Ralph had test to see how his vocal cords are and if there is hope for the future
I wrote a few paragraphs after each thing that happened and then just cobbled together
He's just gone in all drs and consultant doing the scope and will then decide what they're doing. I'm in ent waiting room praying hard.
Back on ward, changed trachy to 7 cuffed, wanted 6 but not got one in. Ben coming back later to explain what results show. This morning he did 24 stairs in total with 3 goes. Write more when I know and get home
The video that Ben wanted to look at hadn't uploaded, but he said Ralph was swallowing secretions the right way, however as soon as they put the camera scope up his nose and down to his throat, he vomited. But the consultant said his vocal cords are moving albeit slowly, but he had thought they were permanently paralysed. So that's good news, secretions are getting less, but because he vomited he said has to stay with a cuffed trachy for now as he couldn't clear them quickly enough. Imo he wouldn't have vomited if he hadn't used the scope! Sadly that will have to be used each time they check! Will check again in 2 weeks and downsize to a 6 cuffed, which is the smallest cuffed one made. Hopefully going uncuffed after that. All are pretty optimistic that eventually he will eat and drink again, but will be a long time before he gets to that. Something to work towards
Aiming for between 6-10 weeks to coming home🤔🙏😊
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Gardenview10
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Hi Sue such good news that the cords arnt paralyzed if they are moving there's a good chance they can get stronger once they are being used 🤞Im sure you will both be counting down the days until you get him home xx
What would happen if Ralph were to try humming - to cause some vibration. I'd like to think music might help him. I think you are incredibly brave, facing what Ralph is enduring and then typing up the notes for us all to read. It is some journey. Some of us know that long journey and share their story on this site. Caspiana's story, having been given a new lung, was a life-story everyone of us followed. I think 5 years have gone now since Cas was given a new lung. Every day is a Godsend, everyday has to be managed in macro bites.
I wish you both strength and patient to come through the weeks and months ahead and I will always look for your posts.
So glad to hear there's further progress and that they have more specific information after doing the test. Praying for you both and hoping things progress well 🙏
Hi Gardenview 10 😊 It sounds like Ralph is over the worst, that's great news. I'm sure he will be home within the next few weeks as they said. I'm very pleased for you both and hope that you are coping well too. Steve
I have just done a little background reading to understand exactly what Ralph is going through. Poor man and poor you, it sounds awful. It will be good to do away with the tracheostomy altogether. Roll on next year 😁🤞🤞
😂😂, that's the way! I was with my GP once, explaining what was wrong with me. He put his hand up, like at school, and said - who's the doctor here 😂😂😂 He was a good GP 😊
All sounds like Ralph's going in the right direction now, great news that his vocal cords aren't paralysed. What a journey for you both! 6 - 10 weeks isn't too far off now so hopefully he'll be back home where he belongs 🥰 Sending love to you all xx
That's great news, particularly about the movement in the vocal chords , you must be so happy now you know you have a firm date. Big hugs to you and Ralph. Bee
Sue I admire the way you look on the positive side and Ralph is fighting hard to beable to come home . You are a formidable team . And your true love for eachother shines through. You are truly eachothers other half and together to love and be so loved makes you eachothers other half and together you make a whole. And it's precious as some people live their whole lives and never know love like that. It's what I had with my husband. Ralph knows the real you and you him . It.was like that with my husband. Hope Ralph continues to make progress and remember to look after yourself otherwise you will have stern notes from Ralph nagging you . Big hug for you and a gentle one for Ralph.
That's all very positive. I'm sure I'd vomit with a camera down my throat too, still it's the least invasive way of monitoring him. He's doing a great job of preparing his body for his escape, the fitness will really help.
Hi Sue....Ralph is getting stronger on the stairs and it sounds as though everything is better than it was. It's small steps but sometimes that's much better for someone who has been so poorly. You have so much to deal with so thank you for taking the time to update. Take care xx
Hi Sue, how miraculous to hear there's slow movement in Ralph's vocal chords, presumed previously to have been paralysed. This is a fabulous foundation for ongoing recovery, which, with the Himalayan strength of both of your determination and love, will grow stronger and stronger, day by day. Light at the end of your tunnel, still a way away, but THERE! Bless your hearts. For the two TOEs I've had so far, I gagged hard with just the numbing spray and apparently had to be double le sedated around the camera the first time. Poor dear Ralph. You're absolutely right he vomited because of the camera.
I shall keep you both in my prayers and send truckloads of love ❤️ ❤️
Mostly good news. I appreciate you have other things going on at present but are there any plants Ralph might especially want to see when he returns home?
