Ryan's Condition

I hope you have a few minutes to read this. I have tried to compile some information for you about Ryan’s condition. For more detailed information on all of these terms, please see the links in the sidebar (Medical Terminology).

Ryan was born with Hydrocephalus, Dandy-Walker Malformation and Schizencephaly. These are all medical terms for the defects of his brain. Please understand that these occurred very early in Ryan’s development (8-14 weeks conception).

Because of the formation of his brain, other conditions developed. These include epilepsy (seizures), Gastro Esophageal Reflux (severe-acid reflux), dysphasia (inability to swallow correctly), hypotonia (poor muscle tone), and scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

Obvious disorders such as profound mental retardation and severe motor-delays have been present from his very development.

Due to medications taken and complications from the above disorders, Ryan has also encountered problems with his teeth and gums and most seriously, his lungs. Over years of
aspiration (moisture entering the lungs), Ryan now suffers from Asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Ryan has also developed Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. This basically means that Ryan is being treated for every type of seizure there is. He is given medications of every sort to control these seizures as well as his VNS (stimulator in his chest).

I just wanted you to see some of what Ryan has fought against for so many years. He is such a fighter. God has truly performed hundreds of miracles in the fact that Ryan has survived such tremendous odds against him -- daily.

Please pray for him.