I asked Ryan's permission to post a support thread for him and his wife, Patty.

Ryan's wife had a debilitating back injury that has left her incapacitated and in severe chronic pain. Ryan is her husband, best friend, lover, primary breadwinner, and primary caregiver. Patty was receiving some pain relief recently from an implanted catheter that steadily releases medication. But a careless homeworker caused her to abruptly lose this catheter. Since then, Ryan has been trying to keep Patty comfortable with pain meds., but these are only keeping her heavily sedated.

On, Monday, 1/24, the surgeon will reinsert the tunnelled epidural catheter. This will be placed in her epidural space in her cervical spine with no sedation. At this time, this device has offered Patty the most effective form of pain relief currently available.

Ryan has stressed that they've been through much worse times. He realises this is just a day by day thing. But their main concern and hope is for a successful catheter implant and some relief from her chronic pain.

I'm a little rested now. I feel much better. The nightmare of the last seven days is now drifting behind me. Patty is recieving some relief from the implant, and that alone is a blessing. She is also off the two morphines she was taking. Soon she will less groggy.

And yet, if one watches, one realizes it could be much worse. Patty's roomate was Lonnie, and Lonnie's husband was Ray. Ray and Lonnie were quite a couple. Patty and Ryan in about fifteen years.

We were there in the double room when Lonnie and Ray were informed that Lonnie had tested positive for acute luekemia. I felt so sorry for them both, and wonder about Ray. How must he have felt? In three weeks they're going to Celebrate their fifty third wedding anniversary. I'm sure that day will have many bittersweet emotions in it. They did hold out much hope for Lonnie, a four week course of aggressive chemotherapy is in store for her.

When we left we hugged Lonnie, and I shook Ray's hand. Ray and I, different in so many ways, yet this incident of having an ill spouse made us brothers in a way. And so it goes, that each day strangers wander in and out of each other's lives, sometimes we are invisible to each other, and sometimes we connect. Somehow, in my desparation for something good perhaps, I see a tiny miracle in this fact, that strangers may meet and connect. I think the next time I pay a toll I'll pay for the guy behind me, too. "Cause sometimes this tired world needs a random act of kindness.

Sounds like Ray and Lonnie were your angels and that you and Patty were theirs....Each there to help another. I think you handled everything very well. Just think of all of this as fodder for your book. "The Nightmares of Health Care". Please take care of both of your selves. Try to get some real, uninterrupted rest and just do what you can do each day. Don't overextend yourself. Keep the meals simple, and the clothes clean, and you'll be in pretty good shape. You're a trooper, Ryan, and I know Patty just loves you all the more because of the love you show her daily. Take care and let us know if there is anything that we can do.

I am sorry to hear about the incompetentcy that you guys have had to cope with in the past week. I know that ya'll are glad to be at home, where you have some control and sanity. Best wishes to you both, hope that the quality of your lives continues to improve. God Bless you both.

You are phenomenal. I have just read this entire thread and am amazed at your journey. And at the strength with which you handle it. You are a dear man. Blessings to you and your sweet Patty.

Unbelieveable! What a week, I certainly hope things are looking up for both of you. I like your idea of paying the toll for the guy behind you too. Acts of kindness are so rare and far between. I pray every night tomorrow I'll be a better person than today, (and I'm really a kind person, just ask my grandson).

Again, God Bless.

My thoughts and prayers to you, Ryan, and your wife Patti. I am so sorry you both had to go through this hell. May the road to recovery be quick and pain free. (((((RYAN AND PATTI)))))

Wow! I hope your lawyer gave you some good advice. I would like to see those nitwits at the hospital pay for what they did!! So sorry yall went through that. How's Patty?