Ralph hasn't had his swallow x-ray, they only do 3 a week on a Tuesday, and it's in order of need and Ralph's is just to see what can happen in the future. He may not even get it done before he goes home.Physio are almost ready to sign him off, he's done 36 steps yesterday and tomorrow they're taking him up and down actual flights of stairs.
We started trachy training today. Changed the ties round his neck that hold the trachy in place and cleaned around the stoma. Changed and cleaned the 2 tubes and took out and put in
as well.
Got to learn suctioning as well although ward sister/manager said within a couple of weeks of people going home they just gather dust as don't need suction any more.
Then learning humidifier machine and mask which is usually used at home instead of suction.
As we don't have transport she's ordered all the equipment to be delivered to the hospital as they'll adjust training as both machines are slightly different to hospital models. Then when he comes home it will be in patient transport along with a nurse and all the equipment.
No actual date yet, BUT all being well will be the end of next week or the week after.
So hopefully home before July!!
Excited, anxious, nervous bit scared....I don't want to kill him, lol.
They offered him a half day trial one day next week and he said no, once he's in his own chair he's not going back apart from outpatient appointments 🤣
I usually have Sunday off visiting, but am going this Sunday, it's my birthday and also the first Fathers day since I lost my dad in December 😪
We always made a big fuss when they fell on the same day. So I'll spend some time with Ralph, then older son and Dil are taking me out early evening for a meal.
I'll keep you posted with our training and when we have a homecoming date.
Then I'll keep posting how we get on at home if you're interested, lol
See you later
Sue ❤️
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I know, I'll miss dad so much on Sunday. To be honest, I've not had time to grieve as Ralph had his heart attack and went to hospital 3 days after dads funeral x
what a perfect early birthday present! Of course you will be nervous but it will be almost as good to have him home as it will be for him to get there. Gives you a bit of a boost. With luck, the weather and his garden will be fabulous for you both x
I can hardly believe he 's come so far so quickly. You must be so excited ( and scared). So much to learn but so thrilling to hear such good news. You can't help wondering how the nurses feel; those who have helped to pull him through so far. How do you thank people like that?
Sorry, edited to w ish you a Happy Birthday. I was so excited at the thought of him going home, I almost forgot. It's my son's birthday on Friday so we are graced with a visit. He's been in America for 3 months and got married while he was there but she had to stay behind.
I will be interested for ever to hear the progress you and Ralph make 🙂 I am so happy for you that you are going to be back home together soon. I totally understand the nervousness about everything when he comes home but after a couple of days I'm sure it will become a routine for you and jopfullt he will continue to improve with his own things about him xxx
Brilliant news! When I starts training in the late 60's home suction was via a tube and a foot pump. I had great difficulty keeping the catheter in one place while my foot went up and down! Well done Ralph and you!! xx
Oh, it’s getting serious stuff now. Things are moving quickly for you both. It’s the best time of the year for Ralph to fully recover and for you as well. I am sure you will be ok once you get into a routine, although it may seem a bit daunting at first. I expect the community nurse will call in to check and hope they put that in place for you. Look on it as an adventure. You have been through so much and so this will be a doddle now. I am sure you will be ok. Keep us posted. We have been following you a long time, so we want to hear all about this happy ending please. God bless.
You are both clearly amazing people who deserve so much happiness. Praying you get Ralph home ASAP and God surrounds you with his peace and grace. With much love xx
Oh that's really good, my husband has been home almost 3 years now officially he can't do the stairs. But like most men has a stubborn streak. We have a lift now. Just be ready for the cheeky mis behaviour but atleast he will be home. You will see he will do more than they say he can sending hugs. Nice to have him home in time for summer sending 🫂
We're so excited, but wary as well, but we've been assured by nursing staff they won't let him home until we're confident and competent and that they're absolutely sure about us. As they said they love Ralph and his fighting spirit but when he goes home, they don't want to see him again 😜🤣
I bet he doesn't want to see them either. My hubby refused point blank. He got covid and so did I at the same the wanted to take him in hospital for a few hours to give him treatment as he has comprised immune. But to behonest for him it was like a mild cold. So refused to go. I was so bad curled up in bed. I am so happy Ralph will be home soon. I remember the nervousness but soon passed when he was home and could finally relax xxxx
That's wonderful to hear of more progress and a home date Of course we want more updates We are behind you both all the way to Ralph being well and enjoying life again
This is great news! You will both be trachy experts by the time Ralph comes home for sure.I had my first mother's day without my mum a few weeks ago, (it's in May in Aus) it was difficult, she passed away last year. And my first birthday without her will be coming up in a few weeks too.
