Why?!

Ralph is back lightly sedated with a tube down his throat. Too many secretions he can't get rid of, so he couldn't breathe. Back on antibiotics as well. We've come away, probably do tracheotomy on Monday. Dr says he's back to square one and there were two drs and a nurse looking serious and hooking him up to everything again.He is a good man, why is this happening to him. Dr can't even say he'll recover 😭

[Antoinette48]

Praying for you and your family…Be strong for him…🩵

[Dogsaremybestfriend]

My heart goes out to you. The pain and frustration you are feeling I can't imagine. I try to keep abreast of your posts and for awhile I was feeling some relief that he was getting better. I will continue to keep you both in my heart and prayers. Peace my friend!

[valspia]

praying right now for you. Let him know we’re thinking about you all and praying for you all the way in the US.

[Hidden in reply to valspia]

I will if he wakes up x

[Purpled]

I feel so bad for you as I know what this is like with my sister in law first then my husband twice. What I can tell you is don't lose heart, go home and have a good cry and then think of how strong he is it always one forward two back in ICU. The Doctors can’t tell you if he will recover to how he was cause they really do not know but for most that miracle does happen but some need more time than othersx

[Cat04]

My heart goes out to you, you must feel devastated. Trust in the medics - they are doing all that is best for him and he has improved from this position before. He can do it again as you can too, sending you my love and support. xx

[BeKind28-]

Hello

The devastation you must be feeling at the moment I can only imagine and why things happen to the most lovely people I do not have the answer I wished I did and it seems so unfair and makes the pain feel even worse but he has made some recovery even though it has slipped back but he bounces back again

Doctors like many other professionals will never commit to an answer as if they say yes and then something went wrong we would be confronting them so every situation they always have to say what could happen they even say that when we have a tooth out but that does not mean they at the same time feel he could make a good recovery

When we are worried we always look at someone's facial expressions and see something that possibly was not there to see they were perhaps in deep concentration putting Ralphs tube down and sedating him again making sure they got it right

People have been in Ralphs position before and come through even though it has taken time and that is what is needed time for him to get strong and come through this

Please make sure you are getting as much support for yourself as Ralph is this now must be taking it out of you beyond anything most of us can imagine and you matter to

We will keep faith this is going to have a good outcome for you both and will look out for your next update x

[weepip]

I'm so sad to read this update and cant imagine how horrible this is for you . I hope it is just another hiccup in your journey and that the antibiotics soon sort him out . You are both in my thoughts and wish i was close to give you a hug xx

[RP1944]

I’m so sorry, I do hope things improve 🤗🤗

[Maisywhippet]

so sorry to hear this, please stay strong and my thoughts are with you.x

[Best2]

oh god no ! What a battle he’s going through ! My heart breaks for you all , please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers 🥰

[Digger0]

Have faith - they were not sure he would wake up originally. Let him know we are all routing for him, and just wish you were not having up and down news all the time. aa

[Weetabixie]

Hi Castleview, what a shock! I've not been about for just over a week and popped back on to catch up with everyone I've come to know. I last saw things were going well so caught up with your recent posts just now and I'm so sorry to see things have changed again. I personally haven't had such surgery only know what I've seen from friends and in this fantastic forum. Could it be they just hadn't given enough antibiotics for long enough period to get rid of infection totally perhaps? It's so hard to know what questions to ask when you're there seeing first hand what's happening as it just so overwhelming. I know a lot of people who've had long lasting infections as in one step forward two back quite a lot but have recovered once right one is given or right combination given. From everything I've read since the the start of his (and your) journey here he's amazingly strong and a fighter as are you, even if right now you don't feel that. I'm hoping the rest he gets now will ease his nerves and body and he recovers again and get back to full recovery. It will be slow but I hope very steady. Yesterday's post was wonderful and i think some more of that wonderful will be around the corner again, he just needs time.I know how scary it is and disheartening for you to watch and go through too. You need some time to rest too Castleview, it's been a hell of a roller-coaster up to now, you've been amazing and I'm hoping and praying everything improves again for both of you. 🙏🤞💕💕x

[Hidden in reply to Weetabixie]

I asked why they couldn't give him antibiotics for longer and they said it might be a different infection, but they've only given him 4.5 days worth at a time. I know if I've had an infection I've been given strong antibiotics for a full 7 days x

[Weetabixie in reply to Hidden]

This was my thinking also, my friends daughter was on strong antibiotics for over a week and then given more to continue once off the I drip is just one example. Have they started fresh course or testing to see again what infection it is? x

[Hidden in reply to Weetabixie]

A fresh course

[Weetabixie]

Ps. Doctors have to give worse case scenario as has been mentioned already even for something as simple as taking a pain killer, does not mean it will be so though. x

[Hidden in reply to Weetabixie]

Dr did say he's been on ICU for 45 days and that is highly unusual, he seemed very concerned. However, at the start he said he hadn't seen Ralph before and would go and read his case notes. He then said they hadn't written that much, but said he seemed to be doing well which is why they took the tracheotomy out at 1.30 p.m. but by 7 he was struggling to breathe

[Weetabixie in reply to Hidden]

Doesn't sound like he read up really, sorry for saying that. It's a bit like he rushed things if you know what I mean, but I could be wrong. Had you seen him before?

[Hidden in reply to Weetabixie]

No, hadn't seen him before. Apparently he's an anaesthetist, obviously not many drs around at the weekend, which is why they are keeping him sedated until Monday to do the tracheotomy. Bearing in mind how long it took him to wake up after the operation, I would think it would be better to do it right away and get him off sedation asap

[Weetabixie in reply to Hidden]

I don't know to be honest, but am confused as to why an anaesthetist has done anything? By the sounds of it it has been an ordeal for both of you and maybe that complete rest is needed and I'd rather someone other than that anaesthetist to do it. But also if the fluids were building up and difficult to clear where it had just been the antibiotics are needed to clear it first and maybe a little too traumatic to try today for your husband. x

[Hidden in reply to Weetabixie]

Think it's because he was the only Dr in that ward today as it's the weekend. Ralph's had a lot of thick secretions since his op.

[Weetabixie in reply to Hidden]

Yes I've noticed that you mentioned in quite a few of your posts, I presumed it was why the physio were helping him to clear it too due to the infection, I though it had settled a little or did it stay the same? Is it the infection causing that? I'm sorry for answering with questions Castleview, I'm just trying to help and the only thing I can think of is to discuss what's happening and see if questions can arise to be possibly asked if you can when you next speak on the phone to the nurse/doctor in charge or in person when you next visit. x

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Don't panic , actually an anaesthetist is one of the best Specialists to get involved when the problem is one to do with breathing problems , ventilation and sedation as that is their job, so you will have been lucky to get one free at the weekend. It's them rather than the surgeons themselves that monitor people's response and keep you alive while under sedation. They are in charge of all the fine details of respiration and circulation in surgery and on ICU.I agree that the time on antibiotics seems short but I assume that was a combination given via IV rather than by mouth and so the duration of those courses is often shorter because the doses given have been continuous over a number of days.

I would say if they need to give him further antibiotics it would be worth asking what for (specifically) , what type or combination he us getting and basically asking for them to just throw a full spectrum at him for a longer period rather than the stop and start.

It would be good to know what they are also using to clear any congestion.

When this next hump in the road is passed it would also be a good idea to make sure that they will keep him in hospital for an extended period to recover properly even if he is no longer in ICU as it's clear that complications could occur if he is moved out too quickly or too soon.

[AmandaLouise77 in reply to Weetabixie]

Anaesthetists are often jointly trained in intensive care. My daughter is both an anaesthetist and ICU Dr.

[Weetabixie in reply to AmandaLouise77]

Thank you for explaining, yes Bleareyed said same really too. I'm learning more as I go along. x

[GrannyE in reply to Weetabixie]

That is quite right. They are not always at all tactful about it either. I know my daughter (who had young children at the time) was told as she was being wheeled into the operating theatre that she might die! Luckily she didn’t but what a thing to say to a young mother at that time when she was by herself!

[Weetabixie in reply to GrannyE]

That sounds terrifying. I'm glad she's ok though x

[RailRover in reply to GrannyE]

There is a tendency for them to be more frank nowadays than in the past. I think it's a mixture of a culture of more openness and a fear of legal liability in its absence.

