Yesterday morning Ryan was taken to the hospital’s operating room for a scheduled procedure. It is the second, of three, that are necessary to put his kidney stones episode behind.
A few weeks ago, Ryan had a kidney stone that began blocking his urine stream. The stone became infected and this entered into his blood stream. Fortunately, we recognized that something was “off” and had him in the hospital before the stone actually moved out of his kidney and impeded his urine. It was just a matter of minutes from the time it did happen until he was getting a stent placed to temporarily remedy the blockage.
![A probe is inserted up the penis to perform the stent removal & laser break-up. [singhealth.com]](https://i0.wp.com/ryansrally.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/kidney-stone-removal.jpeg?ssl=1)
A probe is inserted up the penis to perform the stent removal & laser break-up. [singhealth.com]
Then it’s back to the operating room again to get it out. Whoopee.
As for yesterday, the surgeon wanted to admit Ryan to the ICU for twenty-four hours for observation. The main fear is that he could become septic. When he told me this I took a minute to consider it.
I refused (to the surgeons obvious shock). Still, he didn’t require me to sign acknowledgement that I was going against medical advice. He simply arranged the discharge.
So, I brought Ryan home. My reasoning was that I can observe him with the same level of skill (actually, more) and not expose him to all the infections that lurk in every nook of the hospital. Besides, if I did notice Ryan was becoming septic I would have him back at the hospital in less than ten minutes.
It’s always the same… weighing risks… competing objectives.
In this case, I’m happy (and relieved) to say, it was the correct decision. Ryan spent the night in his own bed, without all the disturbances that are unavoidable in an ICU setting. He was uncomfortable from the surgery, but nothing that a prescription strength ibuprofen couldn’t handle. I had Percocet on hand, but didn’t need it for him.
As for his day today, I’ll keep the therapy low-key… light stretching, passive cycling, vibration, HBOT, and a nice body massage.
Just one more operation to go! Well, for this anyhow.
Went to visit cousins in Florida for this past week and just returned. I gave up TV, computer and stress while I was there. It was great not to be plugged into electronics.
Glad Ryan came through the procedure with flying colors and great decision to take him home. Hope all continues on the right track.
You keep me humble.
As always, glad you all are observant! Best to all in the Deviney family
May I just say, your story is compelling and your honesty is heartwarming. Especially since I can so relate to your heartbreak. My 19 year old son at the time, Chase, fell while hiking in Chattanooga on January 12, 2013. While Chase’s injury was an accident, I know the devastation of going from normalcy to complete and total shock! Chase was in the trauma unit at Erlanger Hospital for a month. During that time, he, like Ryan, had his brain flap removed and developed ARDS. He had a 2% chance to live. He had to be placed on the ECMO machine for 5 days which even lessened his chances. Chase also went to Shepherd Center. He was there for 2 months. It has now been 14 1/2 months since his injury and yet, I still have several meltdowns a week. There is no way to describe to people our pain, as parents. My heart, as a mother, so goes out to Sue. The post about the dreams struck home for me, as we mourn who he was and embrace who is becoming.
I could write all day about our family; however, I feel most led to just say that even with a 98% chance to die, Chase is now talking, walking, eating, etc. God is the Great Physician. He has great things in store for Ryan and Chase. Someone once said, God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors. We may never know “why?” this side of Heaven but we can trust that He knows and He is already there. I am Chase’s primary caregiver. I so admire your strength and endurance, Ken. We also have a 17 year old son, so I feel for Kari as well.
Thank you for sharing your story, for believing in the One who created our wonderful sons, and for inspiring me to press on! Your family and you will be in my prayers. Big hugs from Tennessee.
In Him,
Paige
My thoughts and prayers are with him and the family. I understand how nerve wracking ANY surgery or infection can be. I also think that you made the correct decision to bring him home. That was a VERY important part of my recovery.
I personally needed to be with my daughter and my family. The rest and comfort is so much better in your own bed. Not to mention (as you did) the risk of infection and the disturbed rest in an ICU makes it almost impossible to get the proper amount of rest!!!
You all have my utmost respect and are on top of my prayer list. I admire you, you’re family for the love and strength you all have. May God continue to bless you and keep you all strong til Ryan is fully recovered. I have faith!!
Sending lots of love, PRAYERS, ((hugs)) and many positive thoughts of strength and healing!!!
