Outlook (Latest 3/17)

Ryan is now on crutches and can move around faster each day. He is able to stand longer but still favors the good leg.
Ryan should be back in school be the beginning of April. By then he should be comfortable on the crutches and handle stairs and other obstacles.

Schooling (Latest 3/17)
Ryan's teacher, Mrs. Spencer will probably home tutor him while he is out of school.

Both second grade classes had their picture taken attempting to blow bubbles. The pictures were put in a four albums which included a copy of each student's bubble gum poem. Ryan is looking at Colin's. He really enjoyed looking at the pictures. The poster next to Ryan's head is Chris's depiction of Ryan blowing a bubble.
We hope that he will be going back to school by April.

How It Happened
On Saturday December 15th, the kids asked to go out and play in the snow before dinner. In the past years they would sled down the shale bank in the back yard. For some reason tonight they decided to go down near the side of the house. Of course this part is not only higher but basically a vertical drop. Erinn called to Robyn that Ryan was complaining he couldn't get up off the ground. Robyn told her to get him in her sled. Ryan wasn't able to do so. Robyn then called Sean to go out and check on him. Ryan stated that his left leg was hurting. Sean tried to get him to stand up on his other leg but as soon as he tried to get Ryan up he screamed in pain. Being that it was very dark he was carried into the house and placed on the kitchen floor. We took his snow pants off carefully as he whimpered. Seeing nothing wrong we then took off his jeans which brought out a few screams from Ryan. Looking at his leg we saw nothing wrong though Ryan seemed to indicate his knee was hurt.
The Hill
Below are three pictures of the hill Ryan went down without the snow of course. Colin is included to give you an idea as to the height. Believe he might of gone over the rock that is sticking out.

Emergency Room On the phone the pediatrician had us do some quick checking for feeling along the leg which showed nothing wrong. They then told us to call for an ambulance. Putting him on the back board was painful to see and hear. Sean rode with him in the ambulance with Robyn following behind. He was taken right to a bed and saw by the attending shortly afterwards. X-rays showed a spiral fracture of his thigh bone. An ortho was called in and he told us of the seriousness of the break. He suggested we go outside of Kingston for care as locally this kind of a break is seen rarely. He reassured us that the growth plates looked good and he should recover fully. (Click on any picture to enlarge it)

Albany Medical Hospital (60 miles north of Kingston) Arrangements were made to bring him to Albany Medical. About five hours after arriving to the emergency room Ryan left with Robyn to Albany. Upon arrival a team of ortho specialists were waiting to examine him. It was decided that the break could not be repaired by an operation. Nature would first have to start the process. Ryan would be put in traction to keep him still so the calcium builds up around the separated bones. The doctors described this as the bones getting sticky. After a few weeks how the healing process proceeds would decide the next course of action. Robyn gave permission for insertion of the threaded rod above his knee to allow for suspension of his leg. He was given some kind of amnesia drug. The doctors completed the operation and added the traction setup to Ryan's bed in a short period of time. Robyn was very impressed in everything she saw with the Albany doctors.

The Next Day (Sunday) No one slept well that night. In the morning the doctors explained once again what they hope would happen. They stated that because of his age he should be fine long term, but they expressed that they needed to wait before determining the next step. Ryan was in a lot of pain especially when making slight movements. Sean then made the trip to Albany to change places with Robyn. The plan was to take her home and then him to stay with Ryan. The weather was horrible and the Thruway was rough going. Cars were off the road everywhere. We made the switch put it was difficult. Ryan didn't sleep well in fact not at all. Everytime his eyes close he would startle awake jerking his arms and or leg and of course screaming in pain. He never slept more than five minutes. The planned birthday party for the Boy's was cancelled.

Monday (12/17) It was a difficult day for Ryan. He was never able to get any sleep during the day. The pain medicine helped but the pain was too much. Ryan complained that his right leg was in pain, so Sean asked for and x-ray of it just to be sure an injury wasn't overlooked. Ryan was given his birthday present of a Nintento DS early so he would have something to do as he was flat on his back with only one cheek down. Today was Brandon's birthday and he was a bit forgotten. Robyn came back up and replaced Sean. She is planning on staying the week.

