Hi everyone, not posted for a while. 4 days over Easter nothing changed as just a skeleton staff.
Tuesday
Stroke medics and physio had been. Stroke team happy he's recovered 99% from the stroke, but not sure what the 1% might be...more on that later.
He was in the chair but shattered, not slept due to coughing. SALT came about 12 ,said he's not really swallowing on his own, so Ben suctioned through the tracheotomy tube, then pumped oxygen through into the throat, which made him swallow and that was okay, but not pleasant.Also got him to say ah, mouthed it and on the 4th try a faint sound was there, he also faintly said his name. Ben wants to put a nasal bridle in with the feed tube in the middle, it gives him a shock for about 10 minutes a day to stimulate the vocal chords and swallow. Once he can swallow he can swallow secretions as we all do.
Wednesday
We asked our questions and Ralph decided to give it a go, Ben said they'll put it in Thursday morning and have shocks Thursday Friday and Monday.
Thursday
Not being done until Monday, Ralph is okay, Ben is off with a dental abscess.
Cardiologist came and gave an ECG with a small scan machine and said his heart is now strong and Ralph is a miracle as Sheffield thought he would die about week 4 when he got pneumonia....first we'd heard he'd had pneumonia.
His BP is still quite low, they stopped BP meds 5 days ago, but now they're going to reduce some of his heart meds as cardiologist doesn't think he needs them. Then he will be able to get walking with the physios and get even stronger. He can start that as soon as he can stand without dizziness.
Progress! Was hoping you'd post soon! Poor Ralph..he's going through the mill as you are too...but there's light at the end of the tunnel! Take care and love to you both fae Bonnie Scotland ♥️
I’m always shocked when you aren’t made aware about issues like pneumonia. Hopefully this new plan will give your husband a bit of hope. Getting up and walking will cheer him up!
Great news, I've been looking for your post. a lot of positives going forward. So much information for you to process, lots and lots of of baby steps xx
And Ralph is a miracle and so are you and I always think the love that you both have had played a part in him pulling through what most would not have been able to
I can see there is work to do but I have no doubt that he will get through each stage as and when
The really good news is his heart is looking good
Thank you for updating us and remember we are here for you and especially looking forward to the post you do when you tell us he is coming home that will be a day to celebrate x
I’m a great believer in the power of love and prayer - I believe it helped me through a very bad breast cancer prognosis - 25 years ago and my husband through his heart issues last July. (Heart attack - pneumonia - triple bypass surgery then - - whooping cough whilst in hospital ) Keep believing and stay strong. ❤️ 🙏
I was thinking of you pair both yesterday and today. It's good to hear from you Castleview. Makes sense leaving the tube thing till Monday as we all know weekends are not working days for the big wigs 😕. Why go into a 365 day organisation and expect to only work during the week 🤷♂️. Coming from a long ago chef, it always astounds me 😂 but I did change my trade so I could have evenings and weekends off 😊, to a degree I do get it.
It doesn't come as a surprise that Ralph had pneumonia but good to hear thats almost gone (still getting secretions). And it is great he's only had 99% effects from the stroke, well done Ralph 👏👏👏. Keep getting some rest Castleview, there's no doubt still a way to go, never mind when he gets home 😂 All the best to both of you, I look forward to the next MAFS hospital (Married At First Site 😅), one of my favourite programmes - I know, I know 🤔😂. Steve x
I worked in hotels and catering most of my life. I always watched MAFS, but this last series I've not watched. I always watched it and Ralph would play on X box, now he's not here I'm not watching it, he can't believe it, lol
I had a stroke. Ischemic not bleed. Left me with permanent damage. Recovery taking years, bit by bit.
Then I had OHS for a failing valve. I needed 12 weeks to recover, but recovery from OHS is total. Just do the rehab and off I go. But I still grind along with the stroke damage.
My point is that I have come through both and now have some quality of life. And I am not superman, quite the opposite.
Hi Sue. Good to have an update on Ralph (and you too).
The NHS does a fantastic job - but - I was part of the NHS for 40 years and I never understood then, or now, why routine work stops over a weekend. Even worse over Easter and Christmas when everything stops for 4 or even 5 days. It is about time the powers that control the service sorted 24/7 working.
I am currently waiting for a cancer assessment. My GP said 'you will hear within two weeks' That was now three weeks ago. I rang to ask when I might hear to be told they were running behind, partly as no one is there over EASTER! And they have a three week backlog.
Good morning Sue, lovely to hear how things are going. Still baby steps for now but all positive for Ralph although I bet it doesn’t feel like that some days especially after 3 months. You take care, hopefully more positive news to come for your both. Xx
Thankyou for the update, am glad to hear how you're going and each step of improvement. I remember when my mum was in hospital, she had pneumonia several times, sometimes they'd just say she had an infection, but the discharge summary did say pneumonia, other times they said it was pneumonia. I don't know why they didn't always like to say it. Anyway, either way she was always on the right antibiotics to sort it out.
that sounds really promising sue . Feel like you and Ralph are part of our family now . Thanks for sharing his road to recovery . We’re all rooting for you on this group x
That's a great post! Lovely to have such positive news & he really is a miracle. It's going to be such a celebration when he's up & about & on his way home 🥰 Hope you're ok Sue & looking after yourself aswell as Ralph. Xx
Hi SueI'm so glad to hear Ralph is doing well and that his heart is good. I know there's a long way to go but with both such strong determination you'll get there especially with God by your side.
