Ralph's had the most amazing few days. On Tuesday he had the swallow x-ray and the speech therapist was amazed at the results. Firstly he gave him some sour tasting stuff, which Ralph insisted he tried to see how horrible it was, lol. Then he had barium mixed with water, then barium with yoghurt then finally barium with Madeira cake. About 25 swallows and each one went down the right way! So today he's had yoghurt and is allowed as many cups of tea as he wants. The nurses were so thrilled they made him a cuppa with their own stash of Yorkshire tea, he said it was amazing.From tomorrow he's allowed puréed meals, they have 11 items on the special menu as well as soup and pudding. He loves custard, lol. He has to note down what he eats so they can work out his nutritional requirements. As he has more food, he'll have less of the syringed feed, so in a couple of months then RIG could be taken out.
ENT have said he'll be home about 3 months and they'll get him back and he may have to stay in for between 2-5 days to slowly cap the trachy and if that goes well and they can get it capped over 48 hours they'll take trachy out as well.
Best of all
He's coming home, he's coming home, Ralphies coming home
I know you're singing, lol
Monday or Tuesday but likely Monday afternoon.
I'll keep you posted obviously.
Thank you all for your help, support and advice, and getting me through these 24 weeks
Sue xx
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Me too. I was waiting in his room yesterday when he got back from his tests. When he said it was all okay and he can start pureed foods from today I just burst into tears. He's worked so hard whatever has been thrown at him. Speech therapist was gobsmacked, couldn't believe it. He's already doing a paper on him because of everything he's had and overcome
You saved the very best of the good news until the end of your update 😊 I'm so happy for you both, prayers of thanks will be offered up tonight 🙏 together with a few tears of joy 😊 xx
Oh Sue I am so happy to read about the progress that Ralph has continued to make, it's wonderful that he will be home shortly and that he is able to have puréed food, you must be so relieved about this and the fact that he will be home next week. P.S I am singing take care and I am looking forward to your next update, char x
Hire a walker with a seat so he can rest on it or get the hospital to provide one. I used to pu sh a wheelchair for support hen sit down when I'd had enough.
Such wonderful news for your both! I bet that tea tasted like nectar! Bless Him. Such a long road but, he’s nearly home! Am so thrilled for you all. ❤️🩹
Wow finally, that's amazing I was thinking to message you yesterday as I had not seen an update.
The barium swallow is horrible. Like drink think chalk 😂😂 I had it on the 9th June to check my stomach. So I am amazed he could do so many swallows I literally did 4 and felt quite queasy afterwards.
I've had barium swallow, but Ralph's was different just tiny amounts mixed with the other stuff to see if he could swallow thinner and thicker mixtures. Was just to look at the throat swallow and where it went so not as bad as the 10 gallons they usually give. Not 10 gallons really just feels like it, and afterwards it's terrible after effects
What great news Sue I'm so pleased for you both it's been a long haul but you have got there in the end. I'm sure if will improve even more quickly once he is home with you xxx
sue , that has really made my day . I’m o er the moon for you both . What a bloody awful journey you’ve had . Thanks for all your updates . Look forward to more . Best wishes - Ali x
Wow, onion eyes here! Brilliant news on all counts! First he's coming home, second he's swallowing and allowed food ( even if it is pureed) and tea! Excellent news about capping the trashy as well. i am so pleased for yo both xx
Well how fabulous Sue, I knew he was only waiting until the summer came 🤣. Have a fabulous homecoming Ralph you have worked so hard for this and I wish you plain sailing from here.. you so deserve it. Love to you both xx
i am so thrilled I am nearly in tears of happiness for you both. It just proves that however black things are the dawn comes bringing hope again I admire both of you so much you have overcome adversity with strength and determination
Wonderful news just what we've all been waiting for Sue, I shed few happy tears reading it. Try to rest up a bit you're going to be very busy next week. 😊
What wonderful news and the weather is getting better too. It's as though it is celebrating Ralph's good news too.Enjoy your time together a remember to take care of yourself too.