Of course, we are invariably asked to sign consent forms for surgical procedures which lay the situation and the risks out starkly in black and white if we care to read them properly. Ten minutes before open heart surgery, I was presented with such a form and a ballpoint pen. The anaesthetist handed them to me and asked me: "Are you sure you want to proceed?" I was astonished as I had already been prepped and shaved, was gowned up and right outside theatre at the business end of the process. I tried to make a bit of a joke of it: "Seeing as I've come this far, and that poor bloke has pushed me for half a mile on a trolley, I think I'll have to give it a go!" I asked him whether they actually had people refuse and back out at this late stage and he said it wasn't that unusual.

Again, I do hope things work out Castleview. I am assuming that the basic cardio operation went well? All the more frustrating for having the complications.

[Hidden in reply to RailRover]

Yes, the cabg x 4 was completely successful, think his body is just in shock.

[Blearyeyed]

I'm so sorry he was doing so well.Unfortunately these things can happen when someone is having a difficult post op recovery with lots of infections like your poor hubby.

Maybe they just jumped the gun a little because he was doing so well with his physio after he'd had an infection recently. Presumably he still had some congestion left from that and wasn't yet quite able to clear it with out some support yet.

Just try and keep in mind that he's gone downhill twice since the operation and each time he's got further down the road to being off all of the tubes and back on his feet.

Hold on to his hand and hold onto the hope that this will happen again and it will be third time lucky.

On the positive side if this was going to happen at least it did before they discharged or moved him so they were able to respond immediately and cause him less stress.

This increases the chance of a positive outcome as well.

Your hubby is certainly keeping you and the doctors on his toes. Obviously, the medical team will be doing everything in their power to help him but they also aren't allowed to say that he will definitely recover until they are sure what is happening.

Take care and make sure you've got some company , you must be so tired yourself and could do with a bit of TLC, big hugs and feel free to message me if you ever need to talk anytime, Bee

[Greenthorn in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks for this positive and hopeful post. There is always hope.

[Manderson27]

Oh that is awful for you. So sorry to hear this when he seemed to be doing so well.

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to read this update. You have been through so much already. I would think about getting some support for yourself if you felt comfortable to reach out to your GP. I am sure the hospital must have a service too. These kinds of things can take a mental and emotional toll on our wellbeing.

I notice you mention his secretions again and the doctor will put him back on antibiotics. My mother was given Carbocisteine to thin her secretions/mucus after she had a very bad case of pneumonia. The infection however, was gone so they treated her with the Carbocisteine in an attempt for the mucus to thin and become less sticky so that it was easier to cough up. The build up of mucus might be contributing to his breathing issues. Soon after, my mother was diagnosed with sleep apnea as well.

I appreciate the doctors are not available at the weekend and you won’t have a chance to ask any questions until Monday. Please do ask what types of medications he is on and perhaps someone can offer their experiences with any of them on the forum.

Look after yourself this weekend xx

[A246]

Thinking of you both. Sending prayers, love and hugs to you bothxx

[Gillph]

I used to think roller coasters were fun but you and Ralph have taken them to another level! How I wish it would all stabilise so a steady, steady improvement would happen. It’s a massive strain on you and I hope you have some good friends nearby to help you get through this trauma. 🫂🫂

[Cavalierrubie]

Sorry to hear this news. Devastating for you right now but hope he will improve. Thinking of you and sending love and healing prayers. Xxx

[Greenthorn]

That sounds dreadful. So unfair. What I care most for is your husband comfort. It must be so hard for him, unable to say what he wants to you. You have had the thumbs up and blown kisses. That's. When he was strongest. Letting go is the hardest part. I wish and pray you both have a special moment to come. You have an army of well wishes here and please never leave this site. You have c stories to tell. God give Ralph strength and peace.

[fairyfeathers]

Thinking of you both, I pray things improve very soon. Please take care of yourself as you must be exhausted. Sending you both gentle hugs and love ❤️ xx

[Gumbie_Cat]

I’m so sorry to read this. Sending love and strength to you both.

[Gladiator1951]

Given the long duration of his antibiotic treatment, I would ask questions as to how they are managing so as to avoid kidney damage.

Overview of Antibiotic-Induced Nephrotoxicity

kireports.org/article/S2468...

It seems that they haven't zeroed in on exactly the right treatment to eliminate the infection and the organisms remaining are probably highly resistant. Resistant strains are notorious for developing in hospitals. Hopefully, they are not just using the same treatment and hoping for a different outcome.

Wishing you good luck (but don't rely on it). Educate yourself on his condition and don't let up on overseeing his treatment...they have had plenty of time to figure this out.

