Since returning from the hospital with Ryan, the Saturday before last, it’s been a race against time each day. I’m not sure how it happens, because there technically isn’t enough hours in the day, how we get all his treatments and therapies done. I simply can not recall ever being this pressed for time. It’s easy to see why.
The path of a PICC line
First, he resumed his hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBOT). With a ninety-minute session in the morning and another one in the evening, those three hours really compress the (already too short) day. On top of this is an hour devoted to me administering his antibiotic via an IV PICC line. The time change — to standard time — was at the worst possible for us.
That’s four hours alone (five on Sunday), not counting the time to make the transfers and get everything set-up.
The good news is that the fourteen-day course of antibiotics should end after this Friday’s administration. That is, if Ryan continues to show that his body has defeated the nasty bacteria (serratia) that entered his blood stream as the result of a kidney stone and sent him to the ICU. This will be determined through blood work that will be drawn tomorrow or Thursday.
Last week’s blood work showed that Ryan is moving in the right direction and I was feeling good about his recovery… until last night. He seemed a bit off. Nothing major, mind you, but enough for my radar to go up. The best way I can describe it is that he seemed a little uncomfortable. Perhaps he was just restless? Who really knows? I’ll watch him even more closely throughout the day after he finishes his morning HBOT session.
I’m also watching him for the side-effects of the strong antibiotic. It’s the typical stuff, but amplified. For one, Ryan’s bowels are like water. But the one that seems to bother him the most is the rash between his legs. I am treating it, but the reality is that it won’t subside until he stops the antibiotic. Until then it’s all about making him as comfortable as possible.
As for me… well… I’m hanging in there. No doubt, these past two weeks have worn me out. My back is in knots. This all began while Ryan was in the hospital. Let’s face it, a guy my size (6′ 2″) is not meant for those bedside chairs. After that and getting home, it’s been go, go, go and constant worry.
Relentless!
Never far from my mind is that this is a tough bacteria Ryan is dealing with throughout his body. It is resistant to most antibiotics. If it isn’t eradicated with this treatment then it could get very tricky, indeed.
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Darci says
March 14, 2014 at 1:43 AMI am so glad you still post updates. I get a reminder each month my donation gets posted via paypal It is not much…I have Multiple sclerosis and live on disability, but I hope that it will encourage others that even $5.00 a month CAN make a difference if enough of us help. In our hearts and prayers…
Renie Cramer Boyle says
March 14, 2014 at 11:30 AMLike.
Tony says
March 13, 2014 at 7:45 PMI hope the bacteria is eradicated by now so you can slow down a little. Stay strong and hang in there. We are praying for you guys.
Karyn Mandracchia Ahern via Facebook says
March 13, 2014 at 12:29 AMKen, you are such a great Father, you truely show your Love for Ryan. I am praying for Ryan and your Family daily. You need to try to have time to yourself once in awhile take a little break when and if you can. I hope Ryan’s blood work comes back good and he feels better soon too. May God Bless you and all you do for your Son Ryan. I don’t even know your or your Family but I sure feel close to you all. I will forever be praying for you all. Blessings to you all <3
Jessica Collins says
March 12, 2014 at 10:59 PMHave you tried Triplepaste ointment yet? It is the best and has even cleared up my son’s open sore, rashes. You can find it in the diaper rash section or of course on Amazon. Worth every penny. Prayers for you and Ryan. You are doing great things each and everyday.
Ann H Tearle says
March 12, 2014 at 2:46 PMSHSP NGA. Just stay the course, Ken. I pray daily for Ryan and you for renewed daily energy and comfort and the ability daily to persevere in the face of ALL odds. God bless you, Team Diviney. Love,Annie
Renie Cramer Boyle says
March 12, 2014 at 12:14 AMWhat antibiotic(s) is Ryan on? And which probiotics? We tried many, many kinds of probiotics with Mom. Had best luck with saccaromyces boulardii.
Jean Dolan via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 10:01 PMMy heart goes out to you. I know how tough this has to be on you all. Praying you all hang in there.Wish I could help.
Rita says
March 11, 2014 at 8:44 PMI wish we could help relieve your burden.. Praying for Ryan to return to perfect health and comfort, and thanking God that he’s in such loving and capable hands <3
vivian says
March 11, 2014 at 5:46 PMHi Ken,
I didn’t read all the comments so someone might of already suggested this. But when ointments and probiotics are not enough, we use Diflucan oral. The best thing I have found on the skin is A&D ointment completely rubbed in and the cornstarch on top. Anyway, hope as soon as the antibiotic is done all will be better.
Vivian
Wil Nier via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 5:00 PMMy prayers continue.
Anna says
March 11, 2014 at 2:36 PMKen, don’t know how you do it. I just alternated with my sister 4 days/nights in the hospital with my mom. Her osteoporosis caused a hip fracture leading to surgery. She is now in a rehab facility. I thought of your family and situation a lot while I was in the hospital. It is very draining to care for a loved one and get minimal sleep. I kept thinking that if mom was there because of harm brought upon her by someone else I would be beyond livid. All I kept thinking was if my son was Ryan there is no way Austin Vantrease
and Jon May would have made it to trial…..
Carla Liberty says
March 11, 2014 at 12:44 PMKen, do you use Nystatin and Triamcinolone ointment on Ryan? This can help with yeast infections that come as a result of the antibiotics. I know you are upping the probiotics, but the ointment might soothe the area of concern. Also, do you think alternating heat/cold packs in the area might give him relief? Just thinking out loud….