Tuesday (Birthday) Ryan was able to sleep at one point for an hour and half but he was suffering from the lack of deep sleep. Sean brought up Colin and we tried to celebrate the boys birthdays. Santa stopped by while his brother was visiting and both received a present. We were told that most likely Ryan would be put in a full body cast in a few weeks. Whether they have to add hardware to his leg is yet to be determined. We have taped some of his many birthday cards on the wall. The big card below made by his classmates. The smaller ones were made by his fellow cub scouts.

Wednesday (12/19)Ryan slept for five hours at one point during the night but he was still jerking awake. A muscle relaxer was tried but he became too wired. His pain level was down to a 2 out 10 at times and he was asking for less medicine. Ryan was given crafts to do and was paid a visit by the Sienna basketball team. He told his mom that they were all very tall. He got a shirt that he said he needs to grow to wear and Dad can't wear it. His pain was down to a half by evening. Hopefully he can get a full nights sleep. Sean stayed home to get house errands and xmas shopping done. Thursday (12/20) Ryan had an even better night. Didn't sleep through the night but he was only up once for a few hours. He said he is very little pain and can move a little without wincing now. The jerking isn't occurring as much. He is now eating well now. Friday (12/21) Ryan made it through the day without pain meds. He had a fever and at first they gave him the wrong amount of Motrin. Luckily the error was on the lower side of dosage. Sean dropped Erinn off at gymnastics in Saugerties at 6pm and then switched places with Robyn. Robyn was supposed to pick up her up at 8pm but ran late because of a traffic delay in Albany. Luckily, Erinn was able to leave with friends and Robyn caught up with them a little after 8pm. Ryan is looking forward to do some head to head gaming on the Nintento's. Robyn looking forward to get home and in her own bed as her sinus's are bothering her. Though doubtfully she will get much sleep as still have some xmas shopping to finish and wrapping to start.

Saturday (12/22) Ryan had another good night. Sean setup a small Christmas tree. We weren't’t allowed to use electric lights so we were able to find some battery power lights. The kids picked some of the smaller ornaments from the tree at home for Ryan’s tree. Ryan came down with a little bit of a fever and needed more Motrin which he hates. The only favor they have is orange and he pretty much cries when even thinking he has to take it. He had a little bit of pain too. Lying flat on your back for any extended time causes problems with your lungs which could be causing the slight on and off fever. Ryan was a given a breathing device that he needs to do hourly to fully inflate his lungs to reduce complications. The portable x-ray machine was used to take some x-rays. We were able to slide a film underneath him for a chest x-ray without any problems. They also took some pelvis and legs shots. We are surprised he isn’t snacking much between meals. He received a lot of cookies, pop tarts and candy that has hardly been touched. The temperature on the floor of the hospital varied quite a bit during the week. Sometimes it was hot and dry and other times very cool. Robyn found out her sinus's are infected. Brandon and Chelsea Tutt with their mom stopped by with cards and gifts. Ryan was happy to have someone else to talk with. Chelsea made a card that was signed by the students at school. One even wrote that he didn't know Ryan but wished him well. Some of Robyn's friends came over to help with wrapping. The kids were farmed out for the evening. Grandma took Brandon out to eat, Erinn went her friend's house for the night and Colin spent time with Sarah's (classmate and neighbor) family snowmobiling. We have decided that it will be impossible for Robyn to continue with daycare for the near future because everything is up in the air with Ryan's future care.

