I won't be commenting on Ryan's condition - as I'm going to leave that up to Michael from now on. He puts things into words so much better than I can.
This is my first experience with PCMC, and I'm so impressed with the quality of care that Ryan is the recipient of. The people who work there are amazing. Ryan has had several different nurses and doctors, and each one has been top notch. Not only are they proficient, but they are caring and compassionate. They make you feel like you are more than just a number - you matter to them! They have all treated Ryan with such tender care and respect. There are too many more people to mention that have participated in Ryan's care. All of them have been equally awesome. We are grateful to these people, and to this fine facility, for such a high level of care.
Hugs,
Grandma Jeri
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Thanks for Visiting
We set this blog up last week so that you would have a resource to turn to for an update on Ryan's status. I don't have anything to report on his status this morning, but I have watched the blog as the hit count went from a few, to several hundred, and more recently, to nearly a thousand hits per day from across the globe. People have logged visits from Alaska, Indonesia, Norway, England, Russia and Germany in addition to the great multitude in Utah who are faithfully praying for Ryan's improvement. Please keep the prayers flowing in Ryan's behalf. Thank you all.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, 5/7/12, Day 7
I thought I'd make an appearance on this blog. Catherine and I would like to personally thank all those who have helped this past week. The response has been overwhelming. We've had so many people offer help that there simply isn't enough for everyone to do. Thank you to everyone who have even offered.
Ryan had an MRI on Friday. We know that a lot of folks have been interested in the results of that test. By the way, so are we!!! In a nutshell, the MRI wasn't very reliable. If anyone is familiar with an MRI, it requires that there be no metal in the chamber. Well, Ryan's braces really did a number on the images that came from the test. It was decided that the images weren't going to be very helpful and Ryan's actual performance would be much more reliable. The frustrating part is it means more waiting!!
The past couple of days have definitely been a roller coaster ride. We've been trying to deal with the up's and down's of being here this week. As was mentioned previously, Ryan took part in a study known as THAPCA (Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest). He was very sedated for the test and we're now in the process of waiting for his system to flush out the remaining drugs. We should be able to tell his neurological state within the next couple of days. Right now it's too early to make any predictions how he will respond.
Today has been kind of a busy day for Ryan. They moved him to a new room. Our last room was what they refer to here as "the Cave." Catherine had a little bit of anxiety about leaving our "home." The couch in the new room was the kicker for her and she said she wouldn't have moved without it. I'm glad she agreed because the staff said we would've been the first people to ask to stay in the "cave." The new room is a bit larger and has a window. Even though the sun doesn't directly shine through the window, it is nice to have some natural light.
Thanks again everyone for your prayers and support. Keep the prayers coming. Not that the entire period isn't important, but Ryan is in an especially important time while he comes out of the sedation and shows us what he can do.
Love,
Mike & Catherine
Ryan had an MRI on Friday. We know that a lot of folks have been interested in the results of that test. By the way, so are we!!! In a nutshell, the MRI wasn't very reliable. If anyone is familiar with an MRI, it requires that there be no metal in the chamber. Well, Ryan's braces really did a number on the images that came from the test. It was decided that the images weren't going to be very helpful and Ryan's actual performance would be much more reliable. The frustrating part is it means more waiting!!
The past couple of days have definitely been a roller coaster ride. We've been trying to deal with the up's and down's of being here this week. As was mentioned previously, Ryan took part in a study known as THAPCA (Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest). He was very sedated for the test and we're now in the process of waiting for his system to flush out the remaining drugs. We should be able to tell his neurological state within the next couple of days. Right now it's too early to make any predictions how he will respond.
Today has been kind of a busy day for Ryan. They moved him to a new room. Our last room was what they refer to here as "the Cave." Catherine had a little bit of anxiety about leaving our "home." The couch in the new room was the kicker for her and she said she wouldn't have moved without it. I'm glad she agreed because the staff said we would've been the first people to ask to stay in the "cave." The new room is a bit larger and has a window. Even though the sun doesn't directly shine through the window, it is nice to have some natural light.
Thanks again everyone for your prayers and support. Keep the prayers coming. Not that the entire period isn't important, but Ryan is in an especially important time while he comes out of the sedation and shows us what he can do.
Love,
Mike & Catherine
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
There isn't much to tell tonight - as Ryan's status is pretty much the same. Mike and Catherine's children, plus other family members, went to Sacrament meeting in their ward today. The ward had a fast for Ryan this weekend. After Sacrament meeting was over, they had a special ward prayer for Ryan. From what I have been told, it was a spiritual time for all involved. How wonderful it is to see so many people coming together to show support and love for Ryan and his family. So many people are helping in so many ways. Thank you again!
Love,
Grandma Jeri
Love,
Grandma Jeri
Brotherly Love
This is the poster that Ryan's brothers made for him. It is hanging on the door in Ry's room now - and I think it is precious!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Saturday - May 5 - Continued
So here is the latest update on Ryan. He is completely off of the paralytic drug, as of this morning. He was weaned off of the sedatives this afternoon. He is running a fever, and started fevering without being sedated. He is not on a continuous sedative now, instead they are sedating him with a dose that lasts 1-2 hours to control his shivering. He is still laying on the cooling/warming blanket that was used in the hypothermia study he was part of. He is also covered with one of these blankets. His body temperatue is regulated by the blankets - to the specific temperature they program in.
They received the culture back from his lungs and have identified the bacteria. They have started giving him a specific antibiotic that will treat the bacteria he has.
It is interesting to watch the doctors do "rounds". There are 10-11 people who gather at Ryan's doorway each morning, and they discuss his progress and plan of action for the day. For any of you who have watched the t.v. show, "Scrubs", this is exactly how it is. Today Ryan's doctor said he is still in critical condition.
As ever, thank you for your faith and prayers in Ryan's behalf.
Love and hugs,
Grandma Jeri
They received the culture back from his lungs and have identified the bacteria. They have started giving him a specific antibiotic that will treat the bacteria he has.
It is interesting to watch the doctors do "rounds". There are 10-11 people who gather at Ryan's doorway each morning, and they discuss his progress and plan of action for the day. For any of you who have watched the t.v. show, "Scrubs", this is exactly how it is. Today Ryan's doctor said he is still in critical condition.
As ever, thank you for your faith and prayers in Ryan's behalf.
Love and hugs,
Grandma Jeri
Saturday, May 5
Ryan hasn't had much change overnight. They have discontinued the paralytic drug they were giving him. He is still sedated. The MRI has not been read yet. With this being a Saturday, we aren't sure when we will have the results. Ryan has a bit of a fever today. He is still dealing with pneumonia. His blood pressure has been low and they are trying to get it a little higher. They are pushing fluids to do that. When they give him a diuretic to help him pass the fluids, his blood pressure goes down. It is so hard to find that delicate balance. They gave him a bath during the night and he looks good this morning. After being paralyzed, sedated, and having a machine breathe for him for the past 3 days, it is as if this is Day #1 for him. They have turned the ventilator down a little so he can start to breathe on his own. He is moving a little, and for sure he doesn't like having them suction out his airway! I will post again as soon we know anything new.
Love,
Grandma Jeri
Love,
Grandma Jeri
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