Love ALWAYS,
Beth
My thoughts and prayers for Ryan for quick recovery, glad you took Ryan home you know him better than anyone and you will keep a great eye on him, God Bless you all daily <3 <3
Oh my gosh! So glad he rested at home! I respect your love for Ryan so much Ken. My son has not known any from his own dad and when I see all that you do for Ryan….it’s so very special! Tell him I’m here reading everyday! Hey… Need a haircut?
Actually, Ryan and I could both use one. Would mid-April work?
In my experience, God helps you make the right decision. We all know you’ve had to make a lot of them.
Thinking of all of you and praying for healing for Ryan.
hugs sent from Rochester NY
Good decision Ken, my prayers are with all of you as always.
<3 & prayers.
Glad things went well..
Sending all my love your way! Smart choice Ken!
Happy and relieved Ryan came through so beautifully. SHSP NGA. Continued daily prayers for Ryan and Team Diviney. Love, Annie
All right, all right, all right! Praying for a more peaceful, restful night for all of you, and for Ryan to be in perfect shape for graduation day <3
So glad that the surgery is over with and you are in the comfort of your own home. You knew what was best, and you followed your gut. Getting away from the hospital environment / germs is paramount, and with your set up at home, it just made sense. This sounds cliche but I mean it sincerely….you never cease to amaze me.
Sending love and hugs to all of you,
Carla
Thoughts and prayers for Ryan & his family, you are such a strong family. My son Brett has aTBI so I can relate to some of the things your going through. I follow Ryan’s page every chance I get and I can see the love & strength that you all have, it is so encouraging to me. Ryan you hang in there, you will get through this. Love & prayers sent your way.
Ryan is in our thoughts and prayers.
You all rock! Glad that Ryan is at home and that you all are planning to see Kari graduate. Sending my love your way.
Hi Ken, thank you for updating us on Ryan’s latest surgery. I’m relieved as well that everything went smoothly. I agree with you about bringing Ryan back home — too many scary germs in the hospital plus other junk that’s going around right now. As you said, if you did observe something amiss, you would have Ryan to the hospital immediately.
I’m praying Ryan recovers from the surgery quickly and isn’t in a lot of pain. I didn’t realize he would have to have another one done. I hope there is something you can do to prevent the kidney stones from developing. I’m sure you’re already on top of that though.
I can’t believe March is almost over and Kari will soon be walking across the stage to receive her diploma!! I know how proud you and Sue are of her. And she managed to complete all her required courses in four years too – that’s incredible!! Way to go, Kari!!!
Praying for the sunshine to turn up the volume and enfold us in warmth and comfort. With Spring comes new hope and new beginnings. Sending you my love, hugs, and continued faith for Ryan’s healing.
Paula
Praying for all if you
Prayers!
You guys have got this !!! You know your son better than anyone, know when”something’s just not right” and are not far from hospital help when needed. Good for you, making the choice to take him home and ” observe” him. By this stage of the game— you’re gonna notice everything and anything that’s just ” not right”. Keeping Ryan in my prayers for his healing and for the families strength for his care.
As always your family is in my prayers.the strength and bond you guys have is one like no other.I wish you and your family a beautiful day and a speedy recovery for Ryan.your one strong man Ken
So glad the surgery was a success, Ken. Hope Ryan is on the mend soonest and without much discomfort.
Great choice. Praying for a speedy recovery
Ken, So glad surgery went well and Ryan is home (best place for him) Hope he doesn’t have too much discomfort. Sending good thoughts and prayers .You’re all so amazing!
Wise choice bringing him home! Good on ya!
We are all so glad to hear the surgery went well. I am so happy to hear that Ryan had a peaceful night. You are the best! Changing topics, when does Kari walk? Will you be able to go?
Friday, May 9th! I hope we all will be able to attend.
YAY, Kari! Praying that all will be well and can attend! 🙂
Ken & Sue, I know that you carry very heavy burdens. Can’t imagine how mentally & physically you do it. But you do. I believe that your love of family is what keeps you going. You have two wonderful kids. I hope Kari’s graduation will be a real celebration for all of you. Kari will make a difference, just as Ryan would have. Love to you
Hang in there Divineys, you’re amazing!
God be with you ALL, Ryan, Ken & family. It sounds like you were smart to take him home vs. ICU. So sorry for your continued ordeal. At least you caught the stone in time. I understand theyre very painful. In 70 years, I’ve had my share of health crises but never kidney stones! If we have the Prayer Table at our Cathedral today I will, of course, add Ryan. I saw Deacon Sue at our Spring Concert last night but she was on the opposite side of the Cathedral. But you call continue in my prayers, daily.
Thoughts and prayers going out to Ryan and the family.