Sunday (12/23) Ryan woke up around midnight need pain meds. He seems to be on the one side of the bed which could be causing the pain. Forget about moving him as he will start whining even discussing it. Sean was able to talk him into allowing his leg to be lifted to reposition the foam thigh brace. He was able to move the foam lower by lifting Ryan’s heel without causing any pain. Ryan’s teenage neighbor left today and not only is his room quiet but the whole floor seems very still. Sean gave Ryan a sponge bath and with the help of a nurse changed his bedding. We were able move him around with only a few screams. The PlayStation2 cart has been in the room the last few days. He has been great about doing different activities. He will play on the DS for a little while, watch tv, complete a puzzle or two from one of his books and even work on a Lego during a typical day. Hate thinking that he is getting into a routine as this would mean that we are all getting to used to his condition.

Monday (Christmas Eve) Ryan's teacher Mrs. Spencer and her daughter stopped by. Ryan is seen looking at the picture book of his classmates wearing pirate hats. The class was reading a pirate story before the break (xmas break that is). He really enjoyed talking about them with her. The family stopped by for a gaming session. Ryan was real happy to see everyone and have some healthily competition. We opened Ryan's gifts to us. It was good therapy to have the family together even if they fought on occasions.

Tues (Christmas) Robyn brought presents up yesterday that Sean placed on Ryan's bed and in a chair where he could see them when he woke up. They both woke up around 7am after a decent night of sleep though a new baby patient (next room) was crying a lot early in the evening. The German Shepard Apollo and his owner visited for a second time this week. The owner's wife and him adopted Apollo as a puppy. Twenty months ago his wife passed away from cancer. Apollo was trained and since then taken to bedsides at the hospital. He even gave Ryan some Toys R Us gift certificates. Santa stopped by once again bringing even more gifts. Robyn came up to relieve Sean who was looking forward to his own bed and pillow. Brandon came up for the change over too and played some games with Ryan.

Wednesday (12/26) Ryan woke up during the night needing meds. He went back to sleep before they had a chance to give it to him. Otherwise, he slept very well. The doctors came in at 11am and informed Robyn that the bones were not lining up the way they expected them too. She was told of three options all involving surgery; longitudal rod, pins or plate. Rod - Not a good option because his bones are too small. Pins - Insertion of pins that would hold the bones in place and also stick out of the skin. There is a chance he could rebreak the leg if he puts weight on it. Also means a longer hospital stay. Plate - Insertion of a plate to hold the bones together. A cast would be added and he could go home shortly afterwards. A second operation would be required to remove the plate. Traction - He could be kept in traction for a few more weeks to see if the bones do come together but if they don't........ Initially they asked Ryan to stop eating for a possible afternoon surgery. We are not allowed to use cell phones on the children's floor so Sean was calling the room every 15 minutes because the doctors were supposed to come back in an hour. Around 1pm Robyn was told that the doctors would be talking with her and that Ryan could eat but only until midnight. The doctors told her the rods or pins were the best options but they wanted to wait for another doctor's opinion before deciding on the best option. This doctor would be stopping by in the morning so Ryan was able to finally eat. Right now it's our understanding he will have surgery in the morning. Robyn is going to determine if they have scheduled the surgery, but in any case Sean will come up early.

Thursday (12/27) Ryan had woken up during the night complaining of pain. He was very hungry in the morning but wasn't allowed to have anything because of the impending surgery. While Sean was driving up to Albany Robyn called to inform him that the surgery was called off for the day and that Ryan can eat. At the hospital one of the group's residents told us that the head doctor (chairman) of the group opted to continue with the traction. The x-rays don't show much of a calcium buildup as of yet but they did show that part of bone wasn't lining up as expected. They needed to change the angle of his leg to get the bones closer.They will be back later to make the changes to the traction setup. Ryan was upset for most of the morning as the IV line didn't allow for him to us his DS or play PlayStation. After Robyn left for home and he had his lunch the nurse remove the IV and he was back to fine. In the afternoon a different group of doctors stopped by. We must have seen what seems like about twenty different doctors from the same group over the last two weeks. The lead of this group explained the reason for the continuing traction. He stated that Ryan might be in a cast in another week. Later on another group with some familiar faces arrived to make the changes which really didn't amount to much though his leg had was angled a little differently.. This changed caused Ryan some pain but he settled down and was his normal self about an hour later.

