Cousin Madeline, Callum and Kaitlyn 

Ryan with his Priests' Quorum on a Sunday afternoon 

Aunt Deb and Ryan 

Heather, Ryan's very favorite physical therapist, and Tyler 

Ryan with the Priests' Quorum from Church 

Ryan, Shannon (one of Ryan's techs) and Jenny (also a C6 injury) on Sunday, February 5, 2006 

February 2, 2006 (part II)

THANK YOU for making a difference. “It’s not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that counts.” J.M. Laurence

In physical therapy I worked on rolling, electric stimulation, and balancing. It went well except we are still trying to find the exact places on my forearms to place the electrodes to stimulate the muscles that control my fingers.

In my education class a Craig graduate named Trish Downing spoke to us. Prior to her injury, Trish was an Olympic hopeful in cycling. She was hit by a car while she was training on a bicycle and is now a level T-8 paraplegic. In the past five years since her injury, she has gone on to compete in many competitions all over the world, including triathlons. She was VERY inspirational!

I had a group exercise class where we did weight training on the mats. In occupational therapy we played a board game called Sequence with Matt Ream, my Uncle Greg, my therapist, Gail, and myself. We needed to stop at 4:00 to go see the service dogs but I was declared the winner.

My Aunt Deb and Uncle Greg, Mercy and kids, and Whitney and Justin’s family were here to visit today. Uncle Greg wants to get me a service dog. Craig recommends that you wait until you have had your injury for at least two years before you get a dog. The Ingersolls also visited and helped me download from my computer to my IPOD. They also brought a special gift for me to play with. THANK YOU!

Gyros seem to agree with me. I had one for lunch and one for dinner. My appetite is much better.

My shivering and temperature started about five o’clock today and my temperature got to 102.5 by about nine so I had to have blood drawn to check for an infection. I think my body is still trying to figure out what happened to it!

My scripture from my scripture quilt is from Ron, Dayna, Lexie, Kassie, Riley and Ellie Andus. It is found in 1 Nephi 3:7. Thank you, Andus Family, for everything you have done for our family!

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

February 2, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

I was able to attend all of my classes today, all of which were very uplifting. After working on rolling and sitting up with Heather, I went to my education class. Today there was a company called Adaptive Sports that gave a presentation showing all the ways quadriplegics can still enjoy the athletic outdoors. These exciting activities include whitewater rafting, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and handcycling. They brought a handcycle and a mountain bike that my Mom took a spin on. I am excited to be well enough to try these out in a few months. Later in the day we went to check out wheelchair accessible vans at Craig.

Aunt Debbie came to visit today and I ate a whole gyro for lunch. My appetite hasn’t been that great lately. It was very satisfying to eat a majority of a meal.

Another highlight of the last couple of days was switching from an IV blood thinner to shots. My PICC line was also removed today so now I am eligible for a water therapy class.

I’m over my major health problems except I have fevers and chills from mid-afternoon until evening. We have learned that this is common for spinal cord injury patients and that it does get better with time. My accident was six weeks ago today and we have already seen improvement in the movement of my fingers and hands.

Special thanks to some wonderful friends of ours from Chicago, Marcie, Terry, Matt and Taylor Lenio, who emailed me on Tuesday and included the following note and scripture:

I love that you are including scriptures from your quilt on your blog and I would like to share a favorite scripture of mine. It is Helaman 5:12 (words that Helaman spoke to his sons Nephi and Lehi), and it was my son's missionary scripture and was instrumental in sustaining him when the road was difficult: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail."

(Bridgette) I also like the following quote from James R. Bradley from a book entitled Gratitude. “As I think of the word ‘Gratitude,’ I recall that all the really great things in life are expressed in the simplest words: ‘purpose and meaning; friends and family; caring and community; love and work; appreciation and gratitude.’

The Walters’ family is grateful to know each of you.

January 30, 2006

Dear Loved Ones,

I started my day pretty well, including talks with doctors and going to physical therapy with my favorite PT, Heather. We worked on electrical stimulation for strengthening the muscles in my fingers. After therapy, I talked with another Craig patient, John, who is on bed rest for skin sores. His accident is higher than mine only by about an inch, which denies him the ability to move his arms or hands. At this time, he is weaning off of a ventilator, the machine that helps him breath. He has been able to be off the ventilator for 18 consecutive hours, a major improvement from what we saw with John a few weeks ago. I enjoy talking with John although he has to put much effort into speaking. For the most part, I read his lips and he tries to push out air on shorter phrases. It is easier to hear what he is saying and feel his thoughts as he is able to enunciate and make strong facial expressions.

Dr. Alvarez, our hematologist, ordered another ultrasound for me today. He is concerned because my D-Dimer level continues to climb which indicates clots. I have another small clot in my right calf which could possibly explain the spasms and neurogenic pain I was having on Saturday. I am not on bed rest although I did sleep a lot today.

The Taylor family visited us today and brought “monkey bread.” Thank you. We also had a visit tonight from my cousins who live near Boulder. I love to talk with Nathan, Parker and Madeline. They always make me laugh.

I also had a big surprise when David Chandler walked into my room. Bishop Chandler is the dad of one of my good friends, Andrew. The Chandlers moved to Rigby, Idaho, about one and a half years ago where Bishop Chandler teaches at BYU-Idaho and has a consulting business. I have always been very close to the Chandler family. They have three boys, and their middle son, Andrew, is my best friend. I have enjoyed camping, doing scouting merit badges and all sorts of scouting activities, and shooting BB guns at GI Joes with Andrew, as Bishop Chandler fished nearby. I have always enjoyed Bishop Chandler’s sweet, peaceful, Christ like attitude and all the help he has been to me in becoming who I am.

We are thankful for all the visitors we have had and are sorry I haven’t been able to see some of the people who have stopped by due to my sickness. Thank you for the many prayers that are offered in my behalf. I feel like I am stronger because of you.

Today scripture comes from Marsha and Scott Nuttal Family, Mark 9:24.

When you feel weak in faith . . . "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

Love, Ryan

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.

Hayley and Ryan Hatch Wedding

Hayley and Ryan Hatch Wedding August 2005 

Ryan at Hatch Wedding 

January 26, 2006

Dear Loved Ones,

(Ryan) My cousin, Mercy, brought chicken enchiladas last night and also the nicest card. I would like to share the scripture Mercy shared with me from Luke 12:4-7. In one of the verses Jesus says, “Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered.” Mercy goes on the write, ‘That is how well he knows you. He knows your situation and He cares.’

(Bridgette) Ryan started running a fever and having the chills again while he was writing today’s blog. They say the first few months of a spinal cord injury is like riding a wild roller coaster. I’m a believer.

Ryan has continued to go to his therapy classes and is working hard to learn to adapt to his new world. We are very proud of him for his determination to make the best of his situation. We are grateful he has been taught by great teachers; at school, at church, in scouting and at work. Thank you for the impact you have had in our son’s life. We are also thankful that Ryan has always taken the opportunity to grow in the Gospel and to have a personal relationship with his Heavenly Father. We feel blessed to have him in our family.

Tomorrow, Ryan has a surprise visitor coming. Tyler will be flying to Denver from Charlottesville, Virginia, to spend the weekend with Ryan. I can’t wait to see Ryan’s face when Tyler comes into the gym while Ryan it doing physical therapy. Barry and I are so appreciative of the love Ryan’s brother and sisters show to him on a daily basis. Whitney, Justin, Callum and Isabelle are a constant source of laughter, strength and love to Ryan and to Barry, Kate and I. We miss having Hayley and Ryan (Hatch) close by and always enjoy hearing from them.

Thank you for the words of encouragement you have sent to Ryan through your emails, phone calls, visits and cards. We know that Heavenly Father is taking care of Ryan and our family through your acts of kindness. Thank you.

With our love,

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and family

January 25, 2006

Today started out great, especially after having a good night’s sleep. Ryan went to physical therapy where Heather worked on range of motion exercises and then hooked up electrodes to help stimulate the muscles in Ryan’s hands. He also went to occupational therapy and did a lot of exercise with his arms. After lunch, we went to an educational class but only stayed for about twenty minutes because Ryan started having chest pains similar to Friday morning when he had blood clots. We went over to Swedish Hospital for another CT scan, the same kind he had on Monday. The “silver lining” in this story is that the blood clots that were in his lungs earlier are now gone. The doctors don’t know the cause of the chest pains but Ryan is back to his old self tonight after napping and resting this afternoon. We are optimistic that tomorrow will be a good day.

Jacie and Jana Summers found us over at Swedish . . . it was so great to see Jacie since she has been in Taiwan for the past eighteen months on her mission. She’s more beautiful than ever!

Our thought for today comes from Ken, Wendy, Kaelyn and Corey Malm.

“The obstacles in front of you are never as great as the power behind you!”

“And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” Moroni 7:33

With our love and gratitude,

Bridgette, Barry and Ryan

January 24, 2006

Monday was a day of tests. I had an ultrasound on my arms to look for blood clots. I then had a CT scan to look at the placement of my blood filter. I also had a lot of blood work done. It looks like I am predisposed to clots and there is a small clot in my arm. The blood filter seems to be working okay and there aren’t any other clots around the filter which is located in the inferior vena cava.

Tuesday I was able to attend three of my classes, stay in the wheelchair for about three hours and experience a slowly increasing appetite. This is huge progress compared to how I’ve felt during the past week. My physical therapist stretched my legs this morning – which, due to the blood clots, we haven’t been able to do since last Thursday. I had a much needed nap and got ready for my 1:00 pm educational class. I then went to occupational therapy where we worked on arm workouts and mobility. My last class was “power hour” a brief explanation about different kinds of power wheelchairs. After this class I headed to bed to rest up for tomorrow.

I’m still experiencing nerve pain around my bladder and abdomen which feels like a firey pain. It is interesting yet frustrating that I cannot move or feel below the top of my chest yet I can still experience major pain far below my level of injury. I know that in time this will most likely go away.

I wanted to share with you a thought Darrell and Tonya Luzzo’s family sent to me.

“Remember who you are! Knowing who you are changes what you do.”


Love, Ryan

January 22, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,
It's Sunday evening and Whitney, Callum, Isabelle and Kaitlyn just left the hospital. Whitney made beef stroganoff and mashed potatoes for dinner . . . thank you, Whitney, we love all the comfort food you make for us!
I told Ryan I would write the blog tonight in the hopes that he will feel good enough tomorrow to resume writing. Ryan has been flat in bed since Thursday night. He finally has the pain in his neck and chest under control with the help of pain medication. The last 24 hours he has been battling with bladder spasms that are extremely painful. He has started on medication but it takes 48 to 72 hours to help with the spasms. He finally ate some soup and part of a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch today, so we are grateful for that. He hasn't had much of an appetite for the last couple of weeks and has lost over twenty pounds. The doctors have told him his job is to eat, drink and rest.
We've had a very quiet weekend. Eric and Zach Ingersoll and Russell Gardner brought the sacrament to us this morning. Thank you. Barry and I took turns reading to Ryan from the Book of Mormon and a book that was sent to him from a man named David Treat entitled "Going Through the Fire, Developing a Faith That Perseveres." In 1993 David and his family were involved in a serious auto accident leaving him a quadriplegic on a vent and his wife with a very significant brain injury. Prior to his accident, David was an attorney and he and his wife were very involved in a youth ministry and David coached his children's sports teams. The book is written over an eight year period and tells of the physical and emotional toughness of a spinal cord injury as well as his faith . . . faith in his family, faith in his friends and faith in God. It's an inspiring story and once again we are reminded of the importance of having faith and a personal relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.

Numbers 6:24-26 is the scripture Scott and Jan Norton's family choose to share with Ryan.
24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

We are thankful for your love and friendship and hope you have a great week.

Love, Bridgette, Barry and Ryan

Emails, Visits and Phone Calls

As was noted in the last post, Ryan's doctors have indicated that he really needs a couple of days to rest and recover. Although Ryan has enjoyed having visitors and hopes to receive many more very soon, for the next few days he is trying to follow his doctors counsel and be on full bed rest without receiving visits or phone calls. He greatly appreciates your prayers and thoughts and would love to hear from you via email, which can be read to him as he begins to feel better. We want to stress that the situation is temporary and we will keep everyone posted when he's ready to have company again!

January 20, 2006

It's Friday evening about six. I'm going to try to update you since Ryan last wrote on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Ryan had a full schedule of therapy. He worked with Heather in occupational therapy and tried out his manual wheelchair using his arms to wheel him through the halls. He then had a cooking class followed by a group class where they talked about things to watch for with spinal cord injuries. Ryan then went to a group exercise class and was supposed to have occupational therapy after that but started running a high fever again.

Barry and I met with the occupational and physical therapist at our home to see what modifications needed to be done in order to bring Ryan home. Barry and I also looked at new homes in our area. We would really like to build an addition on our home for a bedroom and bathroom for Ryan in the area outside of our sliding glass door on the deck.

Whitney spent the afternoon and night with Ryan. He really enjoys having her expertise and bedside care. The fevers continued most of the night. About four in the morning, one of Ryan's favorite nurses, Chris, told him that his right leg measured larger than it has been (one of the signs of a blood clot). By five, Ryan began having chest pain and shortness of breath. They took Ryan over to Swedish Hospital to do a CT scan and found many small blood clots in his lower lungs as well as a clot under his right knee and another one from his right knee to his ankle. A few days after Ryan's accident, the doctors inserted a blood filter to catch blood clots. In about five percent of the cases, blood clots can still get through. We don't know if the clots got through because they are small or what has happened. Based on the CT scan the blood filter is positioned correctly. There are more extensive tests that can be done to check the blood filter but they would be very invasive.

Ryan said it was a scary night and he felt anxious. His nurse Chris, told him to rely on his faith and to not be afraid. Ryan said he felt much better after she talked to him. Chris has been an angel to Ryan.

Ryan is on bed rest for the next 48 to 72 hours. At Swedish, Ryan had a central line (PICC) put in his arm that goes directly to his heart. He is receiving large doses of a blood thinner (heparin) and they are also starting IV fluids tonight.

It's hard to have him be so sick. He is a strong young man and usually recovers quickly. Hopefully he will feel good enough by the beginning of next week to be back in therapy where he is working so hard to be independent.

Here’s a scripture we wanted to share from the quilt our ward made for Ryan. It is from the Eldridge family.

Mormon 9:21

“Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.”

We love you and we appreciate your continued prayers,

Bridgette, Barry and Ryan

January 18, 2006

I had a long, productive day today including six and one-half hours in the wheelchair. I also felt a lot better today because the antibiotics have kicked in. We were happy to find out that the staph UTI has not spread to my blood and I will hopefully have recovered fully within a few more days.

I enjoyed lunch with Whitney and her two kids, Callum and Isabelle, today. I had an education class which was taught by a dietician where she talked about nutrition during and after rehabilitation. I then had an exercise class in my wheelchair working my arms, which was followed by occupational therapy. I really worked hard on the mats and was able to roll over and sit up by myself multiple times. Tony and Laura Renn were here to watch me during occupational therapy. Thank you!

We thought it would be a great idea to share the favorite scriptures that ward members put on the quilt that was given to me last night.

John and Susan Taylor's favorite scripture is John 15:13-14

13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

We will try to continue with adding scriptures and other spiritual thoughts when we send our blog.

Love, Ryan

January 17, 2006

Today turned out a lot different than I thought it would a month ago. I was planning on flying to Atlanta, Georgia, and then on to Sao Paulo Brazil where I would begin my missionary training tomorrow. I would have stayed their for approximately two months learning to preach the Gospel better using the spirit and meeting other missionaries and learning the Portuguese language. I was very excited to land in Sao Paulo and immediately be in my mission country, without training in the United States. I was excited for the culture shock and especially for the surrounding spiritual maturity. I was very excited to begin my missionary work, to meet new people and to better understand the Lord’s Gospel and my role in sharing it. I am still excited to do so and many of these things have already come to pass. I have met many new, interesting people, many of whom I think would be accepting of the Gospel. I have decided to give them a copy of the Book of Mormon with a copy of my testimony and a personalized note to each of them.