[Hidden in reply to Gladiator1951]

It's a different infection each time. The antibiotics aren't constant, it's 4 days, then stop. The secretions are not the infection, it's mucus which is normal after ohs. It's harder to clear because he isn't mobile yet. When he coughs, then they suction as much as they can

[WardijaWardija in reply to Gladiator1951]

I'm sorry but I have to say, your post is really not entirely appropriate, in terms of its medical content, and basically questioning the expertise of the Doctors involved. This poor lady is going through a living nightmare, watching her husband deteriorate before her very eyes.I really don't think you need to add to her soaring anxiety levels by drawing her attention to other negative aspects, that may, or may not come to pass.

Our Doctors, Anaesthetics and medical teams are some of the best in their respective, specialist fields, and will, I have no doubt, be quite aware of the potential negative implications of the issue you refer to.

Are you a Consultant Nephrologist?

Let them do the explanations.

They've "got it" I'm quite sure, and will do their absolute upmost to restore this lady's husband to the best of health possible.

[Hidden in reply to WardijaWardija]

Thank you. Yes they test all functions including kidneys. I have no problem with nurses, drs or physios. I do question why they took the tracheotomy out when they said they'd give it a couple of days with the cuff fully down, and they did it after 6 sessions of 10 minutes and 1 session of 5 hours. All they said is he was doing so well they thought he could tolerate it 🤔😞

[WardijaWardija in reply to Hidden]

Wishing you and your husband a brighter week ahead 🙏🙏🙏

[Seal59]

I’m sorry to hear of this latest set back. The upset, stress and disappointment must be off the scale. I think of you both every day, willing things to be better. I hope the antibiotics do their job very soon.

[mesally]

So sorry to hear your hubby's taken a setback. Thinking of you both. Take care

[Buddy00]

so sorry to hear about this set back especially after all the progress that he’s made recently. Sending positive thoughts to you and your family.

[Hidden]

thinking of you both xx

[Airlie37]

I'm so sorry you are going through this,I'm praying for you all....stay strong ❤️

[devonian186]

So so sorry. its often 2 steps forward, three back then 2 forward again. ultimately he will recover as he has shown he's a fighter.

[GrannyE in reply to devonian186]

Quite right.

[andrea_waffle7]

Thinking of you both. Stay strong. 🩷

[Bingofox007]

I always read your updates even if I don’t comment but want to say, like all, sorry to hear this news and want to send love to you and hope things are more positive again soon. Take care 🦊xx

[Stent2024]

this is heartbreaking news . Can’t even think what to say to make it better for you . I suppose you just have to try and keep that positivity in your mind , but I know easier said than done . As usual our thoughts are with you both x

[Holidayescape]

I am so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you both.

[Sooz34]

Oh dear I'm so sorry to hear that your husband has not been weaned off the tracheostomy as hoped. Keep your head up and make sure you look after yourself through this ordeal xxx

[Larneybuds]

So sorry to hear of this set back. I would imagine the infections keep reoccurring because he hasn't got enough strength to cough to keep clearing his lungs himself. I'm hoping the bonus for Ralph is that though distressing for you and your family, hopefully, because he has been sedated, he won't remember going through this. You mentioned in a chat further on about an anaesthetist sorting things out. They are extremely highly trained and knowledgeable....in fact my partners anaesthetist when he had his osophogetomy seemed more informative than the actual consultant and I would imagine everything will be communicated to Ralph's consultant as soon as is possible. He's already proved he's a fighter so let's hope he's got some reserves and will get through this latest set back. I am sure that everyone on here who has been following your posts will be sending so many special thoughts for you both and hoping that Ralph pulls through once again. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Larneybuds]

Ralph has a really strong cough, which they are all happy with, it's just there are so many secretions he can't clear them all without help. He sits out in a chair for 2 x 5 hours at a time which also helps, but makes him so tired. I'm hoping if he gets the tracheotomy on Monday, he'll be brighter on Tuesday x

[Larneybuds in reply to Hidden]

Yes ...he will get tired quickly because he's been so immobile and poorly. I know how distressing this is for you but have faith in the team that are looking after him. Even though they are all so highly trained in ICU they still come across things that can baffle them or test them but I know they will be doing their very best to pull Ralph through. Let's hope once again that along with the professionals help, he has some reserves he can muster up and that the new week brings better things. 💕🥰

[Plum53]