Friday (12/28) Ryan's baby room mate monitor kept going off during the night but Ryan and Dad were able to sleep through most of the night. About eight doctors showed up as both woke up to do a quick check on the setup. They expressed hope that the x-rays schedule for later would show positive results from the traction change. A volunteer Colin stopped by and played some board games with Ryan. Ryan dreads the pin care whereby hydro-peroxide solution is applied to skin around the thread rod going through his leg. The solution is used to keep the wound from getting infected and help stop the skin from attaching to the rod. He cries when he knows a particular nurse is coming to do it as she causes the most pain.

Saturday (12/29) Ryan had a good night again. Hasn't needed any pain medicine for a while now. His leg still hurts when bumped but at least we don't hear the wrenching scream anymore. Mom came up with Colin and the boys played with one another for a little while. Dad was tired after a bad night of sleep so Colin and him left for home about an hour or two later.

Sunday (12/30) Ryan had a good night and day though the foam pad holding up his leg slides towards his knee and is rubbing his skin raw.

Monday (12/30) Sean took Robyn's place at the hospital after spending a few hours clearing the driveway from the 8 inches of week snow. Sean was able to use medical tape to hold the foam away from Ryan's knee. Ryan received another room mate after having the room to himself for day. Ryan wanted to stay up to see the ball drop. He made it to about 11:30pm before his eyes started to close. He asked Dad to hold them open until midnight.

Tuesday (New Year's Day) The pin care was especially painful today. The skin is growing around the pins and the nurses have to push it back which causes him extreme pain. Robyn had trouble getting to Albany as we received another 4 inches and the Thruway was not plowed going north. On the way home the Sean had trouble as the Thruway was backed as soon as he got on. Ended up getting off early and taking the back roads. Then once he home had to clear snow once again. At home everyone is spending the night cleaning up their Christmas toys and getting ready for school. Luckily it's a short week and everyone should make it through it. Hopefully the doctors will give us some news about Ryan's future this week.

Thursday (1/3)
While Ryan was being taken to surgery around 8am his surgery got bumped because of an emergency operation. So after having his bed carted down the elevator and through to another building he was brought back to his room. Of course there were a few bumps along the way that caused him some pain. He wasn't allowed to eat as they were hoping his surgery could be squeezed in at some point.
Around 1:30 they took him again and removed the rod and added a cast. The procedure took about a hour and then another hour in recovery before he was brought back to his room.
The doctors told Robyn that the x-rays were never the same because he moved around during the days between them. They felt that his bones were ready and that everything went well. We are worried that his leg might be shorter and the doctor didn't think it will be but will not know for sure until the cast comes off.
Robyn was also told that he could go home on Friday but we aren't sure that will happen as he is in some pain and we are not prepared to accommodate him at home. There is going to be someone talking with Robyn tomorrow about things such as rental of a hospital bed and a special wheel chair that will be needed at home.
Everyone is excited that he is going to finally make it home. We are hoping it will be Saturday or Sunday.

Sunday (1/6) - 3 Weeks Since The Accident
A good sleep for all except for Robyn as the couch wasn't very comfortable and ended up sleeping on the floor. Everyone is getting comfortable with the new situation. We still are moving things around so that he has everything within reach. He didn't like the idea of using sippy cups but we told him he we were not going to be holding his drinks for him anymore.
Lying flat presents some problems for him that we all take for granted. He has to take stool softener to make #2 much easier which he can't stand the taste of. We even tried to mixed it with milk and that really didn't help much. He hasn't gone #2 since the operation so we are expecting the dam to break at anytime now. Luckily it's warm out and when it breaks we will be probably have to air the house out quickly.
A nurse came by as assigned to check Ryan out. She doesn't think he needs her services so she might come back to complete a final exam. She did instruct us on how to prevent bed sores which are caused by lying in one place for an extended period of time.

