Ryan had a very comfortable and restful night. Good thing, too. I had him up early and right into his workouts because I wanted us to get to the office. Funny thing is, it was to do even more therapies here. I was excited to set-up a new message/exercise/therapy table that was bought for him from the Wish List.
The portable therapy table in our office.
We made it before ten o’clock. It took no more than five minutes to set it up. Five Minutes! I just had to unfold it and set the height where I can work on him comfortably. The most complicated thing to do was get it out of the box it was shipped in.
The damned thing is stable and solid too. After setting it up I tested it myself before even thinking of getting Ryan on it. I laid on it. Flopped around. Kneeled and rocked myself from side-to-side. Stood on it. Jumped. Tried to knock it over. For the office and the intensity of his workouts it is, in a word, perfect!
Sure, I could have done the therapy at home, but this table fits into one of the community service (and maybe revenue-generating) ideas that I know is in demand. More than that, it will be much appreciated by those tending to a loved one in their home. For those people that the therapy companies won’t touch because they either don’t think it’s worth helping them or they consider them too risky. Essentially, the same nonsense I went through (and still go through) with Ryan.
With all the sternness of a parent disciplining an unruly child, I outright called this (lack of) treatment “medically accepted neglect” to the medical audience when I spoke at the Finding Consciousness conference at Duke University about a month ago. I’ll tell you this too, I didn’t see anyone in the lecture hall disagreeing with me! On the contrary. Heads were nodding and several world-renowned doctors lined-up behind me and shared their disgust.
I suppose that for the medical industry, my scolding was just what the doctor ordered.
Is there somewhere we can read your exact, complete comments (message) at the conference or have you posted them and I missed it?
Duke University is actually producing a television program length version. Should be available to me soon.
Great! Trust you will make access to those interested in some form or fashion. I would definitely be interested.
It’s a good thing you’re on the 2nd floor if you were flopping around on the table like that… what would your new neighbors think? That’s a fine-looking exercise table, by the way. Sounds like another productive day at the office, guys!
Ken, you have coined a perfect phrase for what often happens to the most vulnerable — “medically accepted neglect.” I’ve read many quotes about how positive change is brought about in the world. It usually has to do with someone refusing to accept the status quo. This is exactly what happened when Ryan was attacked and the doctors gave little hope for him. Instead of accepting that prognosis, you chose to take a different path. Because of your and Ryan’s courage, dedication and perseverence, new inroads are being made into the treatment of TBI. I believe you will ultimately succeed in creating a new standard of care that will be efficient and effective.
It seems at the present time the best care for this type of catastrophic injury is reserved for only the rich. You now walk with a small but powerful group of doctors and scientists who seek to break through the old schools of thought and change the way TBI is treated. You never bought into the notion of “impossible” when it came to Ryan. Because of you and your family’s willingness to sacrifice endlessly, Ryan has been able to continue on his journey of recovery. And fortunately for TBI survivors everywhere, Ryan’s progress may someday become their progress as well. You’ve already gotten the Ryan Diviney protocol in motion — it’s exciting to think about all the things you and Ryan will accomplish in the coming years, as well as the hope you will give to so many.
~ Definition of RELEVANT
a: having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand
b: affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion
c: having social relevance
You have more than accomplished your vow to keep Ryan relevant. I can only imagine how proud Ryan and Kari are to have you as their Dad. Thank you for letting us be a part of this amazing journey!
Love, hugs and prayers abiding
Paula
Ken, I have a feeling you and Ryan are going to be responsible for good changes happening in many areas…….
Ken ,Sounds like you’re moving along ! Way To Go. Hoping and praying for success
Know it will happen.
Love Gail
I wish there were “like” buttons for posts in WordPress. Love this. Are you going to be bringing a Hoyer lift in to move people who are wheelchair bound? I think my father in law would love to come get a massage. And then me too of course. 🙂 A lot of the challenge too is insurance companies, Medicare/Medicaid, etc. It is very frustrating.
Already have a hoyer lift here! I like the way you think ahead.