After I was discharged from Leicester after my triple bypass (which completely failed) a day later I was rushed to Derby with a massive saddle pulmonary embolism. I was toying with my faith and was cross with God. Why had he done this to me? After about an hours internal argument with Him I suddenly felt the most immense peace around me. From then on I didn't worry at all about my condition. Not once! I realised afterwards it was the Holy Spirit comforting me. I was told for 7 days not to move and I wasn't out of the woods as it could give me a massive stroke at anytime. The clot had been through my heart and had damaged the muscle. I didnt worry a bit. My phrenic nerve had been severed during the surgery too so meant my breathing was already off.
I realise now that God put me through all this to bring me closer to Him. He wanted me to be part of His family. My husband and I now go to church and have a really strong relationship with others in faith. The Bible is incredible if you take the time to read it and understand it. It's such an amazing feeling of love and comfort. Prayer definitely does work, whatever your faith I'm so glad you and your family pray.
Lovely post Susie. My daughter, who is a Christian had almost the same, a near death experience, and also felt that peace from the Holy Spirit. The peace that passes all understanding. God bless.
Wow, Praise God! An incredible testimony.❤️I feel sad for people who don't know the grace, hope and peace God gives us. I never worry about my health now and I've still got a lot going on. I'm incredibly blessed. 🙏
Thank you for taking time to update. Similar to a lot of people, you have both been in my thoughts this week. You are clearly determined people. Despite all the challenges Ralph is making progress.
The medical team are taking care of him. I hope you are getting a rest as well? You are both in my thoughts.
Brilliant news - have been checking your posts every day. His low BP might be causing his dizziness when standing. Also, patients who have been recumbent or just sitting, for a long time, find the height of just standing a worry. (I used to be a physio on the orthopaedic wards in the old days - 1970-80's - and had patients in bed for ages post op !). Not having his shocks until next week will give Ralph time to get used to the idea.
Perhaps Sheffield thought that you would presume his "chest infection" was pneumonia.
He had been doing a few steps, but not the last few days. They think it's linked to the meds he's on and dropped one altogether and dropped dose of another, so we'll see if there's an improvement.
Hi, nice to see your post lots of positives it is definitely a slow journey for Ralph and of course you too but good news about the heart being strong and the stroke 99% recovered. He will get there he has been through so much on his journey but doing well and moving forward. Sending lots of love xx
Hi good to hear your positive news. So pleased Ralph is progressing well on this very traumatic journey. How are you ? I hope you are taking care of yourself you need all your strength to cope and take care of Ralph when he comes home. Look forward to your posts so please keep us updated sending ❤️💙🙏🙏🤗🤗 to you both and your family. Best wishes to you all 😊
Delighted to have another update from you. As someone mentioned I feel you're part of the family now. The Chesterfield hospital sounds to be more on the ball as regards getting Ralph fit again as opposed to just surviving. Fingers crossed that the pair of you have such strong wills and such strong love that all will be vastly improved very shortly. xx
That's all good news. Must be a big relief to you. And Ralph must be feeling more being is done to help him. Hopefully the shocks will help him . And once he can do some work with the physios then he will feel more himself . He must be very worried about you. But that's the price we pay for love . Hopefully when he is home the weather will be warmer and go from strength to strength. 🤗
Thank you for taking the time to update us all, it does seem as though they have a plan but the delivery system for it seems not to have a back up in the absence of one member of staff. 😔Ralph is making progress which is good to hear but such a long slow journey for you both.
Bless him, he is a miracle and an inspiration to us all. His strength and fortitude is wonderful and with your help and his determination you will win this battle. Hope all goes well next week and give him a big hug from us hearties.
So glad to hear Ralph’s heart is strong! It sounds like the staff are doing their best for him and it seems you trust them, too. Quite shocking that nobody in Sheffield told you about the pneumonia! Hope things improve for you both next week. Xx
Was truly a bit worried when we did not hear from you...seems Ralph is a warrior...what a fighter..and thank God for that...you too are a hero...as you both are in this battle together..his heart is strong now..great news..but who expected he would have all these other incidents to deal with..can only add my prayers to all the others here who are praying and keeping all fingers crossed for an excellent outcome..
Hi Castleview. I've been watching out for your posts and it looks like there are lots of positives. I'm always thinking of you and Ralph. You'll both get there soon.
Well no wonder it's taken a while for poor Ralph if hes had pneumonia!!! Hard enough to recover from normally let alone when you have been through all that he has. Such good news that his heart is ok and the staff attending to him now seem really on the ball which must make you feel a little easier. I've looked every day for a post and though we all know you don't necessarily get the time to update, it is lovely to hear the latest news and that he's still doing ok. Hope you are too xx
Sounds like a little more progress. I hope this continues and that Ralph gets stronger every day. Once his meds are sorted lets hope his blood pressure improves. He is doing so well Best wishes 🤗
Sounds like a little more progress. I hope this continues and that Ralph gets stronger every day. Once his meds are sorted lets hope his blood pressure improves. He is doing so well Best wishes 🤗
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