Sorry to hear he has taken a few steps back after doing so well . Just want you to know you’re in my thoughts and hopefully this is just a hiccup and he will soon be moving forward again xxxx

[Silvertail]

I'm so sorry to hear this, it is so disheartening. We are all praying for you and Ralph and hope you can find some comfort in the knowledge we are all thinking of you both. Hugs xx

[Wooodsie]

Good morning Castleview, I hope you get some rest today. Looking at all of the lovely responses you have had to this bad news, you can see there are lots of people routing for you and your husband, and I'm pleased to be one of them. I take heart in what some have said about the Dr being an anaesthetist, initially I was thinking that may not be a good thing, but I agree with them, s/he is probably the best. I hope you have better news soon, please enjoy your Sunday dinner today 🍽️ you will need all your energy x

[Hidden in reply to Wooodsie]

The replies from you all are keeping me going and I appreciate them so much.Waiting for a shop home delivery this morning and have actually ordered fresh veg and salad which has been sadly lacking since January

[Wooodsie in reply to Hidden]

Sounds good. One thing I can't get away from is my Sunday roast. So old fashioned we know, but we both look forward to it 😊 And usually a pint too (wine for Pamela). Don't go in today unless you have to x

[Hidden in reply to Wooodsie]

I never visit on Sunday as the buses are rubbish. I will ring, although I don't know why as they said they're keeping him sedated until the tracheotomy. I suppose at least he's resting. We always have a Sunday roast when he's home, he cooks it and I wash up 😊

[Wooodsie in reply to Wooodsie]

SNAP!! 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Wooodsie]

😄👋

[gorillaqueen]

So sorry to hear this praying for Ralph and you all 🙏🙏❤️🤗😘

[Handel]

It was all looking so good for Ralph but setbacks happen. They'll find out what the infection is and where it's coming from and treat it again with the right antibiotics. Don't give up on this Castleview, as there will be slow and steady improvements again.

Ralph is in the right place to get the treatment he needs right now. You've tried to be so strong for the past few weeks but this must be taking so much out of you. Just know we're thinking of you, Ralph and your lovely family.

Lots of love and hugs. Jan xxxx

[Blueflags]

Really sorry to hear your news, he’s a fighter and with you around he’ll do everything he can to be back with you, take comfort to know that everyone on this site is rooting for him and you. Please look after yourself as he needs you! Sending all my best wishes 🥰🥰

[Plastow48]

So sorry to read this latest update. Hope we receive better news soon. Remember to take care of yourself. Try to rest today and enjoy your food. Prayers and hugs.Jenny 🙏🙏☘️☘️🤞🤞

[Traveldreams]

so sorry Castleview. As I’ve said to you before, we had this multiple times with Dad. Told at one point that they were no longer judging hour by hour but minute by minute. Seen people at my local specialist hospital go in and out of CCU.

Hopefully, he will pull through again- I do think once you have an infection it is the long haul not the short. Will be difficult for you to stay positive but you have to believe this is just part of his journey and in the run of life it is barely a step. Sending love and hope xx

[Hidden in reply to Traveldreams]

I know what you mean, last week they brought 6 people on ICU after their op and they were down on the next ward the day after. Ralph was taking all this in, bless him. I keep telling him how proud of him we all are and to keep fighting xx

[Traveldreams in reply to Hidden]

Morning, Castleview, just sending love and good wishes for the week ahead xx

[Traveldreams]

Dad was the same, watching the comings and goings - getting angry at times with other people leaving. It must be difficult. I’ve been lucky but it is still stressful when you’re not hitting the milestones. When dad eventually came home he had a feeding tube for six months while a friend of his was back on his bike and going to Spain who had his op at the same time. I honestly think that the mental strain for patients and family is underestimated.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, emotionally I struggled more with Dad than with my own health. Xx

[Elsabounre]

I am so very sad...he has gone through so much..and his heart surgery should never have put him in this situation...do not let the negative thoughts invade your mind...even I want to blame some involved...but we cannot do that...we must all send him strength...and you too...need to get the secretions out..that will be especially in my prayers for Ralph...once the infection is gone..he can heal again...God bless you both with what you need right now...