Tonight the youth and youth leaders from the Auburn Hills Ward came to visit me. They were all very attentive and kind. Many of them have grown up so much over the past few years that I hardly recognized them and there were others I didn’t even know since our ward is growing so fast. They asked me questions about my life at Craig and what was involved in an average day. I told them basically that it was a lot of therapy and a lot of resting. And when I could we would work on the blog site and answering emails. Sometimes my family reads to me from Church magazines and the scriptures.

The youth brought beautiful gifts to me. All of the families in our ward put their favorite scripture on a quilt square. On of the sisters pieced and bound the quilt. The young men and young women made me a pillow to match the quilt. On one side, the young women have signed it and written notes to me and on the other side, the young men have done the same. In the middle of the quilt, there is a monogram that says “To Ryan J. Walters, love the Auburn Hills Ward, 2006”. It is a labor of love that I will always cherish.

I also accomplished a huge goal today that I had set with my physical therapist for next week. I was able to throw myself from my back to my stomach and then grab my leg and pull myself up to a sitting position. I did this five or six times. I feel very satisfied when I am able to participate fully in my therapy and when I can speak with family and friends when they visit.

I want to thank my ward for my quilt and pillow and all of the other nice things you have done for me and for my family. Often the Lord shows his kindness through other people. I feel blessed to be in the ward I am in, to have the family that I have and most of all to have the Gospel.

Love,

Ryan

January 16, 2006

Thanks to all my family, friends, and ward and stake members for all of your kindness and support these past three and one-half weeks. We've had some trouble keeping up with the blog site due to a urinary tract infection we are fighting with antibiotics that I receive every twelve hours through an IV. I've had medium grade fevers over the last week during the night which make it difficult to get enough sleep.

Saturday was mostly a resting day, as it always is, because of the preceding week of therapy. We were able to have a pizza party on Saturday night with Aunt Kalle, Parker, Nathan and Madeline, Whitney and Justin's family and were privileged to have two full-time Elders from the Denver South Mission join us. Their names were Elder Stelter and Elder Costley, two outstanding missionaries who have visited me three times now, thanks to Tom Thompson who asked them to come see me at Craig when he noticed them outside of Craig Hospital. At the end of our get-together, Elder Costley shared a spiritual thought including singing the first verse of "I Am a Child of God". It was a very nice way to end our day.

On Sunday morning Brother Dedrickson, the Elder's Quorum President of the Auburn Hills Ward and my home teaching companion and friend, came to visit me for a couple of hours. It was great learning and laughing about some of his mission stories. I had been thinking Sunday morning and the day before about serving a mission in a wheelchair and about giving Books of Mormon to several people I have met at Craig Hospital. It was interesting as I had my mind focused on missionary work even before President Dedrickson came. He told me that he and the Bishop felt inspired by the Lord to extend the calling of Preaching the Gospel committee chairman to me. I accepted with a smile but was also very shocked that the Lord would answer my desire to preach his Gospel so quickly and in such a profound way. I feel that my current condition will not deter me from fulfilling this calling. I will rely heavily upon the Lord and my family and other ward members as I magnify this awesome calling. Later that day, the Elder's Quorum Presidency came to see me. First they administered the Sacrament to me and my parents, then Brother McConkie shared a spiritual thought about what it means to take Christ's name upon us. After this I was set apart in my new calling. Brother Dedrickson and Brother Ream also gave me a healing blessing that I would be able to fulfill my new calling and that the Lord would strengthen me as I did so.

Today, my cousin Ashlee and her husband, Bob, and sons, Peter and Andrew, stopped by to see us on their way back to Utah from accepting a new job in Oklahoma. It was great to be able to thank Ashlee in person for the quilt she made for me. (When you come and see me, please sign the back of my quilt.)

Today in physical therapy I practiced finding my center of balance while I was sitting on the mats. We also worked on slide board transfers and my brother-in-law, Justin, helped me. In occupational therapy, I worked on the computer. I have very little strength in my fingers but I was still able to navigate around on the internet. I also did some weight lifting with my arms and then wrote my name and address using a marker. It looked almost as bad as my penmanship before the accident.

I'm looking forward to having the young men and young women come to visit me tomorrow during Mutual and I'm anxious to share some of my thoughts with them. I look up to them and appreciate them just as I do all of my family and friends. I love the Gospel and I see how it improves people's lives every day. Please take advantage of the wonderful opportunity that we have to learn about Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Love, Ryan

January 16, 2006

Ryan is having an electrocardiogram this morning so I thought I would take a minute and update his blog site. Ryan has had a quiet weekend trying to get rested up for a full week of therapy. He has been running a fever of about 101 during the night. On Saturday, the infectious disease doctor determined that Ryan has a urinary tract infection and began antibiotics. She also did further testing of his urine and blood. On Sunday, we found out Ryan has a staph infection and he has started intravenous antibiotics. The lab is continuing to grow samples from his blood to see if the staph is also in his blood.

I'm sure Ryan will want to tell you more about his weekend. When he gets a free minute today, we will write again. Thank you for your continued prayers in Ryan's behalf.

