June 1 update

Sorry for not updating the blog sooner, it was a busy Memorial Day weekend. The good news is that a fraternity brother of ours got married in New Orleans this weekend, so Ryan had several out of town visitors the past few days. Ryan still perks up a good bit when he sees a friend for the first time.

There are a few milestones to report since the last update. Ryan’s trach tube was removed, so now we are free to push him around the hospital in his wheelchair. A group of us took him outside last Thursday. It was the first time he’s been outside since the accident. He appeared to enjoy the fresh air and freedom to move about. Obviously, late May in New Orleans is a little steamy, so we only stayed outside for 20-30 minutes.

Ryan is definitely making strides with his physical therapy. There’s increased motion in his arms and legs. Unfortunately, his curiosity is getting him in trouble, as he’s constantly fidgeting with things around him. For his own safety, the doctors decided it was best to temporarily restrain an arm so he doesn’t hurt himself.

It seems as though Ryan’s speech therapy is also effective in increasing his desire and ability to speak. You can tell he’s curious about being able to talk again. When we visited yesterday, we could hear him “singing” from a few doors down. He’s starting to string together sentences too…sometimes relating to his dislike of the restraints. Doctors say it’s common for patients to have this period of discomfort as they start putting the pieces back together. The fact that he is becoming agitated is considered progress.

Thanks for checking the blog. Hopefully we’ll have more good news to report in the coming days.