Last year, 2013, was significant in a major way. Namely, Ryan went the entire year free of infection. Not once did he need an oral antibiotic! I’m wondering if this is unheard of for someone in his condition. The reality is that this population is prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, skin infections, and just about every other infection that can touch the body.
Sadly, this vulnerability is usually what gets them in the end. If not the infection, then their accumulated resistance to antibiotics that prevents them for ridding themselves of it. When you read that someone died of “complications from brain injury” it is almost always some common infection.
This had me scared. Especially when Ryan was on strong antibiotics every other month to treat recurring UTIs. He even needed to take one via an IV. It was the mother of all antibiotics. It was so chronic that his immune system was given a chance to recover before the next infection set in. You can see how easily this can spiral out of control.
Click on image to be taken to Ryan’s Wish List.
I worked feverishly on finding a protocol to solve (or, at least control) it. For now, it is working flawlessly. My idea was to not give harmful bacteria a chance of surviving. For one, I drastically raised the acidity of his urine. Yes, this is why you see things like cranberry pills and raw, unfiltered vinegar on Ryan’s Wish List, among other things. Thank you so much for buying these and keeping Ryan healthy!
Then, he gets three liters of water each day. This keeps him flowing, both in frequency and volume, and prevents stagnation in the urinary tract. The expressions “peeing like a race horse” and “piss and vinegar” are quite appropriate for him.
But that’s only half the battle. Beyond this we do things like change his external catheter and drainage bag twice daily and never allow urine to accumulate in the tubing. Let’s not forget how much he exercises throughout the day either. This keeps his systems functioning.
It’s an endless routine.
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“It’s all routine” love it, classic! You should be proud of yourself, it is rare for anyone with a TBI or spinal cord injury to go without infection for a few months, but a year, 13 months… fabulous Ken!!!! 🙂
Just amazing.
Considering 23,000 Americans die each year from antibiotic resistant infections you have done an extraordinary job protecting Ryan! You have set the gold standard for TBI patient care. Ryan is lucky to have you on his side. We’ll done Ken, pat yourself on the back.
Ryan continues to improve and I trust God is helping him and your family. We continue our prayers.
Hi Ken, absolutely fantastic news about Ryan not having any infections in 2013!!
I hope someday you’re able to assemble the various protocols you have created for Ryan and publish them. The advancements in care you are establishing could help so many people. Keep pushing the envelope and applying that great intellect of yours. This is how breakthroughs are made!! Not to mention — our boy is coming back
Sending you love, hope, good thoughts, prayers and hugs
Paula
Mantra hereafter: Ryan is coming back.
SHSP, NGA
Ken,
Your endless research pays off in Ryan’s improved health every day! As one who continues an antibiotic regime daily, I understand the stress of the too much/too little balance to keep him healthy. I continue to pray for you, Ryan, Sue and Kari daily. Your family is loved beyond measure by me and my family! Keep up the great work! RYAN IS RELEVANT!!!!!!!!
Stay the course, Ken. Inspite of the demands on your body and mind, I still know that there is no other place you’d rather be than by Ryan’s side, caring for him. SHSP NGA Love and prayers to you, Ryan, Sue and Kari. Annie
I did order some vitamins for Ryan! They will be shipped to you guys on Jan.8. Please let me know that you received them. Thanks!
Giving thanks to God for this wonderful blessing! Ken you are amazing with your protocol for Ryan. I’m sure that others in your situation can and do learn so much from you.
Sending high fives from across town!
Love,
Carla
Ken,
You have researched endlessly and it sure shows, ..how good Ryan looks and feels.
May 2014 be another infection-free year ,with a miracle or two!
Keeping Ryan RELEVANT always
It must be a particular challenge for all of you. I’m glad you’re maintaining a good sense of humor. It helps. It must be a special challenge to find a balance so youre not creating a hospitable climate for all kinds of germs while arresting “bugs” that we would ordinarily shrug off. I hope 2014 is a better year for all of you. God be with you & keep you in His care.
Thank God for low-dose antibiotics! Praying they keep doing their job.
I am wondering how Ashburn fared in the snow and if you have snow removal, or is it you? Please be careful. There is so much ice out there!
It wasn’t a bad snow. Snow removal for our street, but not the sidewalk and driveway.
What ever happened to the teens who wanted to earn money so badly, they began ringing doorbells before the rest of us were even up? !!
Amen
Well done Doc!!
Just to be clear, I’m not a doctor… I just play one in real life.
Ryan!! You’re a superstar. Lifted up continuously by Mom, Dad, Sis and a bevy of quiet supporters in the background praying and hoping. We love you!!