Yay!!! This is the best news ever!🎉I'm thrilled to hear our dear Ralph is coming home! It's been a long and bumpy road and I'm so glad you'll be sitting together all comfy at home before you know it. So thankful for answered prayers for you Sue 💓
That’s brilliant news. You two hung in there during the toughest times. I think when you show fighting spirit the staff pull out all the stops too. Between you all you’ve been able to get to where Ralph is now. So happy for you and Ralp. 💕
Sue I couldn't be happier for you and Ralph . Bet you burst into tears knowing how well he has come one. I know from your first post you where both fearful he would never come home. But it shows how strong you both are and that's the love you have for eachother that has got you through your darkest of days. You truly are eachothers other half and together you make a whole. The strength and courage you have both shown gives everyone hope that no matter what life throws at you love will get you through. Also it has given the doctors,nurses and everyone else looking after Ralph a boost that they have done the best they good to help you both. They and you and Ralph should be very proud of yourselves.
Sending you a big hug and a gentle one for Ralph. 🌹🌹
Wow....this is such fabulous news and lovely to read. Look at what Ralph has been through....along with what's been done for him, especially at this hospital and his absolute will to survive, he's finally coming out at the other end. I'm so very pleased for Ralph but also for you because you've been through the mill too with all the worry and upset. I hope you continue to update us with Ralph's progress at home and wish you both all the very best of everything. Xxx
This makes me soooo happy...what a lovely start to the day to read this! Tell Ralph and yourself that today you are both my sunny moment of the day!!! And I am in agreement..custard is tops!! X
Delighted for you both !! You've worked so hard and been so strong. Perhaps Ralph can relax at home and watch England win the Euros on the telly - if he's interested 😀
Love the song, love the news Sue. That's such an awesome update, thank you. I'm sure that all of the support from everyone here has been a great help to you and Ralph 😁 and it will always be here for you both. Give him my best wishes and save some of them for yourself. Steve
We're doing well, Dan is much better, a few issues along the way but it's ok. I'm ready to Pop... Well I feel like I am it's nearly August... Isn't it 😂 but me and Olive are doing good.
So pleased to hear that you are going to have him back home very soon. I have followed this story from the very beginning and it's certainly been a roller coaster for you both. Hope everything goes well from now 🙏. Brian
Sue that is fantastic news for both yourself and Ralph, all the prayers 🙏 have been answered. Keep us updated please once Ralph is home on how the two of you are doing and take care 🙂 x
thank goodness! My dear Sue I am so very happy for you, it’s been a long hard road for you and Ralph, looking forward to a brighter and happy and healthy future for you both!all my very best wishes to you both!!! Xxxx
Like so many people here, I am absolutely delighted for you both. It’s such an achievement, given all the challenges you have faced. Please pass on our good wishes onto Ralph 😊 This news has made my day so goodness knows how you feel 😊
Wow! This is fantastic news so good to hear, so happy for you both. Onwards and upwards I hope the weather is fine so you can both sit in your garden and Ralph can enjoy his tea in the sun 🌞I will be watching for your updates. Best wishes to you both take care ❤️🤗X😊🌞
Ah that's THE best news 🥰 I'm so happy for you all. You've been amazing Sue, a real inspiration to us all! Give Ralph a huge hug from me & I look forward to next update when he's home. Carolyn xx
No words can describe our happiness for Ralph and for you...especially that he is swallowing...we hope that he continues to get stronger every day..truly heroes you two..God bless!!
Sue this is fabulous news and I’m so pleased and proud of both of you even though we have never met your presence on this forum is most important to all of us. Good bless xxx
Oh Sue that is just joyous!!! I can't tell you how pleased I am. You both must be over the moon. This is just the best news. Keep in touch with us once your home and let us know how you are getting on. Xxxx
Funny you should say that, lol. I asked Ralph if he was nervous about coming home next week and did he wish he had a few more days. He said " no, I'm a celebrity get me out of here"😂
fantastic news. You must be so strong and resilient to keep going yourself. I have followed your harrowing (at times) stories so wonderful to read things finally getting better for your dear husband and yourself. 👍
I like many many others on here have been following your journey. I’m absolutely delighted to hear your husband can get home. I wish you both the very best on the next stage of recovery.
140 replies so far. 140 people jumping up and down in excitement. 140 people immediately feeling better than they were! It's terrific news. And the sun is out too!
He's doing really well. I've been clearing basket drawers and filling with medical equipment, swabs syringes gauze etc, lol. Not sure if it's Mon or Tues now for discharge, depends if they're too busy Mon morning with patients coming back from weekend hospital
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