Ryan Update.

April 30, 2012/Ryan

We’re on day three post-op and the story is the same we’ve always told. Ryan’s sitting on high flow oxygen and nitric oxide to keep his oxygen saturations level. Every time we try to wean him he hits a wall around 8 liters per minute oxygen with 10 parts per million nitric oxide. He had several episodes Sunday when he got mad, tore out his nasal cannula and desatted into the 30s  – one with a simultaneous drop in heart rate to 90. Not fun.


For a little refresher: Oxygen saturations are basically the numbers you get when they put the little pinchy thing on your finger with the red light. Healthy people usually have an O2 sat of 95-100. Ryan’s are always lower than that – around 75 (when we get a cold our sats drop to 80 – so think lower energy). Most people satting in the 40s are in the act of dying .For him it’s critical to address those numbers and they do scramble to get him what he needs, but it’s not an all-out emergency with attendings and nurses running from all corners. I think we’ve only had two times where help came running.

It all sounds scary but the reality is Ryan doesn’t have proper breathing mechanisms in place so uses his accessory muscles to breathe every day. We use these muscles when we’re in respiratory distress – like after running… when our nostrils flare, our lungs refracts and we gulp in air. Since he utilizes these muscles every day, when he’s actually in stress there’s nothing left for him to rely on. His low sats, while concerning, are typical for him after a procedure. It always takes him a little time (usually about the time the majority of the pain subsides) to have stable sats. Now it’s just a waiting game for him to be out of pain enough to find his breathing rhythm again.



Please pray as we wait for this to happen that he won’t develop any other complications, that his little body will heal quickly and we’ll be able to keep him happy (right now morphine, toradol, and dopamine are his new (old) BFFs).

PS: The girls are doing great with their Marmi and Pop. Ainsley asked how Ryan was doing, told me she misses me, then proceeded to laugh and carry on about all their galavanting the last few days. Please pray their anxiety levels continue to be low.

Comments (15)

  • Lloyd Sisters / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    I’m praying for everyone..thanks for keeping us in the loop!! Take care Leighann!!

  • Rebecca / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Praying for you all and ryan!

  • nancygrayce / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    I’ve been following you for a while but I don’t think I’ve ever commented. Just wanted you to know I’m stopping to pray for Ryan now.

  • Lisa / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Praying still, praying for peace and comfort and the energy to get thru the days (which I know can be long and boaring, we like boaring but I think you know what I mean)

    Thankful the girls are doing well with anxiety levels being low thank the Lord.

  • Maggie Kolb / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Story of his life, huh? I knew Ryan used his accessory muscle to breathe, but I never thought about how he would then breathe when he was in distress. It’s eye opening. I’m praying for his recovery, your peace, and the girls’ anxiety. I’ll throw Henry in there too.

    He looks both big and little in his bed. I love the feet.

  • Anonymous / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    I hope today brings little man lots of relief from pain! He is so sweet in the pictures. Prayers for you all. Jean

  • Beth / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Bless his little heart. Praying for all of you!

  • Our7isheaven / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Praying for Ryan and the family!!

  • Gail / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Praying for Ryan and your family and a fast return to PGH.

    Gail
    Annapolis, MD

  • Gail / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Praying for Ryan and your family and a fast return to PGH.

    Gail
    Annapolis, MD

  • Anonymous / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    Praying for Ryan for a speedy recovery to stable stats and less pain. Hugs to all of you.
    -Laurie Garrett

  • Bonni / April 30, 2012 / Reply

    I love his crossed feet and cute toes! We’re praying for a smooth recovery. And for all of you. With lots of LOVE.

  • Jennifer / May 1, 2012 / Reply

    We will continue to pray for Ryan and the rest of the Marquiss clan.

    I’ve got sick kids here so it’s probably best I do not visit and bring you those treats – SORRY! Would’ve loved to have seen you, Henry and Ryan.

    Thanks for the update and the prayer needs – I know I like to be able to pray specifically for you all – though I know God knows best what you need anyway. I just feel more useful.

    Jennifer

  • Mod Williams / May 1, 2012 / Reply

    Praying for you all. Hope for his fast recovery.

  • Judy / May 1, 2012 / Reply

    Definitely still praying for healing for Ryan!!! Love those sweet little crossed feet 🙂

    I’m glad the girls are doing well too.

Add comment

(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss