As we mentioned in our previous post, Ryan has been moved to Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center in Slidell, LA. He is undergoing the same treatment as he was receiving at Touro, including three different types of therapy - physical, occupational and speech. He is in therapy 5 days a week from 9am to 2 or 3pm. The visiting hours are pretty much any time that he's not in therapy. He usually eats dinner around 5:15 and goes to bed around 9pm. His address and driving directions from New Orleans are listed at the bottom of this post.
While Trinity is about 30 - 45 minutes outside of New Orleans, it's still really important that we continue to visit Ryan every opportunity we have. Interacting with his friends is a very essential kind of therapy for him. Frank and Carol have expressed to us how much they appreciate every visit that his friends make, and they can really tell that it's making a big difference in Ryan's recovery. The cards and pictures are also very helpful if you'd like to keep sending them to Trinity!
Jenny and Jessica went to see him recently and had a great visit. He now has an unrestricted diet and can eat anything. Whenever we ask him what he'd like to eat, he usually says Po'boys or pizza. So Jenny and Jessica brought him a roast beef Po'boy and sweet potato fries from Parkway. He LOVED it and asked for two Po'boys next time! If you are planning to visit him, try to think of one of his favorite meals and take it with you. While I don't think he can eat a full meal in one sitting, the nurses will package it up and keep any leftovers in the frig for him.
Even though Ryan has come a very long way, he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers and we'll continue to post stories of our visits.
New address:
Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center
Attn: Ryan Porcelli, Room 131B
1400 Lindberg Drive
Slidell, LA 70458
Tel: (985) 641-4985
Driving directions from New Orleans (provided by Ryan's Dad):
Take Interstate 10 East from NOLA, go about 29 miles, including over the lake, and get off at Exit 266 (sign says Slidell-Gause Boulevard). As exit, stay left and make a left turn at the first light onto Gause Boulevard. Proceed under the overpass (Interstate 10), and go through 2 or 3 lights until you get to Kensington Boulevard. Make a left (there is a Radio Shack and a gas station at this intersection), and drive about a ½ mile. You will see Trinity in front of you as the road bends to the left. Enter the parking lot. You will need to sign in at the reception desk, which fronts the parking lot.
