Friday, May 4 - Continued

Just an update on Ryan's MRI. The doctor said it probably won't be read until tomorrow. The doctor that will be reading it is a Radiologist who specializes in reading head scans. After Ryan had the MRI, they said there may be a problem because of the braces (on his teeth) - which he just had put on a few weeks ago. If the doctor can't get a good reading on the scan, Ryan may have to have his braces removed and have the MRI done again. (sigh!) The doctor doesn't want to stop giving him the sedatives until after the MRI is done - as he needs to be sedated for it. So, there you have it. We still have no answers - just a ton of questions and hearts full of hope that Ryan will pull thru this okay.

Grandma Jeri

Friday, May 4

There hasn't been a lot of change in the past 24 hours. Ryan has pneumonia (from aspirating). They are treating the pneumonia with 2 antibiotics. The respiratory therapist has spent a couple of hours working with him today.

The doctor said his main concern is Ryan's brain and his heart.  They started warming him up around midnight, and he was back to his normal temperature around 5:00 today. It is good to see that cold blanket off of him and to feel his warm skin. It was hard to see Ryan so cold! We wanted to wrap him in a blanket and just hold him.

They just took Ryan to have an MRI of his brain. We anxiously await those results. The next step will be to discontinue the paralytic drug. The doctor said they will back him off of the sedatives slowly and see how he does. They had concerns about his kidneys working yesterday - but with the aide of a diuretic, he seems to be doing fine now. We are seeing it is a fine balance to keep Ryan's vitals all where they need to be. It seems if they give him a medication for one thing, it causes him to have a problem in a different area. They watch his vital signs very carefully. He has a nurse with him round the clock, and they are busy the entire time. 

This afternoon the doctors had a consultation with Michael and Catherine. They shared a lot of information about Ryan's condition, and talked about what might be expected as Ryan wakes up. It was good to hear the doctors talk "turkey" and be totally honest. They answered a lot of questions, and gave Michael and Catherine a lot to think about. The doctor said we should "hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst".

Thanks to everyone for their faith and prayers on Ryan's behalf. The outpouring of love has been tremendous! It is amazing how something like this pulls people together. Michael and Catherine's Ward are having a fast this weekend for Ryan. We would invite anyone who would like to - to join in this fast. 

Love and hugs,

Grandma Jeri

The Waiting Games

If you have not had a chance to read the previous post by Grandma Jeri, or  the update from Mike and Cath - please read their posts and thank you for your comments - they are much appreciated.

Here's a status update posted on FaceBook last night from Grandma Jeri:

Just an update on my grandson, Ryan. He is still in critical condition (after having cardiac arrest), and is being given a drug to paralyze him, and also a sedative. His body temperature has been lowered for the past couple of days, and they will start to warm him up tonight. It will take about 17 hours for the warming process. After that, they will discontinue the paralytic drug. On Saturday, they will start discontinuing the sedatives. He is in the Lord's hands, and we are praying for a miracle. His parents are exhausted and this is such a hard time for their family. The staff at Primary Children's is amazing! ... All family members are receiving a ton of phone calls and texts, anxious for updates. This blog will hopefully keep everyone up-to-date. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love we have seen for Ryan and his family.

Early this morning (midnight), they were scheduled to begin the process of warming up Ryan's body and easing back on the medications.  This gradual process requires a lot testing (and patience) over many hours as they monitor Ryan's vitals.  They are keeping a close eye on Ryan and his body, including his heart, brain and kidneys.  

Since Ry was admitted, there have been many ups and downs on his journey and the term 'variable' has been used often by the doctors to describe what may be expected.  Over the next 12 hours and subsequent days, we'll all be watching and waiting to see how Ryan's body has held up through this ordeal - and praying for a miracle on his behalf.

Ry at the recent Monster Energy Supercross

Last night when Cath called, she wanted to relay her gratitude, which I've paraphrased below:

Thank you for your love and concern.  Your support has made this experience doable.  Your many prayers over the last few days have brought great comfort to our family.  Thanks for reaching out to help with our children and providing meals and looking after our needs.  

I'd like to extend a personal thanks to those at Ryan's school for their prompt and heroic efforts in providing the care he needed to preserve his life, and to the paramedics, nurses and doctors: Thank you.  To the diligent readers of the blog that can't suppress thoughts of Ryan: Thanks isn't adequate, but it's all I know how to post.  Thank you, indeed.  We've included a counter on the blog for you to see the outpouring of concern and support on Ryan's behalf.  Again, thank you.  Thanks for caring.  Thanks for praying.  Thanks for your many acts of love.