Prayes as always —
Carla
Carla Liberty says
March 11, 2014 at 12:45 PM***Prayers
Ryan's Rally LLC says
March 11, 2014 at 1:30 PMCarla, that’s EXACTLY what we’re using! Smarty-pants.
Also, putting these fabric strips (Interlace) that helps wick away moisture.
Darlene Kowaleski Stewart via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 12:34 PMSome super heroes don’t have capes….they are called Dad.
Wendy Augustine says
March 11, 2014 at 11:45 AMThank you for keeping us in the loop. I came out of hospital yesterday due to a kidney stone. Ryan is so fortunate to have you. They are very painful and you picked up on it just from slight changes in his vitals.
Amy Hilburn says
March 11, 2014 at 11:38 AMIf Ryan can be given yogurt or yogurt juice thru his tube, that would certainly help the diarrhea.
Ryan's Rally LLC says
March 11, 2014 at 1:31 PMDoes this work better than probiotics?
Kris Jeffery via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 10:55 AMPrayers for you & Ryan!! You are always in my thoughts!!
Sue Bennett Markley via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 10:38 AMYou will never regret the moments you’ve had with your son being all you can be , doing all you can do, just to have him with you. I don’t know of many Dads that could measure up to your kind of love . HANG IN THERE– STAYSTRONG
PK Miller says
March 11, 2014 at 10:30 AMGod be with you & Ryan, Ken. I don’t know how you do it. I hope you get the infection under control. I cant tell you anything about probiotics. I see them on the shelves of CVS & Rite Aid but know nothing of them. Sounds like others do. My prayers continue, of course. If we don’t get another major snowstorm–or worse yet, freezing rain–tomorrow, I will add you to our weekly Prayer Table and Deacon Sue will upload & uplift it to the Worldwide Anglican Community. Take care of yourself, Ken!
Teddy Heather Goddard via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 10:18 AMKen, you are an angel on earth. I know that your deep love for Ryan keeps you going, but I truly don’t know how you don’t just collapse from sheer exhaustion. There are no words that even come close enough to telling you what an incredibly loving, devoted, dedicated man and dad you are. You go far above and far beyond what most people could even think of being able to do. You are beyond words. You are (aside from my dad of course), the greatest dad that ever existed and I once again, thank God that Ryan has you. The bond and the unexplainable love you 2 share, I’ve never seen anything like it. You have given every minute of your life to Ryan and all of us that follow Team Diviney love and care for each of you so very much. All of you reain in our prayers thru the good times and bad. ere’s to a speedy recovery for Ryan and some rest for his dad. Hang in there, Ken.
Jean Ellis Koch via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 10:13 AMThanks for the update. I hope the progress continues and you can get some rest.
April Budzyn Tommaselli via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 10:06 AMStay Strong Ken! Your doing a great job. Sending prayers your way.
Paul Rapsawich via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 9:50 AMStay strong…in our thoughts and prayers!!
Gloria says
March 11, 2014 at 9:46 AMKen, I’m sure you already explored the probiotics. The capsules (plastic) can be opened and sprinkled in liquids. LMK, I can go get if you don’t have any on hand.
Ryan's Rally LLC says
March 11, 2014 at 10:17 AMGloria, we’ve increased his daily intake of probiotics.
Kay Beyers via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 9:32 AMALWAYS in my thoughts
Cindy Blackwell says
March 11, 2014 at 8:52 AMMany many prayers are being sent up on your behalf Ken. I pray Ryan’s blood work show the antibiotics have done their job. Much love for your entire family. I wish there was something I could say to lighten your load. God bless you.
Melody Stanley Exline says
March 11, 2014 at 8:42 AMContinuing to pray that the antibiotics will defeat the bacteria and the side effects won’t worsen and will heal when the antibiotics are finished. Many prayers for you for strength and good health as you take care of Ryan.
Rhonda Francis Brown via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 8:34 AMYou are by far worthy of the father of the year! Take care of yourself too. Praying that the forthcoming Spring season will bring blooms of better health, strength, and hope to each of you! Continued prayers for you all!
jennifer says
March 11, 2014 at 8:15 AMYou deserve someone to pamper you and relieve you from your daily duties for a few hours.god bless
Jennifer M Malone via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 8:12 AMAlways thinking and praying for u
gina wiltz says
March 11, 2014 at 8:06 AMMy son also had a central line while in a 8mth coma. We also used A&D aointment mix with a little Clotrimazole & Betamethason for rashes. Also, if he is on a strong antibiotic he should be taking Probotics for his digestive system. Helps the diarrhea. The kind that have have to be refrigerator. You can ask the pharmacists. My prayers as always.
Ryan's Rally LLC says
March 11, 2014 at 10:16 AMGina, like you said, we bumped-up his intake of probiotics.
Christina Brucker Shupe via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 8:02 AMKeep up the great work, Ken! Thinking and praying for Ryan and your family.
Jo Hobbs via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 8:01 AMStay strong! <3
trish stoskus says
March 11, 2014 at 8:01 AMKeep the fight ken. You are an awesome dad. When you are ready to fall, know the rest of us are there to hold you up. You are an inspiration to us all.
Julie Northey Lane via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 7:58 AMPrayers.
gail doyle says
March 11, 2014 at 7:57 AMKen ,Thanks for update .With all that’s going on ,you’re one amazing man. Pray blood work is good and they can get the stones out .Hope you and Ryan both feel better and Sue too. Stay strong
<3 Gail
Diana Kavett via Facebook says
March 11, 2014 at 7:53 AMI am staying the course as you move thru this challenge…waiting for the next positive post that this challenge is in the rear view mirror. Hang in there!