It’s good being home. No. It’s GREAT being home. Ryan was discharged from Children’s Hospital (Washington, D.C.) mid-day yesterday and we were home early that afternoon. Without delay, I had him doing passive exercises on the ActivCycle peddler to get any stiffness out from a day-and-a-half spent in bed. Ryan did quite well on it too.
After showering him last night we had our first opportunity to look at the incisions. He has two. One on his back that is aligned with his spinal column and the other on his abdomen. The spinal incision was to remove the baclofen pump catheter that terminated there. The abdominal incision was to retrieve the pump itself.
The doctor was going to remove and replace the bandages and dressings at the hospital, but I asked that we wait until he gets home. I didn’t want an open wound exposed in the notoriously germ-ridden hospital environment, even one as impeccably clean as Children’s Hospital. He thought it was a great idea and supported the rationale.
I must tell you, I was nervous as we peeled back the bandage. I feared it might be seeping with infection, actively bleeding, or poorly sutured.
As it turned out, none occurred. The wound was closed phenomenally! It’s the best work I’ve seen through the many operations Ryan has undergone. Well done, Dr. Keating!
This incision is on Ryan’s lower back, following his spine. It was made to retrieve the catheter that entered his spinal column that delivered baclofen directly to his brain.
This is the abdominal incision to Ryan’s left of his belly button. It was made to retrieve the baclofen pump.
Looking at the abdominal photograph (above), what I like is the scar tissue from the surgery to place the baclofen pump (in 2010) was completely removed. I asked the surgeon if he would do this. He not only did it, but did it superbly! In five or six weeks, when the sutures dissolve, the scar should be just a thin, straight line.
Ken,For 2nd post-op day those incisions look great,And thats good that stitches dissolve ..The stomach one is pretty long,back too.
How was Ryan’s night .Hope his pain is subsiding and also hope you and Sue rested .Tell Ryan I said hello and can’t believe he was doing little exercises already .He is one strong man!
love Gail
For the most part, his night was fine. He seemed much more comfortable than the previous. He did hurt when he coughed a few times.
Beautiful! I hope that you and Sue were finally able to catch up on some sleep also. As always, here with love and prayers and anything else you need. Enjoy this gorgeous day with that amazing son of yours <3
Actually, we were tending to Ryan much later than usual last night. Not sure what time we finally quieted the house other than it was well past midnight (the last time I looked up at the clock).
Incision looks great! It’s great he has stitches and not staples…ouch! when they are removed. Anyway, keep up the good work Doctor Ken. I am sure you know, 3 days post op fever source more than likely lungs, 7 days postop fever more than likely wound. Look for temperature elevation in late day between 4 and 8 pm. Ryan will do just fine, he is made of the right stuff!
Whew! So glad this is over and Ryan is doing well. I have seen many incisins over the years and these are beauties denoting a surgeon’s steady steady hand. š
Rest now, y’all, and enjoy this lovely Fall weather. Love and Prayers.
ow. he sure is a tough fellow. i’m glad you’re home, too.
Hi Ken, I don’t know why, but sometimes I hold my breath when I read your blog posts — I think in this case it was beczuse — to look at the kind of surgery that was done, and how unbelievably well Ryan did with it — it’s just incredible what great shape he is in. That his body could heal so smoothly — wow, Ken, it’s all because of the comprehensive physical and nutritional regimem you’ve been giving him.
You’d think looking at a scar would be — not so amazing, but — to see the handiwork of an excellent surgeon combined with the results of superior care given by you and Sue to Ryan — it’s rather breathtaking.
My day has been made!
Hoping you and Ryan can drink in some early autumn sun without any bees or other buzzing things bothering you.
Sending love, lots of hugs, positive thoughts, prayers throughout the days and nights
Paula
Ryan is going to do just fine. My prayers continue for Ryan and his family
One of the things I prayed for before Ryan’s operation was the wisdom of the doctors who would be treating him. They certainly were wise in their approach, as evidenced by their fine workmanship. Thinking of you all.
Love,
carla
Wow, great work by the doctors. Ryans abdomen looks so much better with that pump removed. Will make exercizing much easier for him. Really thankful the whole process went so smoothly. Thank God.
I praise the Lord for such wonderful results and the way Dr. Keating was instrumental in using his gifts for the benefit of Ryan and other young people. You are an inspirational person who has taken the fight to the enemy of our souls, whether you actually realize it or not, and you are beautifully human in your fears, disappointments, doubts, and ultimately your faith and will to make sure Ryan is very well taken care of. I constantly applaud and think of you and your family daily in my prayers. God bless you always – you have given me that extra boost to carry on my own fight and my own struggles in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. May blessings continue to flow upon you and your family.