[Hidden in reply to Elsabounre]

The irony is, the op was a complete success and he's had no infections at drain sites or anything. The scars are almost invisible and he's never had any pain except for a couple of headaches xx

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Hidden]

l have said prayers for you. I have been sitting and thinking and when he gets this tracheostomy out, l hope these secretions will dry up and stop. They must be getting stuck. The antibiotics are given probably more of a precaution than anything (only 4/5days). to prevent the secretions turning nasty. They don’t always tell you what or why, but just trust that they know what they are doing and doing everything possible to get him well. I hope this is just a little hiccup and in a couple of days he will be feeling better. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers. Xxx

[Noodlesalad]

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[momander]

Oh dear I'm so sorry this is happening. This is a major operation and it cones with so many risks and complications. The doctors are looking after him really well and are monitoring him all the time. Sometimes people just take a little longer to recover than others..you are both I my prayers and I hope that from now on it is uphill all the way for him with no more set backs. I know this must be such a worrying time for you but it sounds like he is a fighter a d isn't going to give up easy!!! Hang in there ok 👍 take care

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear your news and how worried and frustrated you must be. Thinking of you all and hoping he’ll soon improve.

[LSCE]

So sorry to here this.

[GrannyE]

Like everyone else here I am so sorry you and your husband are going through this nightmare. It is a nightmare and hopefully all will eventually be well. They do say where there’s life there is hope. Your husband knows that you love him and are there for him which must be the greatest comfort to him. He is so lucky to have you. You have to be strong for him and be kind to yourself.

[cappachina]

So sorry to hear this after your positive post Keep the faith he is been well looked after sometimes these infections need several different antibiotics before they die Will be praying for you all this morning at church

[Hidden in reply to cappachina]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your prayers x

[Regeton]

I’m so sorry to hear about this set back. We are thinking about you and pray that it is only a set back and your husband will come through this. I know this must be incredibly difficult for you and you have stayed so strong. I was in bits when my husband had his surgery and I realise now how lucky I was that he recovered so quickly. Take care x

[Nannysue1]

So sorry to hear this. You must feel exhausted with it all. Try to rest when you can and keep your chin up. You know what they say "it ain't over till the fat lady sings". Tomorrow is another day and hes a fighter ❤

[trafar]

I am so sorry you have both been through so much. Hang on in there we are all rooting for you both. Xx

[Bingo88]

Oh dear love it's so sad to hear this. Perhaps they might try different medicines because obviously he is not completely getting rid of the Infection. Hope he gets better this week. Brian

[BEATbump]

I'm sorry to read this. Heartbreaking news for you and the family. Its difficult to know what to say except that all you can do is trust in the care he's being given and in his own strength to get through this. I hope you have family close by to endure you are supported. My very best wishes to you and Ralph. 💔

[BEATbump]

I'm sorry to read this. Heartbreaking news for you and the family. Its difficult to know what to say except that all you can do is trust in the care he's being given and in his own strength to get through this. I hope you have family close by to endure you are supported. My very best wishes to you and Ralph. 💔

[Avagra]

Thoughts are with you all

[Ailsablue]

So very sorry to read your latest post - what a roller coaster you are both on. Some good words of help from some of the lovely people on the forum so I hope they are giving you strength on this journey. Look after yourself and I’ll continue to keep fingers and toes crossed 🥺 xx

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I shed a tear when I read your post this morning and I have said a little prayer for you both. Ralph has been such a fighter through all of this and I hope it's just a small set back until the infection clears and he will be back on the road to recovery, making small steps in the right direction. I also have you in my thoughts as each day has been like a rollercoaster, you must be so anxious and worried about the whole situation, I really feel for you.

I hope that next week once the tracheotomy is back in Ralph will be able to communicate once again, that would be lovely to hear. Take care Char xx

[Danceawaytheblues]

Sending you hugs and love, prayers said for you both. We were in a similar situation some years ago when my husband was in ICU with Legionnaires Disease. He was admitted to the hospital which I worked in and the staff knew me. Everyday was agony not knowing what was going to happen next. Reading through the replies and I see trigger words like `secretions, tracheotomy, carbocisteine` and I am back in the ICU with him. So many of us totally understand what you are going through right now. It seems like one step forward and two steps back. One piece of advice that I was given (which seemed irrelevant to me at the time) is to take care of yourself as well. Try to eat and drink, and rest as much as possible. With love Marianne. x

[Hidden in reply to Danceawaytheblues]

Thank you Marianne. How is your husband doing now? Sue x

[Danceawaytheblues in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sue, he is doing ok now thanks. He became disabled as he had a stroke and HA while in ICU, but he manages to walk around with the aid of a stick. I gave up work to take care of him and we just take one day at a time, we even managed a few cruises as well. I will keep you and Ralph in my prayers. Marianne. x

[Hidden in reply to Danceawaytheblues]

That's good news your husband is recovering and you've managed some breaks away.It's very worrying and tiring isn't it?

