Sunday Visit

About ten days ago, Ryan had a pump implanted into his abdomen that releases medication to help with the leg spasms he's been experiencing. Over the past few weeks, the spasms made it difficult for him to participate in rehabilitation activities. He was previously taking pain meds to deal with the spasms, which made him too tired to do rehab as well. We're hoping that this new pump will control the spasms without the sedative effects of his old pain medications.

Ryan looked good this morning. We hung out and talked for a little bit, then went to go watch the Saint's kickoff. As Jim mentioned earlier, Ryan is rocking a nice goatee. He got a good laugh when I called him James Hetfield, so it's good to know that his knowledge of 80s-90s metal still exists. The great news about this visit is that Ryan was mostly awake and not experiencing leg spasms for the duration of the visit. Hopefully, this means he can get back to the therapy routine and start progressing again. Ryan looked the best I've seen him in weeks.

Keep visiting when you can. He thanked us for coming, so you know he appreciates it.

Ryan > Patriots

As Ryan gets better, his New England sports teams seem to get worse, as if he is
stealing all of their Mid 2000's magic. I for one say its a great trade-off, even better than Tom Brady replacing Drew Bledsoe.

Sorry for all the sports analogies...I'm a dude, it's what we do.

In any case, Ryan has gained back some of his weight and looks healthier than when I saw him last. Per usual, the afternoon visits often are when Ryan is tired from a long day of therapy and this evening was no exception. Brett and I joined Ryan for dinner and watched the New Orleans news (in Slidell, there is no news, just waffle houses). The leg spasms were clearly bothering Ryan throughout our visit and we did not get very much clear communication from him. But, we are pretty sure he likes fruit punch, a lot! Next time anyone goes up there, think about bringing him some red drank.

Ryan was sporting a goatee and finally a full head of hair. You can still see his scars from his cranioplasty and always will be able to, but it all filled in around it better than I had expected. I accidentally got some flavored peach(maybe?) type substance on his Tulane Alum shirt...but he didn't seem to mind.

Ryan didn't catch any football this weekend. If you haven't visited in awhile, perhaps during the Saints or Patriots game would be a good opportunity so you can help him make sure the right channel is on! Ryan is greater than the Patriots!

Another Saints Game! And Visit Ryan

Hey All,

The Saints are playing against Tampa Bay this Sunday. Let's get revenge Superdome Style! I have two tix available, all proceeds benefit Ryan's recovery. Please email me at jim@pnola.org if you're interested.

Thanks!

Also, I'll be going up there to visit Ryan on Tuesday if anyone is interested please let me know and we can car pool.

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!.