2/28 Midday Update
Well, despite our precautions, Ryan still ended up with an infection. He has Antibiotic Associated Clostridium Difficile Colitis (C-Diff). This is a fairly common bacteria in the stomach of adults as well as children. The healthy bacteria in the stomach keep the C-Diff in check and it is not an issue for most people. For patients with low immunization systems and on antibiotics (yep, that’s Ryan) the good bacteria is not there so the C-Diff grows out of control. It can take weeks to get the bacteria in check or gone completely. So, what does this mean for Ryan? A different type of antibiotics, isolation from other patients on the floor, and the nurses have to suit up in yellow gowns and gloves when entering our room. Strangely enough, this alone doesn’t prevent visitors or prevent him from going home at some point (as he is only infectious to patients on strong antibiotics.) Continual hand washing is key to preventing the spread. I thought we were doing that enough and encouraging everyone else that came in to do the same!!! Can’t help but blame myself.
This is frustrating to say the least. I understand it is common for patients with extended stays in the hospital (10% of patients after 2 days in the hospital according to some studies) but that doesn’t make it easier. Please pray for the antibiotics to work and for Ryan to be able to interact with others as he is just beginning to feel like doing so.
I did end up getting a video camera to record some things for Ryan and to capture some video of him. While I was testing out the settings, Bryce and Deanna wanted to be on the web too, so here you go!
Oh well, enough of a brain dump for now. Thanks everyone. God Bless!
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Comments
Thinking of you and hope you get to come home soon. Love the new hair cut, it makes you look very, very handsome.
Dandy and Granny Carter send their love too.Remembering you in our prayers always. Lots of love, hugs and kisses.
GiGi and Andrea
Troy,
So sorry to hear it. It sounds like you’ve done everything you could do –just one of those things. And, we’ll pray for his speedy recovery!
Hey guys,
Don’t blame yourself. There is just nothing you can do in this case. My nephew had the same infection about a month ago. It does take a while to get through and the medication he was on had some pretty bad side effects (nothing compared to chemo!). But, after 7-10 days he was all better and I know Ryan will be, too. This just gives us another reason to pray now and praise later! Stay strong!
Leslie
Troy,
That was a stroke of genius to put Bryce and Deanna on display for all to see. It puts a more personal note to the situation and lets them be involved in a small part. They will appreciate this when they get older. Tell Ryan that we like his pics. I printed them out for pa and granny Harrison along with the posting and the comments. They are praying for you along with everybody else.
We hope to be able to come down again later this year.
Love, Dad and Pat
I Sure hope that he recovers quickly from the C-Diff. Have they said anything about giving him probiotics? They really help with this. We have had people at the Pharm with this and they had a faster recovery with it. BUT, they were not in Ryan’s condition. Just a thought for you though!
Still in prayer!
Love you All!
Kindra
Hey. I have often wondered with germs how you prevent the spread of something you cannot see. I know parents take lots of guilt on themselves so I can’t tell you not to do that but I think y’all have done a great job, for what it’s worth. That video of Deanna and Bryce is precious. Made me smile! Ryan, Carter says he loves you and really hopes you get better soon!!!!!
Our audio is out on our home computer so I will have to wait until Monday to listen to Bryce and Deanna, but it was so nice to see them. You can tell that they miss their bro. We are continuing to pray for all of ya’ll. We pray for the Lord’s mercy and grace to you and for you to be strong and courageous. Things that might be hard to see from where you are, but are always present when He is near. And He is nearer than we can all believe.
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