[niffum32]

I too like you ask many times why, people who abuse their bodies seem to not have anything wrong with them, I have come to the conclusion it is making us a stronger person the Lord works in mysterious ways, I will continue to pray for both of youxx

[2wheeler]

Oh my heart goes out to you and the family. I am so sorry to see you write this. Sending BIG hugs for all of you. Come on Ralph we are all rooting for you xxhugsxx

[colourblue]

My heart goes out to you, I have been following your journey & like others have said felt he was on the up. You must be so worn out with the worry but please try to get some rest,hard to cope when tired . Do hope there is positive news soon.xx

[CalvinHb]

Very sorry to read this after so much progress, but he seems determined to get better, keep strong.

[Callie456]

You've both been through so much, setbacks are difficult to deal with and take so much emotional and physical energy. Take care of yourself and keep resting when you can and eating your meals.Have they sent a Speech Pathologist to help with this? One of the things Speech Pathologists do in Australia is work with people with tracheostomies and swallowing problems. I'm not sure if it's the same over there, but it'd be worth asking for a Speech Pathologist review.

Praying for you and Ralph 🙏

Much love ❤️

[Hidden in reply to Callie456]

Yes, SALT, Speech and language therapist have been working with the physios, they said to wait until Mon to take the tracheotomy out to give him time to get used to it. After they'd gone drs decided it was worth a try taking it out on Friday. Maybe they'll listen to them next time. It's poor Ralph that's paying for it 😞

[Callie456 in reply to Hidden]

Oh I see, yes hopefully they'll listen to the speech Pathologist and physio staff who know Ralph and are working with him. You will need to be prepared to put your foot down too. You can have a say, tell them you want to follow the speech pathologists recommendations and ask that your request be documented in the notes. Sometimes you have to be very firm, but the drs do have to listen to you. Being back to square one is worrying and frustrating and not fair, but he's improved before and he can do it again. It sounds more like a hasty decision that lead to the current setback rather than Ralph's specific medical problems, so don't lose hope. In my experience some drs think they know better than others and make unwise decisions which can end up causing problems that didn't need to happen unfortunately. Then you have to pick up the pieces and start again.

Slow and steady wins the race and good things come to those who wait. ❤️

I'm praying for you both 🙏 ❤️

[Purpled]

Hi, been thinking of you and hubby all night I hope you managed some sleep. Just read in replies that it’s anaesthetist that was looking after your hubby yesterday well that’s a spot of good luck with it being your husbands breathing and airways not reacting as they should. I would imagine he will indeed read his notes and also leave a note or have a catch up with your husbands consultant on Monday giving his own views. X. Have a nice lunch he will be in the best of hands as you know only the very best get to work in ICU X

[Bunkular]

So sorry, so, so sorry!

[Scho1]

I’m so sorry to hear this after he was doing so well. Sending best wishes to you both.

[Hidden]

Keeping you in my prayers ❤️

[Snoogs]

Keep the faith and your chin up …stay positive. This is just another bump in the road of life. Positivity begets positive results and it’s contagious to all involved. You guy’s will pull through this !!

Positive vibes headed your way from the USA

4 years post aortic root resection DavidV procedure (they spared my valve). My wife says when they opened me up it let the bad out and the good in.

Cheers

[Sawny15]

Thinking of you both . Think positve . Sending hugs x love . Xxxx

[Jerrahem]

praying for you and Family 🙏.

[Sunnysummerdays]

Thinking of you and your family ❤️🙏

[polenta]

Prayers for you all, and never give up hope he will recover.

[Afibflipper]

Hello, I don’t seem to be receiving any updates at all from my forums & so have to search quite hard to find individual posts.

I’m very sorry to see things have gone a little upside down 🙃 for his recovery, you must be exhausted with all of it but try hard to keep the strength you’ve been showing (& so has he too).

Think you both have so many people praying & wishing everything good. 😊 😘

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear about the latest set back. Hopefully he is still fighting and good news is around the corner. You also need to look after yourself so that you can be strong for him.