Bridgette

Ryan’s therapy schedule for the week of January 16th

Monday

10 to 11 - Physical Therapy

1 to 2 – Patient Education Group

2 to 3 – PT/OT Exercise Class

3 to 4 – Occupational Therapy

Tuesday

10 to 11 - Physical Therapy

1 to 2 – Patient Education Group

2 to 3 – Occupational Therapy

Wednesday

10 to 11 - Physical Therapy

1 to 2 – Patient Education Group

2 to 3 – PT/OT Exercise Class

3 to 4 – Occupational Therapy

Thursday

10 to 11 - Physical Therapy

11 to 12 – Cooking Group

1 to 2 – Patient Education Group

2 to 3 – PT/OT Exercise Class

3 to 4 – Occupational Therapy

Friday

10 to 11 - Physical Therapy

2 to 3 – Occupational Therapy

January 13, 2006

We had an early start today at Craig Hospital, early for us anyway. I had physical therapy at 10 so I choose to be up and ready by 9:30 for therapy. We had a successful session and I was able to control my low blood pressure fairly well for the entire hour. I was able to roll over from my back to my front without any assistance, and therefore finished next week's goal a week early. Heather, my physical therapist, is happy when I do this yet frustrated because she has to change her paperwork and goals for next week. In the last ten minutes of physical therapy, Heather took me to the basement of the east building where they keep an old piano. With the piano on my right side I had to use all four fingers to press down each key. I played both parts of "Heart and Soul" separately with a few mistakes when my fingers either curled or straightened unexpectedly. I'll have to go down and practice some more and maybe bring a Primary songbook from home.

My sister, Whitney, and her two kids, Callum and Isabelle, and my cousin Mercy, and her two kids, Taryn and James, went with Mom and I to watch Go Ball. All players are in wheelchairs and the goal of the games is to have each player on your team touch the ball and then throw it at the wall for a goal. The teams were one person short so Mercy got in a wheelchair and played her first game of Go Ball. I'm looking forward to feeling good enough to play

I had a nap after PT so I'd be ready for occupational therapy at three o'clock. In OT one of my therapists, Dana, was able to get me cleared for off campus passes after taking us on a short walk around the block. Isabelle was on my lap for the whole ride. She gets really quiet when she is on my chair and will not give up her spot to anyone else.

Love, Ryan

A note from Bridgette - Ryan is working hard in spite of the fact that he is still running a temperature in the evening. The infectious disease specialist is running more tests to see if he has an infection or if his body is just trying to regulate his temperature after his accident. Ryan is looking forward to rehabilitation without the blood pressure and temperature control issures. We're proud of how hard he is working at Craig.

January 11-12, 2006

Greetings from Craig Rehabilitation Hospital

It’s Friday, the 13^th of January, and so far it has been a great day for Ryan. Ryan is going to write his own blog about today’s activities later tonight but I thought I would catch everyone up on the activities of the past couple of days.

We are all settled into Ryan’s new suite and enjoying having our own bathroom and I have a pull-out sofa for me to sleep in. It’s very family friendly on the East side. Isabelle and Callum feel right at home and I think it helps the other patients to see little children. Whitney and her family spend a fair amount of time at Craig and Ryan loves to have them here. Isabelle is now a frequent wheelchair passenger and takes her position on Ryan’s lap very seriously!

On Wednesday night we all watched quad rugby in the big gym. It is wild! Ryan looks forward to the time when he can participate. I’m not so sure how I feel about it . . . there were two or three times when the player’s wheelchairs were knocked over!

Ryan continues to work hard in physical therapy. We are learning to use a slide board to transfer Ryan from his wheelchair to the mats for therapy and from his bed into his wheelchair. For now Ryan is using an electric wheelchair so that he can tip himself back when his blood pressure is low. Ryan does most of the work now when transferring and will eventually do his own transfers. As soon as his blood pressure issues are resolved, Ryan will use a light-weight manual wheelchair.

In occupational therapy, Ryan has been working with his hands to regain some dexterity. He can move all of the fingers on his right hand in a cupping shape but cannot move his fingers from side to side. His left hand has less mobility than his right. He continues to do weight bearing exercises to increase the muscles in his biceps and triceps. We are all so grateful for the strength he has in his arms.

Thank you for your emails, concern and friendship.

With our love,

Bridgette, Barry and Ryan

January 10, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

The past two days have been eventful for Ryan. On Monday we learned that Ryan was being transferred to Craig East. Ryan spent his first two weeks at Craig West where they take care of the more medically challenged patients. He became quite attached to his nurses and techs and they were likewise very attached to Ryan. His former caregivers have already been over to visit several times since we moved to Craig East. We originally thought that Ryan would be at Craig West for six to eight weeks.

Today we had our first family conference with our doctor, head nurse, occupational therapist, and physical therapist and case worker. The doctor explained Ryan’s injury in detail and discussed his medications. His medical team is anticipating a release date from Craig of April 4th.

All of Ryan’s caregivers mentioned that he is super motivated and a pleasure to work with. He shows a great deal of gratitude toward those who are helping him become independent. At Craig East, Ryan and our family will be educated all about the care of quadriplegics. Ryan will have a full schedule with occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise classes, pool therapy, transfers, and technology and will eventually meet with a driving instructor.

At Craig East, the patients have their own “suite” with a bathroom, bedroom and living area with a fold out couch. Ryan is in Suite 321. You can call his room directly by dialing 303.789.8821.

Ryan continues to face challenges with his blood pressure and often feels light headed when he sits upright. After his body adjusts to his spinal cord injury, he should be able to sit upright for longer periods of time without getting a headache and feeling light headed.

