Join Ryan’s Fight for Survival

Join Ryan’s Fight for Survival: Your Help is Critical on His Road to Recovery

Ryan’s journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when so many lives were turned upside down. What seemed like a minor accident—a rolled foot that resulted in a torn ligament—quickly spiralled into something far more serious. Ryan was placed in a moon boot and told to stay immobile. Shortly after, he developed a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in his right leg, a life-threatening condition where blood clots form in the veins. This frightening turn of events led to a rushed trip to a trauma centre, where we met his specialist physician, a godsend who quickly became central to Ryan’s care.

With expert medical attention and a few adjustments to his blood thinners, the DVT was brought under control, and we breathed a collective sigh of relief. But our ordeal wasn’t over. Soon after the second lockdown ended, Ryan had a minor accident, walking into a small table and cutting his shin open. What appeared to be a simple wound turned into a two-year battle for healing. Despite countless treatments, the wound refused to heal properly. After what felt like an eternity, it finally closed, leaving behind a scar. We thought this marked the end of a difficult chapter in Ryan’s health journey. Little did we know, the real challenges were just beginning.

By June 2024, Ryan was due for a routine prostate examination. During the exam, the doctor discovered small nodules that warranted further investigation. This led to a scan and biopsy. After an agonizing wait, the results revealed an infection in his prostate. Ryan was prescribed a 21-day course of antibiotics, which he diligently completed. Once again, we thought we had put another health scare behind us.

But by August, we noticed something alarming. The scar on Ryan’s leg—where the wound had finally healed—was starting to look strange. The skin around it had turned red and warm, and the area was inflamed. Concerned, we went to the doctor, who prescribed a course of antibiotics and a topical cream. However, instead of improving, the wound reopened. Fearing it might be related to his DVT, we sought the advice of Ryan’s specialist physician, hoping he could shed light on the situation.

On September 3, 2024, the specialist prescribed a different antibiotic and advised Ryan to come to the hospital daily for dressing changes. But after his first dose of the new medication that night, Ryan vomited. We thought it might be a simple case of heartburn, but the same thing happened the next morning. Concerned, we returned to the hospital, and after consulting with the specialist, we were told to stop the antibiotics until further tests could be conducted.

By that evening, Ryan’s condition worsened dramatically. He was in severe pain, unable to sleep or move around comfortably. We moved his appointment to the next day, and on September 5, his specialist admitted him to the hospital, suspecting colitis, an infection of the colon. Ryan was connected to monitors, and we were shocked to learn his oxygen levels had dropped dangerously low—just 75%, compared to the normal range of 98%. He was rushed to the high care unit, and a gastroenterologist was called in. After further examination, it was determined that Ryan didn’t have colitis but pneumonia, a serious lung infection.

Ryan was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he received aggressive treatment. Unfortunately, another complication arose: he developed severe diarrhea, likely due to an enema he had received earlier. The diarrhea persisted for over a week, causing dehydration and exacerbating his already fragile condition. During his time in the ICU, Ryan developed painful hemorrhoids from the extended period of diarrhea. Although his family tried to bring him relief with creams, the issue was largely overlooked by the hospital staff. After three weeks, Ryan was discharged, but his struggles were far from over.

Once home, the diarrhea persisted, leaving Ryan weak, disoriented, and unable to form coherent sentences. On September 11, his partner, Karen, rushed him back to the hospital, where he was readmitted to the ICU. The doctors suspected Clostridium Difficile, a bacterial infection known for causing severe diarrhea. While they started treatment for this suspected infection, they awaited the lab results to confirm it. After several more days of waiting and treatment, the test results came back negative. Ryan didn’t have Clostridium Difficile but was instead diagnosed with Diverticulitis and a peptic ulcer in his duodenum.

The doctors adjusted Ryan’s treatment accordingly, and slowly, his gastrointestinal symptoms began to improve. However, his mental state remained unstable, with bouts of delirium persisting despite the improvements in his physical health.

On September 20, just as we thought things were stabilizing, we were hit with devastating news. A CT scan revealed that Ryan had a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in his lung. Even in healthy individuals, pulmonary embolisms have a survival rate of only 50%. Given Ryan’s weakened state, the prognosis seemed bleak. We were advised to gather his family and prepare for the worst. It was the hardest day of our lives. But then, miraculously, we received word that the diagnosis was incorrect. There was no embolism. The relief was indescribable, though the emotional toll remained.

In the following days, Ryan’s health continued to fluctuate. His pneumonia was still a concern, and his lungs showed signs of infection. He was placed on an expensive antibiotic designed to combat superbugs. The cost of this medication was staggering—USD $1,200 for a five-day course—and the financial burden weighed heavily on us.

Throughout this harrowing journey, Ryan has remained a fighter. He’s a bright, warm-hearted man with an infectious sense of humor and a passion for ballroom dancing, acting, and carpentry. His talent and kindness have touched many lives, especially through his involvement with Reps Theatre in Harare. He’s also been the backbone of Karen’s small business, helping her in every way he can while maintaining his own work. To see him in such a vulnerable state is devastating.

While Ryan battles these multiple infections and medical complications, the financial toll has become overwhelming. Our medical insurance has been incredibly supportive, but many of the benefits have been exhausted. Daily blood tests, pathology, and the cost of medications are draining our resources. We are facing shortfalls of nearly $200 per day, and we don’t know how much longer Ryan will require treatment.

Now, after 3 weeks in ICU, Ryan remains on oxygen and drips. Daily tests are being performed with daily new symptoms appearing. Yet, to date, absolutely no diagnosis of the cause for why he keeps teetering on the brink between Critical and Stable. New Specialists have been called in now, to continue trying to find the reason for Ryans condition.

We are humbly asking for your help. Your support will go directly toward covering Ryan’s medical expenses, including ongoing treatments, tests, and necessary medications. Any contribution you can make will have a profound impact on his recovery and will help us get through this incredibly challenging time. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your kindness and generosity.Now, after 3 weeks in ICU, Ryan remains on oxygen and drips. Daily tests are being performed with daily new symptoms appearing. Yet, to date, absolutely no diagnosis of the cause for why he keeps teetering on the brink between Critical and Stable. New Specialists have been called in now, to continue trying to find the reason for Ryans condition.