Ralph has been home just over 4 weeks and getting stronger daily.Yesterday he had an outpatient appointment with SALT and they tried him with some cake, firstly soaked in custard, then on its own. He wolfed it down with a big grin on his face. He has now been given the go ahead to eat soft food instead of puréed, and in 2 weeks when he gets his new teeth he can pretty much eat what he likes as long as he chews it well and has small pieces. The joy when we got home and he could have fish and veg, instead of having to puree it.
Discussed his RIG as now only flushing it twice a day and changing balloon water weekly.
Dietician visiting us on Mon at home, she says as soon as we get it in writing she will take it out.
SALT said Dr from ENT will give the okay for that at his appointment on 21st August, so should be out in September.
Thinks it may be 1-2 years before trachy can come out....if at all. Did say Ralph could be referred to Nottingham to have another operation on his vocal cords, but Ralph refused point blank. Even SALT admitted the intubation could make it worse and chance of another stroke while under. NO THANKS. Once the RIG is out and he's eating properly, he's almost back to his old self. Not risking that on maybe and lots more risk. He told him he's had enough.
Think they'll definitely leave trachy in until next Spring to see how his breathing is through the winter.
Next couple of trips we have taxis booked, but soon we'll be risking going on the bus, big step, but will just use local bus to town first.
I now don't do anything towards his care apart from cooking. Ralph does his own nebuliser, meds, and showering.
The last 5 nights he has slept downstairs as the air has been too hot in the bedroom....heat rises lol....and he says that makes it harder to breathe, but other than that, touch wood, fingers crossed, it's amazing.
Yesterday at hospital we got a wheelchair, he said he'd push it until he'd walked enough, as hospital corridors go on for miles don't they? He walked the whole way, both ways, so proud of him, so was SALT.
Saw a few nurses walking the corridor they were thrilled to see him looking so well.
To think they wanted him to live in a care home in Leeds, all he needed was to come home.
Today on his usual morning walk, he walked further than before without needing to stop and rest. Obviously still breathless when he got home, but recovers more quickly. The neighbours come out to chat and tell him how lovely it is to see him back. I just joke and say I told you he wasn't under the patio.😜😄
Written by
Gardenview10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Sue, such brilliant news, I am so happy to hear how well Ralph is doing now and being home with you has definitely aided his recovery. He will definitely be looking forward to some lovely home cooked meals char x
Give that man a medal for what he's come through and you for all your support and fighting for him. I'm shouting FANTASTIC RALPH. BUt please, I have a big word of warning. That unmentionable virus is still around and it can be very bad. My cleaner and her husband both have it and both are extremely ill. Both have heart conditions and she has COPD. People are going about their daily lives not even thinking about C. They assume they have hay fever or just a cough. If you are thinking of a confined space like a bus, think VERY VERY hard. People just aren't testing for it any more. I myself have been coughing since APril 28th . They call it the 100 day cough which starts as a virus but takes months to clear the post nasal dr ip.
After all you've gone through, be incredibly careful.
Couldn’t agree more, I had covid the month before my operation, I tested and stayed home but quite a few friends have also had it so it’s definitely doing the rounds again so every one please take care x
I was so lucky with my first born, he slept from 10pm until 6 am each night from coming home! I thought this is easy, we'll have another 😂😂 He didn't sleep for 2 years! They're 47 and 44 now.Rest when you get chance, hopefully friends and family will help with housework, your rest is more important xx
I'm so pleased how things have come together for you and Ralph Sue It's been a long road and I'm sure he is delighted to be eating stuff that actually looks like food 😄
What joyous news, it's made me so happy! Sharing meals together is a joy I prayed you'd both have together again before forever, and I truly can imagine the delight of that first fish dish!
Wishing you both onwards and upwards more and more, and such happiness in every day.
Yes, do take care . I've just had one of the summer lurgies. I also got my surgery date 2 days ago.... 20 September! Felt glad and sick all at the same time. Well, we are grateful for a chance to mend, and must bite the bullet and pray, just like every brave soul does.
Mine is keyhole mitral valve repair and ablation.
Ralph's and your courage and determination give me a lot of inspiration. Thank you for sharing both of your bravery over almost 6 months. Glad he is this side of the patio!!
What a fabulous post for all of us to read. As for wolfing down cake soaked in custard, I'm well jealous! It's just a fabulous story to read and you describe everything so well. To be home must be everything to Ralph. God bless you both.❤️
What lovely news. So glad you have both come through those awful weeks/months. You are both an inspiration to all who are struggling. Ever onward and upward.
He's come such a long way. It's really good news and must be better for you having him home so not having to travel to the hospital each day to see him. X
I’ve been following your posts but never replied until now. I saw the word amazing and yes Ralph is sooo amazing and it’s been amazing how much you’ve both grown and come together through all of this.
But don’t forget how AMAZING you personally are. You should be proud of yourself as well. How you have ridden this roller coaster life has thrown at you. I feel privileged to have been allowed to follow your journey.