It sounds like it will be a bittersweet day, grieving your dad, but also celebrating Ralph for Father's day and your birthday. May it be a special day for all of you 🌸
It's hard isn't it, but suppose we all have to go through it. Ralph isn't a dad, although he's been a grandad to our granddaughter since she was born, and she's 21 next month. He's written her a beautiful poem to put in her card. ❤️
So glad to hear that Ralph will be home soon. You two have been through so much. It’s understandable to be nervous but I’m sure you’ll soon be confident. I’m glad you will be spending Sunday with Ralph. Happy Birthday for Sunday. 💕
Ah that's amazing news! Wow! What an ordeal you've been through, now the light at the end of the tunnel is here. It dud make me giggle about not getting out of his chair lol! I hope you have a lovely birthday although I'm sure it will emotional too. Also, we would love you to keep in touch with us as Ralph gets home 🏡 ❤️ xx
I have been following along with Ralph’s and your story since the first days, but I have been quiet with it—not speaking, but reading and offering silent support.
It sounds like Ralph has turned a corner, and both of you are feeling brighter—like shiny, brand new pennies. I am so happy for both of you! It is a huge milestone to be able to go home.
And, Sue, you sound stronger and more confident! That is lovely to hear in your voice. I know that you will have your worries, doubts and blips as Ralph continues to make progress, but you can handle this!
When I was a young girl, my Grandma had to get a trachea tube. It was scary to me. I can recall the suctioning done in the hospital and later at home by my mom and aunt. They both learned to clean and care for the tube and Grandma, but I was too young to fully understand everything. She did improve and lived several years longer. That was the positive!
Anyway, I am thrilled for you both and wish you a Happy Birthday on Sunday and Ralph a Happy Father’s Day! ❤️💕
(Isn’t it strange that the UK and US celebrate Mother’s Day on different dates, but we seem to share the same date for Father’s Day?)
Sue that is all very positive news . Bet you both can't wait until next month and Ralph is home . From your first post to now Ralph has improved so much. To be honest I was very worried about you both. But as Ralph has improved so must your mental and physical health as well.
It is daunting learning to look after equipment but you can do it plus you will have support only a phone call away. I had to learn things looking after Nick and then for my mom including giving her injections.
Nick gave me injections twice a day when I had my total hysterectomy. I think he liked using me as a dart board. But we didn't want to tie up district nurses when he could do it and change my dressing. This was when I was 38.
The hospital has things well organised for you . Will you get an honoury nursing degree 😁.
They've all said I can have a job as HCA as when they come in to do his obs I'm passing and putting on his BP cuff, sats thingy (technical term) on his finger and switching machine on, lol
👍👍I bet so many of us look for your updates and it's lovely to hear of more positive progress for Ralph and also to know that it won't be long before he's at home with you. I'm sure there will be even more progress once he's happy and back in his own surroundings. 😀👍 Xx
So pleased to hear you are on the homeward straight & will soon have him home, you have both been through hell & back.Hope you can enjoy Sunday, just remember the happy times with your Dad. My best wishes to you both.
How very wonderful to have mentions of dates! It gives you and Ralph such a well-earned boost and I'm sure the rest of us feel better about it too. Fingers severely crossed xx
Thats fantastic news Sue, 😀. Congratulations to both yourself and Ralph for all the hard work it has finally paid off. And wishing you a very happy birthday for Sunday. X
Thanks for the update everyone will be pleased to hear your news.
You may not recall but many weeks ago I mentioned Ralph coming home with the tube in. How far you have both come in those weeks. At the time you said there was no way you could cope with caring for Ralph with a tube in at home. Now look at you, training and talking so positively about how Ralph will be home soon.
