Ryan's Home Page

Ryan was transferred to another hospital nearby for surgery. He had the lesion on his back closed at 4 hours old. At that time it was determined that the Spina Bifida was a myleomeningocele at L3/4 (lumbar area). This type of SB is the most severe form, the two lesser forms are SB meningocele and SB Occulta. I was told by his neurosurgeon that Ryan would be able to walk with crutches and leg braces. One week later he had a shunt inserted to control his hydrocephalus (water on the brain). He did extremely well through both surgeries. He was considered a big, otherwise healthy baby at 6 lbs 4 oz. He did very well and was to be discharged at 10 days old, but a hernia was discovered and another surgery was scheduled. Ryan finally came home at 12 days old. Three days later he was back to the hospital again for another hernia repair, on an outpatient basis.

Ryan is now 16 years old. He is a bright, energetic very vocal young man. It has been a joy raising him. He has had 21 surgeries to date, including tethered cord release surgery, shunt revision, bladder augmentation, ACE procedure and various orthopedic surgeries.

Ryan used leg braces and crutches to walk until he was 11 years old, then he started using a wheelchair for his mode of mobility. He is very mobile in his chair, and loves it!

Ryan's interests and hobbies include using the computer, hockey, WWF and watching scary movies!!

Ryan has three brothers; Sean, Rob, and Alex.He also has two sisters; Kelly and Katie. We have a very busy household that includes one dog, called Bear, and 3 cats.

Please visit the links below to learn more about SB and related conditions, or to visit the SBA of Delaware home page!

We are hoping to have pictures up soon to share!!

Please visit the Spina Bifida Association of Delaware Home Page to learn more about Spina Bifida.

SBA of Delaware Home Page
What is Spina Bifida?
Related Conditions
My Mom's Page