Saints Game for Ryan!

Ryan's ticket to the Superbowl grudge match between the Saints and the Colts THIS SUNDAY 10/23 is still available. Please remember that all proceeds go towards Ryan's recovery, plus you'll get to enjoy a great game at the Deauxme.

Please email me at jim@pnola.org if you want to make a contribution and attend the game.

Ryan > Red Sox

Ryan has settled back into his same room at the rehab facility (Trinity) after his successful reverse "t-top" as his doctors way back when at University Hospital called the original procedure. Still a very visible scar from his two surgeries, but his hair filled back in and he is sporting a Goatee now (I think a full beard looks better, but I may be biased).

Ryan was tired this afternoon when we got there (another Reuben from Parkway in tow), but we chatted a bit. He didn't seem to be terribly aware the Red Sox had...well, you know, so I let my uncontrollable temptation to razz him about it go. We looked at some fun pics on my phone, left crank calls on his own voicemail, and then it was dinner time so we split.

The nurse we spoke to indicated that he was making steady progress and that they were all rooting for him. He did experience his regular leg spasms while we were there, which was tough to watch because there is nothing you can do until the meds kick in, but, in the spirit of the title of this post, he powered through rather than withered away like SOME people we know. I look forward to the day that Ryan can go back and read this post and yell at me for talking bad on the Red Sox behind his back.

Ryan is better than the Red Sox.

Thanks to Myranda for joining me for the Saint's victory against the Texans a few weeks ago and for making a contribution toward Ryan's Superdome! The next home game is a Superbowl grudge match against the Colts, minus a certain Manning. Should still be a great game and great time to relive some awesome Superbowl memories. I expect each of you to clamor for Ryan's ticket so you can be there when we Two Dat them. You'll be making a great contribution towards Ryan's recovery as well. Email me at jim@pnola.org. Do it!

Back at Trinity

Ryan is recovering well from his surgery. He still has a good bit of swelling in his head, but it's gradually going down. He was moved back to Trinity to resume rehabilitation yesterday. The visiting hours at Trinity are any time except when he's in rehab from 9-3 Monday through Friday.

As Jim mentioned, the cranioplasty serves as a huge milestone for Ryan. We're hopeful that it will help improve his recovery process and will surely help him feel better once the swelling has completely subsided.

We're planning to go watch a few Saints games with him over the next several weeks. Please let us know if you're interested in joining and would like to carpool to Slidell!

Ryan's Superdome Roof Repair

Ryan has been recovering from his surgery for the past couple of days and, while he is somewhat swollen, his doctors were happy with how little swelling there was. The pieces of skull that were taken out months ago went back in nicely and his 'roof repair' is a very positive step towards recovery. He will continue his recovery at University Hospital here in New Orleans for a couple more days and then will make his way back to rehab in Slidell. One thing to take note of is that his doctors felt he has made enough progress so that this surgery was possible to do safely, so not only is the procedure itself a good step, but a sign that things are going well in general. Ryan was definitely experiencing pain and discomfort related to his surgery but after that subsides he should continue to make progress. For the time being, he will be medicated often for the next two days so while you should definitely go visit, it is possible he may be asleep when you do.

On a side note...please someone contact me if you want to go to the Saints game on Sunday in exchange for donating to Ryan's recovery. Have received no interest...and I know that between y'alls love for Ryan and the Saints I just dont see how that is possible. Jim@pnola.org if you want to go! We are raising money for Ryan's house. Ryan just has his roof repaired and we want you to help do the same to his house!.

Cranioplasty Scheduled

We received an update from Ryan's parents today that his cranioplasty (replacement of the removed portions of his skull) is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 21st at 5:30am. His surgery will take place at LSU University Interim Hospital - 2021 Perdido Street - where he started out in the ICU in April. The surgery will be followed by a few days stay at the hospital, either in the ICU or on an upper floor. If it is in the ICU, the visiting hours are limited to 4 thirty minute sessions at 10am, 1pm, 5pm and 8pm. If all goes well, he will return to Trinity after he recovers.

We will update you after his surgery on Wednesday. When we have a better idea of how long he's expected to stay at LSU University, we'll update as well.

Visit last Sunday

Here is a picture of Ryan from our visit on Sunday. He was in good spirits and was looking forward to football that afternoon. We stayed outside for most of the visit to enjoy the unusually cool weather that Louisiana is experiencing now. The sombreros were mostly to keep the sun out of our eyes since Ryan’s Boston ball-caps didn’t make the trip to Slidell.

We shared many good laughs during the visit. Besides the rehab, I think the daily interaction he has with other patients is helping him to communicate better. As we roam the halls with Ryan, he says hey to friends that we pass. He also talks more clearly with us during visits. It is still difficult for him to string together full thoughts, but he has made noticeable improvements in communicating since leaving Touro.

If you have time to visit him at the new facility, definitely make the trip. We’re planning a trip up to watch a Saints game soon, so let me know if you’re interested in joining.

Settling in, in Slidell

A handful of friends visited Ryan today at his new place in Slidell to drop off some parkway and watch the Simpsons. Ryan was happy to see some new faces (friends of his who were just back in town visiting) and, even though he had just eaten dinner, was obviously excited about his Reuben(favorite sandwich at parkway) and the prospect of eating it later. After a long day of rehab and visitors, Ryan was also very tired so we cut our visit short to let him sleep.

The nursing staff at the new location are working hard to help Ryan along and, apart from the occasional hay-maker he throws their way, are very happy he is there and they are able to work with him to help him get better.

All of his stuff that he has collected made it safely from his old room at Touro and it looks great. Keep sending more cards and other signs of encouragement!

Ryan is excited to watch the Saints shred some cheese tomorrow night!