January 28, 2006

(Written by Tyler, Ryan's brother)
Ryan has had a pretty good couple of days. I arrived Friday while he was doing some physical therapy and found him in good spirits. As regular readers know, Ryan had really struggled for about 10 days with a urinary tract infection, blood clots, inconsistent blood pressure and temperature, muscle spasms and nerve pain. It was very encouraging to see him in better shape. After the day's physical and occupational therapy on Friday, Ryan stayed in his power chair for a while, spending about 4.5 hours in total on Friday. After 5 hours of saying, "I'm going home," Mom actually left. Before she did we got full permission to "put our donkey ears on." (a less-than-kind allusion to the fate of the boys in Pinocchio) After that it was almost 24 hours of X-Box and X-Files. (Thank you RJ) The fun paused for a while Saturday morning when Ryan began having muscle spasms in his right leg. Such spasms often precede "nerve pain" and pretty soon Ryan's leg "felt like it was on fire." Nerve pain is not very well understood and the only drug available for it only works about 25% of the time and has the side effect of suppressing energy and appetite. We turned Ryan on his side and the pain subsided some but remained the rest of the day. Because the pain is so psychologically based, we are very appreciative of the visits Ryan received. The visits took his mind off the pain and in reality lessened its effect. As sometimes happens, yesterday there was a time when Ryan could not receive visitors although some had come to see him. We are especially appreciate of those who come to the hospital to visit and find that he is not in a condition to receive them or can visit only briefly. Ryan's condition can change very quickly, as it did yesterday with his leg spasms and it is difficult to predict when would be the best time to receive visitors.

Last night, the whole crew came over for dinner. Whitney made wonderful enchiladas that we all enjoyed. Justin practiced quad rugby in Ryan's chair. Kaitlyn beat up on us so badly in Monopoly that it still hurts this morning. Callum has come to appreciate pistachios ('stachios) and Isabelle was very sweet despite not feeling well.

Ryan slept well last night and doesn't have the nerve pain he experienced yesterday. He continues to be on an I.V. for blood thinners to prevent clots and as a result will not be able to attend Jaycee Summers' missionary report at church today as he had hoped.