8:00 update

Not much to add as far as Ryan's condition. I just wanted to mention that Ryan has stabilized enough that he may be moved from the ICU to another location within the LSU Interim Hospital. The nurses said that if his vitals remain steady and he can stay off the ventilator, which has been the case for over 48 hours, he will be moved to a different floor. When we know his destination, I'll post it on the blog. Hopefully, the visiting hours after he moves will be less stringent; however, we should still try and stick to a schedule that doesn't overwhelm Ryan or his family. When we have a better idea of those visiting times, I'll post those as well.

In addition to Carey's post, Ryan was a little more responsive tonight than this morning and afternoon. He showed some subtle smiles, was holding/slightly squeezing people's hands and was twisting around jewelry. Things are getting a little better every visit.

Keep checking back. Take care. Have a good night.

Ryan and Classmates

Not much has changed since the last post. Ryan is still off of the sedatives and has been awake during most of the visiting hours. He continues to make eye contact when you speak to him and has been looking all around the room. The nurses are encouraging us to speak to him as much as possible, play music in the room and show him pictures. So if you're coming in town this weekend for Jazz Fest and plan to visit Ryan, bring a few CDs that you think he might enjoy or pictures that we can keep in his room.

Here are two pictures from Ryan's recent trip to Italy with his MBA class.

Becoming More Active

Ryan is mostly weaned off the heavy sedatives and pain-killers, so he is more alert and responsive throughout the day. He's still not following commands, but he's starting to make eye contact, stretch, blink, yawn and make other small movements when we're visiting. The doctors and his parents have asked that we continue to visit and talk to Ryan. Unlike last week, we are now encouraged to stimulate Ryan in the hopes that that there will be a deliberate and purposeful reaction. Ryan continues to look better too. He is off the ventilator and breathing on his own. If you're in town or coming to town, definitely try to stop by the hospital to see Ryan and his parents.