Update on Ryan

So, Ryan was finally discharged from Erie County Medical Center on Friday, November 21. He is now required to take antibiotics intravenously twice per day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. It takes a few minutes to hook him up (he has a PICC line, so I'm not actually weilding any needles....good news to all of us in the house!) and then an hour to run the antibiotics. This will last for 6 weeks. After that, he'll have to take oral antibiotics for 6 months to a year. Yikes! Those nasty little bugs really dug in and held on! In addition, a home-care nurse comes once per week to take blood and do a check-up.

The good news is that he saw his orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday, Nov 26 and the incision sites look good. He does not have to wear the cast anymore and he can actually get the foot wet and shower and do some normal things. The biggest hardship is that he still can not put ANY weight on the foot, so mobility is difficult. Now that winter is here, it makes it even harder since any movement is usually treacherous anyway due to snow and ice.

The doctor prescribed for Ryan something called a "Roll About Knee Walker" which is basically a scooter than he can put his knee on and propel himself with his other leg. It is great because he can actually stand up and feel a little more normal. It is easy to navigate than the wheelchair and helps with trips to the bathroom and general mobility.

The bad news is that we still have a long road and he is still at risk to lose the leg. He is really truly doing everything the doctors have told him and continues to keep his sugars under control. In fact, his sugars have been close to normal for about 3 months now!!! Regardless, it will be at least another 3 months before he'll be able to put any weight on it at all. It makes life difficult for him and everyone around him.

But...we are still getting by. Thanks to Ryan's mom, brothers, and sisters who tirelessly help with household chores, running errands, doctor's appointments, etc...we are surviving and getting everything done that needs to be. I am truly blessed to be surrounded and supported by such an amazing group of people and family!