Callum and Isabelle saw Ryan for the first time in his wheelchair on Monday. Callum squealed with delight as he and Ryan zoomed down the halls together. Izzy is content to watch from afar for now.

We continue to feel blessed to live so close to Craig Hospital and the support we have felt from family and friends. Thank you all for your emails and words of encouragement. It was really fun to have Kristen (Wegner) Palmer and her husband, Eric, visit us on Saturday night. What a surprise! I wish there was time to respond to each of you personally. Please know that we feel of your love and are grateful to have you in our lives.

Our special thanks to Gary Bolingbroke and Glenna Pier, who spent several hours with Ryan yesterday and today. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with you both.

Love, Bridgette, Barry and Ryan

PS - The missionaries came up to see Ryan on Sunday night. Tom and Brenda Thompson saw them out tracting and told them about Ryan. The missionaries had lunch with Ryan today and Ryan invited them for dinner on Saturday night.

January 8, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm (Bridgette) writing Ryan's blog tonight. He has had a full day and is getting warm under his blankets after his shower.

This morning the Taylor Family came and gave Ryan a Sunday School lesson on the love we each must have for the Savior. Ryan was very touched by their thoughts and kindness.

Ryan had a short phone call with his Grandpa and Granny this afternoon. He especially enjoys calling them as well as other family members. Ryan really looks forward to seeing his grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles this summer at the family reunion.

One of Ryan's favorite English teachers, Mrs. Lawson, visited him today. It was fun to watch them interact.

Later in the day, his Priest's Quorum came with Brother Ingersoll and Brother Waite to administer the sacrament to Ryan, Barry and I. Brother Waite taught a great lesson and the young men broke their fast with the help of some snacks they brought. It was an impressive, uplifting sight to see Brett, Taylor, Danny, Michael, Corbin, Justin and Russell in their white shirts and ties coming down the hall.

Ryan did a lot of resting this weekend, especially today. He will need his strength during the coming week for physical and occupational therapy. He plans to work very hard this week. It's always exciting to see improved movement and strength in his hands. We are grateful for each of the miracles he experiences.

We are especially thankful for your prayers and fasting on Ryan's behalf. Thank you for your emails, visits and love. We definitely feel of your strength.

Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and family

January 7, 2006

Today (Saturday) was a restful day for me. I didn’t get into the wheel chair until 3;00. I was able to stay in the wheel chair for about 4.5 hours. The new wheel chair I have is electric, and offers me much more self- independence, and speed! My dad and sister, Kaitlyn, brought my dog Sadie as a surprise today. She, Sadie, immediately jumped up on my lap and started licking my face. I had to use the strength I have regained during therapy to fend her off. I then took the wheel Chair for a spin, with Sadie on my lap. It was very similar to the times that I gave Sadie rides in my jeep, in that she sat on my lap with her tongue and ears flapping in the breeze.

I had many visitors today, special thanks to Jeff Jackson who brought me a basketball signed by all my Saturday morning basketball buddies. I have enjoyed all of the gifts and visitors I have had, many of which have been especially touching to me. One of these gifts was a giant get- well card signed by many of my co- workers at Bailey’s moving and storage. This great card was bought by my awesome and supportive boss, Chris Becker, who visits me frequently, along with Duane Karrey, my dispatcher, and one of bailey’s owners, an amazing man named Kevin Beckstead. Another awesome gift was from my Aunt Julie who gave me a photo album with pictures of and notes from my Granny, Grampa, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends. Last, but certainly not least, I have enjoyed contributing to my brother Tyler’s gift to me, this website. I hope that you all continue to enjoy it as much as I have. Thanks to Kaitlyn for typing today’s post, and thank you all for your prayers, emails, phone calls, and visits.

Love, Ryan

January 5, 2006

Last night Ryan dictated the information in his blog. Unfortunately we were unable to save it on his site so we'll rewrite it today.

Today has been my best day just as every day and even every minute improves. I stayed up in my wheel chair for four and one-half hours and did physical therapy and occupational therapy. On Wednesday I used 1.5 pound wrist weights and today I used five pound wrist weights to do bicep curls. Gail, my physical therapist, doesn't let me hold dumbbells in my hands because she says my fingers don't have the strength to hold them confidently, especially since I would be holding them over her toes. Therapy was exhausting so I came back to my room and took a three and one-half hour nap.

We had a delicious meal from our Relief Society President, Linda Ingersoll. I also had lots of great visitors. My sister, Hayley, stayed with me on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I love having one-on-one time with my family.

Tonight they had a panel of Craig graduates come to talk to parents and patients. I was to tired to go but my parents and sisters went. Later, two of the people on the panel came by my room and talked with me. Chanda was shot in the neck when she was nine years old and is Miss Wheelchair Colorado. She uses a power wheel chair and has a golden retriever service dog named Flint. She has graduated from college in sociology. Justin is 24 and he was in a car accident when he was 19. Justin is a Columbine High School survivor. The shootings occurred his junior year. He was at Craig five years ago. He graduated from CU Boulder in psychology and wants to be a physical therapist. He is living in Provo, Utah, and works with a man there that has a program called "Sit Tall, Stand Tall." Justin's injury is lower than mine and he is now able to walk with crutches. His family lives in Littleton and he will be moving back here in a couple of months. He has a very optomistic attitude and offered his continued support along with contact information for others. It was great to talk with them.

Emails, telephone calls and especially visits from friends and family have been the best possible therapy these past two weeks. I go to bed every night very happy and optomistic about my situation and thinking of you as I close my eyes.

