrust Ryan into the prayerful hands of Francis to bring our prayer before Christ for a fast healing.
Ryan has been thru so much….and so have you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you…….praying for brighter days ahead…..
oh no. not more pain. may God intervene and send that pain far, far away. i wish comfort for your brave soldier.
So sorry to hear that Ryan is in pain since the move to his room. He was so comfortable in Recovery I was hoping that would last. Prayers that the pain lets us and he can rest peacefully. Blessings to you all and I hope the staff were helpful with Ryan
Love being sent your way to bring you all some much needed comfort.
My prayers and hopes that Ryan is provided pain medications that will relieve him of any discomfort so that his recovery is pain free. Please GOD.
My prayers and wishes that each of you has a restful night wherever you lay your weary heads tonight.
And wondering if they permitted you to keep the baclofen pump?? I get that need. I get it.
With love and in prayer for your Ryan and Family,
Keri, MY C.F. FRANKIE and Family
Feeling for Ryan, I have had abdominal surgery. It hurts! Every breath, every cough, every move involves the abdomen, who knew? Just be on the lookout for atelectasis/pneumonia, a big complication after abdominal surgery for those who are not coughing, deep breathing and turning side to side. Thinking of you.
My thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Best wishes to you and Ryan – you all are so strong – a true inspiration!
Ken, we are very thankful the surgery went so well and Ryan is recovering. Sounds like all your pre-planning and preparation to transport Ryan there went very well and I’m sure the return home will too. Can’t wait till you are back in the comfort of your own home. We thank God all went so well today.
Just read through your Surgery Today posts, and my skin is crawling because I know how that hospital feels and smells and sounds, and I know you know, and I wish you didn’t.
I’m glad the baclofen pump is out.
Rest would be nice, but probably not possible. We have a conference call with our lawyers at 9:00. Then we’ll need to make sure the hospital follows our care protocol.
I had the pleasure of meeting your bulldog at the sale the other day. Quite the ambassador! So glad to hear the surgery was a success. Now I hope that you and Sue can get some long-deserved rest.
Always and forever in my prayers stay strong divineys he is a strong amazing young man that can pull through !!!!!! <3
I’m so sorry that you all have to watch your baby in more pain. 🙁 My heart hurts for him, since the fact is ~~~ He did not ask for any of it! BUT being the positive person that I am ~~ I am so thankful for Ryan and for Ryan’s family!!!! Keep on Keeping on my loves!!! Sending MORE XOXOXOXOX for Ryan and of course for Mommy and Daddy!
I love how you mentioned the dogs. Im a firm believer in pet therapy for people in ryan’s condition because ive seen reactions from bringing their dogs to them, when otherwise they hadnt reacted to anything! Its amazing really
Praying Ryan has a comfortable night. I know you and Sue will be right there with him holding his hand and telling him that everything is going to be ok.
All my love, Debbie
Hi Ken, thank you very much for updating us. I know it’s got to be hard hearing Ryan moaning. I’ve heard that it does hurt worse the next day…darn. I am praying that everything goes well and you guys can go home tomorrow night — though the idea of you, Sue and Ryan having to make that bumpy ride doesn’t make me happy. But at least you’ll be coming home!!
Knowing you, you will wake up tomorrow (after probably 3 hours of sleep) and come up with just the right plan to handle Ryan’s physical conditioning.
It’s hard to believe the pump is finally out — it’s almost surreal. I still vividly remember you telling us all about your plan to wean Ryan off baclofen. And now here we are, and the pump is out. Incredible.
There’s definitely no place like home, and I’m sure Duke and Tucker are wondering where Mom and Dad and Ryan went.
I just looked at the picture of Ryan’s stomach once more – amazing. Ken, I’ve just got to say it again, you’ve set the new gold standard for treating brain injury and all it entails. I’m sure people come here every day looking for some nugget of wisdom from you — and there’s always something for us to learn — even (and especially if) it’s how to survive.
You always thank us for being there for you, but you know, the reverse is also true!
Thanks for that!!
Praying for a smooth evening, and that you, Sue and Ryan will have the chance to sleep, rest and heal.
Love & hugs
Paula
fierce prayers for pain relief for Ryan!
Ken, what kind of pain medication is Ryan on? Abdominal surgery really can produce the worst kind of pain. I hope they can give him something stronger if he is not resting well. This would certainly improve the chances of (A) bringing him home on time and (B) not having issues with pulse problems and or blood pressure problems related to pain.
Sending lots of love and prayers your way~
Carla & family
It’s a non-narcotic, because we can’t risk suppressing his respiratory system. He is also getting An IV of something akin to Tylenol with Codeine.
<3 Thanks for all your posts, Ken!
Ouch! I can imagine how this hurts! Pass the pain meds, please, Dad! I know you will see that he stays as comfortable as possible. And, yes, tomorrow will be BAD! Poor Ryan. This makes me so sad.
SHSP, love
Ken, Hoping Ryan’s pain eases and that you and Sue get some rest.Thinking of you all.Tell Ryan we send our love and hope he’ll be home tomorrow.
love Gail
That’s great!! Looks more like a tummy.