Does he enjoy runner beans and peas as these are things he could pick at the right height and feel some comfort in? Does he have other plants you always grow?
Garden sadly neglected this year. Usually grow carrots, tomatoes, peas, beans and lettuce. Even the rhubarb went to seed this year...who knew the flowers grew so tall! However the flowering bushes are looking good, lol
There's an organisation in the US that I personally find very interesting in terms of "healing vibrational sound music". If it's too esoteric for anybody and doesn't resonate, please just dismiss. If anyone wishes to look it over, it's called the Robert Monroe Institute, Hemi-Sync.
Again, further along, check Aura Soma colour healing oil. The Equilibrium range. See which one Ralph is drawn to and what it "does". It can be applied away from wounds and broken skin. I've found it to be quite amazing on some occasions. "Energetic" aid to the healing process.
Sue, Ralph is the only person I've heard of, so far, who also has a contrast dye allergy, the same as me. It's proving to be very problematic for me in my pre-op assessments and is beginning to feel quite isolating. I discovered my allergy during a coronary angiogram in 2021, when my eyesight was affected instantaneously during the procedure. 3 days later my skin erupted into severe hives and 32 months later I'm still recovering from both situations, rather than recovered. I couldn't take anymore of it. How did Ralph become aware of his allergy? Please don't worry if you'd rather not say, I know it's personal. I'm not sure how you'd pm me, without putting my details here, which i actually don't mind doing, just not sure if its allowed? I'm not hugely tech savvy 😅I do hope you're going on making headway. Ralph is just amazing and so are you. I feel very positive for both of you and his ongoing determination is breaking so much new ground. Always KBO you guys!! You're in my thoughts and prayers. XX
They gave him the dye in Sheffield, he instantly came out in hives and blotches and eyes watering. They gave him piriton and it eased over a couple of hours. Nurse then told him he was the third one that morning, so we're thinking it may have been a bad batch.
I'm sorry to hear that. Does this mean Ralph doesn't have contrast dye now, following this reaction? I think you said there was no contrast in the brain scans they gave him after his surgery?
No drs won't take the risk. No MRI either because of wires in his chest. Every time they say there's a slight risk with anything we cringe as he's had the lot, bless him. x
Thank you for updating, sounds positive to me about his vocal cords which is good news. Slowly getting there . The weeks go by quickly and he will soon be home at last. Must be difficult for Ralph being in hospital for so long but he is moving forward thankfully. Hope you get to have a rest and enjoy some sunshine this weekend. Lots of love x
I’m so pleased to hear you have some positive news. It sounds like you still have a long road ahead of you but at least you’re working towards Ralph coming home now which although won’t be easy for you must be something you are both looking forward to. Thank you for keeping us all updated on your progress. My husband and I are thinking of you and sending positive thoughts.
there are some real positives in your message and a clear timeline for getting Ralph home is wonderful. Keep at it Sue and Ralph, we are all behind you x
It may sound a bit far fetched but I agree with the blue cravat and with the humming, particularly the latter. Thank goodness there is movement in the vocal cords and a little, but gentle, exercise may help. Perhaps check it out with the swallowing team. I had a TOE and I’m not surprised Ralph vomited. On the whole it’s really beginning to sound rather positive and 6 to 10 weeks won’t be that long after the wait you’ve both endured. xx
I’ve just twigged you changed your username! Duh! So pleased to hear Ralph is making progress- amazing work on the stairs! So good to have them talking about him coming home to you. Do you take photos of your garden to show him how it’s all looking (or are you too scared? 🤣)
Yes, lots of photos of the garden, plus apple and cherry blossom on next doors fruit trees. Also a quick video taken from the bus of the rhododendron bushes starting to flower on the way to chesterfield, which we love to see. Sadly they'll have finished flowering before he comes home
I am seeing the positives in the my hubby 3 years on can't do 24 stairs. So it's amazing you husband can. He will be home before you know it. In a couple of years you be sat in the garden talking about the testing time and how you both got through it
Hello Sue. Got you latest post a day later than others! Some really good news there. It's been such a long haul for you both to get this far and Ralph will be home with you soon. I think about you both every day. Give Ralph a hug from us and you deserve a bigger hug. Such a brave and strong lady.
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such good news that the cords arnt paralyzed if they are moving there's a good chance they can get stronger once they are being used 🤞Im sure you will both be counting down the days until you get him home xx
How my AVR is going so far - day 11
What are we doing wrong in the UK.
Don't know what to do 