I love and appreciate you all very much.

Ryan

January 4, 2006

Ryan is feeding himself delicious toffee ice cream and black raspberry chip ice cream courtesy of his Jensen cousins from Cincinnati. Thank you! Thank you!

Today's highlights:

Ryan received a phone call from Brother Merv Arnold, the Area President in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Diane Paynter knows Brother Arnold and emailed him about Ryan's accident. George Paynter is the "concrete" man who helped Ryan enormously on his Eagle project. Ryan really enjoyed visiting with Brother Arnold!

Ryan got a new manual wheel chair today. It is a "quickie" with red chrome and he will be able to do wheelies on it by himself (in due time)!

Ryan had further sensory testing today and was in his wheel chair longer than he has ever been, close to three and one-half hours. Tonight was quad rugby in the gym but Ryan was too tired to go down and watch. They play rugby every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:30. Ryan is looking forward to participating!

Ryan's middle finger on his left hand has begun moving with his ring finger and pinky finger. We are excited each day to see the improvements he is making.

James and Stacey Meyer helped Ryan with his physical therapy this morning. We encourage you to also visit Ryan during therapy sessions when he is most active and happy!

Eileen Goulding and her son, Troy, also visited us today. Troy is a graduate of Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. He sustained his injury 13 years ago in a diving accident. They showed us their wheelchair accessible van. Troy will soon get a new van that he will be able to drive his wheelchair into and drive with his hands. The innovations they have for quads is amazing!
Ryan is very optomistic and happy to hear about Troy's adjustment to life away from Craig.

January 3, 2005

Today has been another great day for Ryan in spite of the fact that he has run a fever for the last couple of days and the infectious disease specialist thinks he may be reacting to the medications he is taking. After an injury it is hard for SCI patients to regulate their body temperature. Nevertheless, he continues to have a positive attitude and to work hard. He had physical therapy and occupational therapy for an hour each. The therapists did a lot of testing today to determine his "base line" ability to move the different muscles in his fingers, hands, arms and shoulders. Ryan and our family are beginning to get to know other spinal cord injury patients and their families at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. As we meet other SCI patients we realize Ryan is very fortunate to have some use of his fingers, hands and arms. As always, Ryan enjoyed visiting with those people who came to the hospital to see him today. Tonight, Ryan's sister Hayley will be staying at the hospital with him. I'm missing our late night "chats" and hand massage and prayers together. Ryan continues to be an inspiration to me and we all feel so lucky Heavenly Father sent him to our family. Thank you again for your emails, phone calls and cards. We feel very loved!

A Picture of Ryan

We will have more pictures to come. This one is from Hayley and Ryan Hatch's wedding.

Visiting Hours and Therapy Sessions

Ryan has developed a little of his Grandpa Warren’s talent for storytelling and loves to have visitors. There are no set visiting hours at Craig Hospital so Ryan is able to receive visitors from about 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Ryan needs to rest and maybe even have a little nap during the day.

Ryan has physical and occupational therapy this week as follows:

Monday 1/9

Occupational Therapy 11-12

Physical Therapy 1-2

Tuesday 1/10
Therapeutic Rec 1:30 tp 300
Family Conference 3-4

Wednesday 1/11
Physical Therapy 10-11
Occupational Therapy 3-4

Thursday 1/5
Physical Therapy 10-11
Occupational Therapy 3-4

Friday 1/6
Physical Therapy 10-11
Occupational Therapy 3-4

You are welcome to attend anytime between 8 am and 8 pm, including during physical and occupational therapy. PT and OT times change each week so we will be updating the times each week. Ryan would love to see you!

January 2, 2006

When Ryan first arrived at the hospital after his accident, he had very little movement or feeling in either hand and severe neurological pain throughout both. Since then, he has regained a lot of feeling and movement in his right hand and can move the fingers independently. Oh his left hand he has sensory perception throughout the hand expect on the end of his pinkie. Last night, for the first time, Ryan was able to move the pinkie on his left hand. The pinkie is controlled by the spinal cord at a vertebra at a lower point than the other fingers. Knowing this gives hope that Ryan will regain more movement throughout the rest of his fingers on his left, although there are no guarantees. For anyone who has ever heard Ryan play the piano, you can understand how exciting this news is.

Yesterday we posted some information about an experimental research study in which Ryan was hoping to be a participant. One of the prerequisites for paricipation was that the bruise on the spinal cord be less than 30mm long. (a little over an inch) When the MRIs were taken yesterday, they revealed that Ryan’s spinal cord bruise had grown to 37mm from the 28mm measurement taken immediately after the accident. Ryan will not be able to participate in the study. Ryan feels that, “This was Heavenly Father’s answer as to whether or not we should participate in the study. Not participating in the study will allow me to continue with rehabilitation and not experience the effects of major surgery again.” Ryan’s sister, Whitney, did some research and found that 53 SCI research studies are in progress in the world today. Many of the studies can only be done after a year of rehabilitation. Ryan’s participation in the current study would have likely precluded him from participation in later studies. He will have many opportunities yet to come as the field of SCI medicine advances!

