Progressing Well

Good Friday morning. Ryan is continuing to progress well. The pentobarbitol is slowly working its way out of his system and he is off the paralytic. The nurses have also reduced the fentanyl and the propofol which are positive signs. While he's running a slight fever, his blood pressure is good and much of the swelling has gone down, but most importantly, his ICP is in the single digits. His eyes are open a little and he's breathing a little over the respirator. At some point this weekend he will have the tracheotomy and feeding tube inserted directly into his stomach so that as he awakens, he won't be uncomfortable with everything going through his mouth.

Last night, Ryan's parents and a group of Ryan's classmates and former coworkers at PNOLA attended the Holy Thursday mass at Holy Name. Everyone please keep Ryan and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Ryan and friends at Brent and Caroline's wedding last summer.

Another good night! While this isn't a technical update, they have turned on the lights and TV in his room for the first time and they no longer have a nurse by his side at all times. We take this to mean the severity of his condition is decreasing. When Hayne arrived this morning, the TV was set to the Food Network (and Rachel Ray was on). Knowing Ryan, Hayne immediately changed it to ESPN. More to come later, but today is looking good.

Good Day

Ryan had another good day. His ICP remained stable at lower levels over the past 24 hours. Now that the pressure in his head is improving, the doctors have taken him off of the coma inducing medication. It will take a few days for this particular medication to wear off and he will remain sedated on other medications for the next several days as he continues to heal. While there's not much activity to report, it's encouraging that his ICP is stabilizing and that he is continuing to make small improvements. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Ryan and friends at the ACC tournament a few years ago

Status quo following tonight's visit

Things remained pretty steady throughout the day for Ryan. His ICP stayed within a safe range, and it appears his doctors are having an easier time managing the pressure than they were this weekend. Now that Ryan's ICP has quit fluctuating, his doctors are focused on keeping the rest of his vitals (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, body temp...) at appropriate levels. If things remain steady overnight, Ryan's doctors mentioned that they will once again start weaning him off the coma inducing drugs that he was placed back on following the craniectomy. Hopefully we'll have more good news to report tomorrow. Keep thinking about Ryan. Good night.

Service in aid of Ryan's Recovery

There will be a service in aid of Ryan's recovery efforts at the Holy Name of Jesus Church at 6367 St. Charles Ave. at 7pm this Thursday (4/21/11). All are welcome.

Weekend Update

Just a quick update as there's not much news to report. Ryan has had a good weekend. His ICP levels have decreased slightly over the past 24 hours and will hopefully continue to stabilize over the next few days. He is still heavily sedated and will remain so as he continues to heal.

A big group of us got together at Ryan's house yesterday to have lunch with his parents and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. His parents, Sadie and Pistol Pete are all doing well. Everyone in New Orleans remains in good spirits and we really appreciate the support from all over the country.

Please keep Ryan in your thoughts and prayers.