Saturday (2/9) - Pinewood Derby
Ryan had his first outing other than a doctor's appointment. It was Pinewood Derby Day for the Cub Scouts. Dad built Ryan's and Colin's car based upon their design they drew on a wood block. Ryan was given VIP treatment by everyone. Some of his classmates are scouts and they were finally excited to see him. He was placed at the end of the track so that he could get an unobstructed view of the action. Colin was responsible putting both cars on and off the track.
Each car is raced multiple times against three other cars. Both Ryan's and Colin's cars faced each other only once with Colin the winner and Ryan coming in second. That was the only race Ryan didn't come in first. Colin and the third place finisher had a photo finish which allowed Colin's car to go undefeated and securing first place overall. Ryan having only lost one race was the second place finisher.
They decided to stick around to defend their Wolf title by racing against the winners of the Bears and Webelo's. Of the nine racers they tied for fifth place and just missed out of getting a pack trophy by a few points. They still go home with their 1st and 2nd place medals after having a fun but long day.

Sunday (2/24)

Ryan slept in his bed for the first time last night. Since he hasn't slept in it for over two months he was uncomfortable. He didn't have any problems during the night so he will continue sleep in his room now. Colin is happy to have him back.
We have also allowed Ryan to use the wheelchair to get around downstairs. He is real happy to have the freedom and was finally able to use the computer. The laptop is old and doesn't allow him to play many of his favorite games. And finally, he was welcomed back at the dinner table. Though by the end of dinner we thought about allowing him to eat in the other room because of the increase noise.
A therapist has visited twice and will visit three times a week. Ryan has exercises to do to strength his muscles in his legs and stomach area. He is even allowed to stand for a few minutes on his good leg. Both legs look pretty skinny as compared to Colin. The skin is still flaking off but hopefully after a few more baths that should go away.

Monday (2/25) - Cub Scout Meeting

Robyn and Mr. Trott (Ryan and Colin's cub scout master) thought it would be a good idea to have a den meeting at our house. The boys worked on numbers in foreign languages and did some invisible writing. Everyone had a good time.

Thursday (2/28) - Dentist Visit

If Ryan didn't have enough going on the dentist discovered that he has another extra adult tooth located in the gums in roof of his mouth. The only way to remove it is to have surgery. We have scheduled another appointment with a specialist to determine the options as will have to be removed at some point.

Thursday (3/6) - Geography Challenge

Ryan and Colin have been invited to participate in the 2nd Grade Geography Challenge after-school program on Thursdays. We talked with the school and received permission to bring Ryan into school for the program. For the hour or so there Robyn remains in the building in case Ryan needs any special care. Ryan really enjoyed it. We would like to thank their teachers, Mrs. Spencer and Mrs. Kraft for inviting them into the program and for getting Ryan involved even though he is still out of school.

Monday (3/10) - Doctor Visit

Another doctor visit which Ryan can finally ride in the van sitting normally. The x-ray without the cast shows more detail and the doctor told us everything looks great. He would like Ryan to put some weight on the leg and even gave him the okay to start using crutches. Colin noticed one day that Ryan's leg were very hairy and once we had the two of them sit side by side there was quite a difference. Ryan had long and dark hair (much like an adult) starting at his knee caps on both legs. The doctor told us this can happened and it isn't know why other than a by product of the accident itself but should go away soon.

Tuesday (3/11) - Swimming

Robyn talked with the swimming director at the YMCA and got Ryan back into swimming lessons. We were worried that he wouldn't be able to tread water so he was upset when we told him that he had to wear a float at first. But to Robyn's amazement he was able to tread water and did quite well. His thearpist mentioned the following day that his legs appeared to be much looser. Special thanks to Dawn at the Y for helping us out.
Ryan doesn't get to go out much but he finally had an opportunity to go out on the wheel chair and play lacross with his sister Erinn.

Monday (3/17) - Crutches

Ryan is getting quite good on crutches and gets around without much of a problem. Navigating stairs will take awhile though and is probably the last obstacle he has to get over before going back to school. He doesn't have any pain but favors his good leg when standing.