Enjoy your day on Sunday as you celebrate your birthday and Ralph on his way home, your Dad will be along with you 💕 It’s good that the equipment will be delivered to the hospital and you can use it under supervision - like all new experiences the first time on your own will be daunting, but in reality you have loads of experience as you have walked this path with Ralph - every nurse had a first time 💁🏼♀️ please keep us updated xx
Wowsers, that is brilliant news. How lovely it will be for Ralph to get home. I completely understand it is scary but the hospital sound great and will make sure you are comfortable with what you need to do.
Happy birthday for the weekend. I hope you can enjoy some good memories of your dad on Sunday.
If you have time please keep us updated. We are interested.
Hi Sue. Happy birthday for Sunday. Great to read Ralph s progresse. I haven't posted much recently but read all posts8 weeks today my lovely husband of 50 years suffered a massive heart attack and passed away on the Friday morning
Celebrated my 1st birthday without him. Very hard but went for lunch with some friends and my daughters and grandchildren came to visit me after school for cake and drinks
Jerry,s birthday is this Friday and Father's day on Sunday so 2 very sad events for me and our children and grandchildren to get through
We all will be together to remember wonderful Husband, Dad and Grandad.
Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so hard. The first of everything is awful, but with family and friends around us we will get through it. We can shed happy tears with the good memories of them. Bless you all❤️
Sue, we are DEFINITELY INTERESTED!! WOW! What wonderful news. I'm SO happy for you. Take it all step by step, you'll have help and support and Ralph will continue to come on in leaps and bounds I'm sure.What a truly indescribably momentous year you've had, with losing your Dad, and Ralph's surgery. I always remember Sunday June 16th. It was the last Father's Day I had with my own Dad, in 07. Mum and Dad came and brought a lovely blue clematis for the garden and this year it was beautiful.
Happy Birthday this coming Sunday. I will be thinking of you and I do hope you enjoy your day. It'll be different than it's ever been before, but you'll have the blessings of Ralph's ongoing recovery to enjoy, and your son and dil's loving company, to celebrate you, and your Herculean strength and love. No easy feat! Your Dad will be smiling down at you with loving pride, I'm sure! Xx
Hi I’ve been waiting to hear from you this is such good news, how wonderful to know he’s coming home after all this time. Happy birthday for Sunday hope you have a lovely day you so deserve it even though you will miss your dad.
It’s been tough on you especially as you say you’ve not had time to grieve. Hope all goes well with the homecoming and yes please do keep us updated. Best wishes will be thinking of you both🤞🤞 the weather allows you both to enjoy your garden 😊🌞❤️🤗🙏X.
Oh yes!!!..big things are happening..I think everyone will want to know how you and Ralph are getting on..also when at home..what a ling hard journey you both have been on..and winning now...a wonderful reason to celebrate your birthday and Father's day too..wishing you a happy weekend and that Ralph's improvement continues...and maybe eventually even the Trachy can go...may you both be blessed with God's choicest blessings...
it’s really good news that finally you get Ralph home soon. I would be scared too caring for him and his equipment please continue to let us know how everything goes Sue your story is an inspiration to all. Happy birthday for Sunday take care xxx
Fantastic news for both of you I will be delighted to hear everything that happens in the future ( well perhaps not everything).Im so pleased especially since it's been a struggle for you both, congrats and have a great father's day Ralph you deserve it!
So very pleased to read this news. It has been a hard journey on a rocky road but nearly home now. Happy Birthday for Sunday and I look forward to your next post. Love Jan xx
Hi Sue that's brilliant news that Ralph will be home soon, I am so happy for you both. I am sure everything will be fine once you get used to the new routine. Happy birthday for Sunday and please keep posting, we all look out for your updates. Take care char x
So happy for you that he will be home soon and well on the way to recovery. You will be scared - like having a new baby to care for! I'm sure there will be loads of help available and plenty of support on here. Take care
That is just amazing news Sue. I am so happy for you both. You've both had a hard time of it but now you are beginning to see the light. Long may Ralph's recovery continue when he gets home. I am sure he cannot wait to be back in his own familiar surroundings again. You have both been in my prayers a lot recently. God bless you both. xx
definitely keep us posted when you get home . We all feel involved in your story now , you’re stuck with us . So glad he’s finally going home . Love to you and your family x
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