Proneuron Experiment

Ryan may have the opportunity to participate in an experimental operation that may increase his chances of getting some limited feeling below his current level of complete paralysis-about midway down his chest. The research experiment began in Israel and yielded encouraging results. However, as is common in the first phase of research experiments, there was no control group to compare against. The experimental surgery is in phase II and is offered in six locations in the United States. The FDA has approved the experiment for 61 patients, Ryan would be number 44. About 2/3 of the patients will be in the experimental group and receive the new treatment while 1/3 will be in the control group and not receive the new treatment. Ryan will find out Monday, January 2nd whether he qualifies for the experiment and whether he will be in the experimental group or the control group.

The experimental procedure attempts to create healing in the spinal cord that naturally occurs elsewhere in the body but does not occur in the spinal cord because it has no blood flow to it. Non-spinal cord injuries are healed when white blood cells at the injury site produce macrophages (white blood cells) that repair the damaged tissue. In order to simulate this process in the spinal cord, a patient’s skin and blood are combined and injected into the spinal cord in six sites about 1.5” below the injury site. In order to qualify for the experiment, Ryan must have the surgery within 14 days after his injury and must pass a number of detailed screening tests. Ryan was tested today but has not yet received the results. If the results do not disqualify him from the experiment, he will be placed into the experimental or control group. If Ryan is placed into the experimental group, a plastic surgeon will cut a diamond shaped piece of skin out of Ryan’s inner upper arm. The cut will measure about 2 1/4” x 4 1/2”. Also, Ryan will have some of his blood drawn from his chest above his heart because it has the highest oxygen content there. The skin and blood will be combined and the white blood cells will be incubated for 36 hours before an operation to inject it into his spinal cord. The surgery will be delicate, requiring the surgeon to remove the rods on the back of Ryan’s spinal column inserted during his first surgery, cut through the dura, make the macrophage injections and cover the incision with dura from a cadaver.

Ryan has been optimistic about the experiment from the first time he heard about it. Ryan is in excellent health and would be a great candidate for the surgery. Nevertheless, 1/3 of all those who are involved in the experiment will be in the control group and not receive the experimental treatment. Ryan feels that even if he does not receive the treatment, he feels he can contribute to the experiment as a whole. For more information about the experiment, look at www.spinalcordtrial.com

Craig Hospital

On Wednesday, December 28^th, Ryan was transferred to Craig Hospital, one of the best spinal cord injury rehabilitation hospitals in the world. SCI patients usually arrive at Craig between 7 and 111 days after their injury. Because of Ryan’s excellent health and positive attitude, he was able to come after just 7 days. Craig’s staff is very competent and personable. Craig is located immediately adjacent to Swedish Medical Center at 3425 S. Clarkson Street in Englewood. For more information about Craig, visit their website at www.craighospital.org

Ryan’s Email

We have felt very supported by the many people who have contributed so much to Ryan’s recovery. If you would like to email Ryan, you can do so at ryanjordanwalters@gmail.com The same link is listed at the top of the page on the left hand side. Ryan has received many inspiring words of encouragement and we may wish to share them with others; in your email, please indicate if you would feel comfortable having your letter posted on the blog. If no preference is indicated, the letter will not be posted.

Ryan’s Testimony

On Christmas Eve, Ryan shared a testimony that was read on Christmas in several Sacrament Meetings:

I am so thankful for all of the visitors that have come to visit me. There have been over 100 people from church and work along with family and friends that have come to visit me and tell me they are praying for me.

I am very thankful for the movement and feeling that I have in my head, arms and hands.

Prayers and kind words of ward members and friends have been the greatest healing medicine during this time.

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in these Latter Days. Especially at this time of year I am very thankful for the anniversary of both the prophet Joseph Smith’s birthday and the Savior Jesus Christ’s birthday.

Through this experience I have grown to know, that Jesus Christ has done more for my soul and the souls of all of us, than anyone that has ever lived here. That Joseph Smith was his prophet and that he did more for my soul than any other man that lived in it except Jesus Christ.

I want you all to know, that Jesus Christ has replaced my fear and anger with hope and joy through small examples of kindness and the sweet feeling of the Holy Ghost.

I also know that one day my body and my mind will be connected perfectly as they once were. I know this, through the example of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.

I know that Jesus Christ has felt every pain and sorrow that I have felt during this experience and throughout my whole life.

I don’t know why this happened, at the time in which it did. But I know that if I let it, it can be an experience which will bring me and others closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I have a strong desire to go and serve a full time mission; I know that one day I will serve a full time mission. And in preparation for that mission, I will be a missionary now!

Thank you all so much for your great examples and loving remarks and your faithful prayers on my behalf. I pray that this experience may bring to others the same love for the atonement and Jesus Christ as it has brought to me.

If my going through this experience can help me to help God with even just one person to join the church or even regain their faith and become active in the church, then this small sacrifice I am going through will be well worth it.

This church is true; I know this. And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ryan's Accident

On Wednesday, December 21^st Ryan was working as a professional mover, a job he has had since May to earn money for a two year mission in Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lumber fell on Ryan, breaking his neck, and resulting in a spinal cord injury.

Cat scans and MRI’s revealed that Ryan had broken the sixth and seventh vertebrae. At about 5:00 pm, Ryan was taken into surgery for a six hour operation. During that operation, a permanent plate was attached to the front of vertebrae 5, 6, and 7. A pair of rods were attached to the back of the same vertebrae. The surgeon felt the operation was a success and resulted in a solid structure that would protect the damaged spinal cord by effectively fusing together the three vertebrae.

Ryan has use of his arms but has no feeling from about the middle of his chest. We pray for, have faith in, and expect miracles in the days to come. Those miracles will be chronicled in periodic updates to this website.