This is so wonderful..I feel like you are both family after all this time and what a journey its been..you have so many of us willing you both on in both the darkest times you went through and now the sunshine days x thank you for bringing hope and positivity to this platform..I wish you wonderful days ahead..please keep posting!! Xxx
What a lovely post! I'm so pleased to hear of continual progress and that in itself is cheering to all of us who have followed you along this path. Once you turn the last corner you are on the home straight but that must be taken at a steady pace not a sprint. 10/10 to Ralph for refusing another somewhat risky operation - I still have a firm conviction that the medics always, always do their best but actually have no idea about mental presssure! Well done to you both and lots of love and hugs.
Excellent news. As regards sleeping, we tend to have very high humidity in this country. That will likel;y get worse in the winter when doors and windows tend to be shut.
It would be worth finding out now if high humidity is good or bad for his breathing. After sleeping our bedroom is very often 65% plus. To get the best sleep a humidity range of 50-55% is often suggested.
Such wonderful news. I am really pleased for you both. I have been thinking of you and hoping you would post something soon. You take care and enjoy being together again. 🩷🩷
Brilliant news . I can't believe how far Ralph has come in 4 weeks . Home really good is best. But it's because you are truly eachothers other half and because of that love and bond you can move mountains.
Had a thought about the heat in your bedroom. I have 2 x 20l Pro breeze dehumidifiers one in each bedroom. I brought them for last winter as I had a problem with condensation and hence black mould the winter before. I still use the one in the spare room to dry my washing over night but only on night time dehumidifier setting as it dries the washing no need to use laundry setting . I have the one in my bedroom on every night on night time setting . I put it on at 6pm until I wake at 5am it's amazing how much water it collects and cools my room down as I can get breathless if it's very hot or very cold.
Plus I have gotten used to the noise so sleep better with it's on. Just an idea to cool your bedroom down To work properly the door needs to be shut.
Your husband is truly amazing and so are you because you have been through all this too. I love the positivity and love you have for each other. Keep keeping us posted because they bring a smile to my face when I read them
Yes Ralph has done amazing & so have you too! I'm absolutely delighted for you both 🥰 Many thanks for the update, it's lovely to read how you're both doing & all the positive news. Give him a big hug from me 🤗 xx
Hello what a lovely catch up that was. So positive. Send my best wishes to Ralph he is definitely a strong man and sounds like he is so well and getting stronger all the time. I hope that he continues doing well he is definitely doing everything to stay above the patio 😂 Best wishes to you both, stay strong. Tracey
This is just lovely to read and shows how great the will to live can be. Ralph's been through so much and it's an absolute joy to hear about how far he has come along just in the few weeks since he's been home. So pleased for you both and I hope his progress continues. Take care and continue with updates when you have the time. All the best to you both xx
Oh it’s great to hear from you and what fantastic updates on Ralph regarding his ongoing recovery.You sound much more at ease with things if I’m reading this correctly and many months ago I told you that Ralph had to help himself more often to take pressure off you and it sounds very much like this is happening.God bless you both xxx
Now he’s started he will be wanting to taste every Mary Berry recipe !
You said previously he had lost a lot of weight (somewhat inevitable when on an involuntary minimal eating regime)-he might begin to put some of that back on now.
Thank you for the joyous update. He has come such a long and amazing way from that first weekend home.
Someone on this forum mentioned a book by Dr Saira Hameed( apologies to the person who referenced it and is on a programme this Dr is running at a major London hospital for healthy weight loss I recall , I have not remembered who it is, please correct me on the details anyone)
The book sounds like it could be useful/interesting in the context of eating well to support health whilst losing any excess weight but I do not have first hand experience or knowledge of it. .
You have no doubt, or rather I really hope you have had, advice and input from hospital dietitians for Ralph’s recuperation so this may be surplus information. Just a shared thought really!
Not much input to start with as he was on Fortisip alone, but hospital dietician is visiting us at home tomorrow morning, so hopefully get some helpful advice and information.x
Oh that is good. Have a barrage of questions ready and jot down a few notes to help you recall the advice.
There are so many conflicting reports on foods it is quite baffling, so to see someone with up to date knowledge on current food thinking specific to Ralph’s personal situation is fab.
I have seen two NHS dietitians -to do with high cholesterol. The second one was a fabulous and interesting woman who was really supportive and I really enjoyed the time I had with her. I do hope you have a similar experience .
Such lovely news so happy he is doing so well and you are both living a more normal life. Looking great going forward too. Your last comment made me laugh . Re the patio. Take care lots of love xx
Such wonderful news 😁. I know Ralph also has a guardian Angel - you Sue! 😇 . Wishing you both a very very happy and healthy continued retirement. You thoroughly deserve it 🤩💖💖
Sue this is great news, I couldn't be more happier for both of you , every step seems to be going in the right direction. I will keep up the prayers and hope to see a picture of the two of you soon in your garden as another goal achieved. 🙏 x
See -😊😊 life is all about changes, but not all those changes are ones we don't want. Do you remember how you were days on your own, worrying and not knowing what was going on with your husband? You found it hard to realise that "this too will pass", but it did, didn't it?
My own nightmare is something similar, but there is little change, there is talk of a care home, I am doing legal stuff which is taking forever, but has to end soon, and then perhaps I can concentrate on my own health and get work done around the house - like new decking and chimney repointing - another legal battle, but a little one.
I know you're not out of the woods yet, but Ralph's progress looks amazing. The two of you won't know you're "made" soon, as you go off and enjoy yourselves. Take care.😊😊😊
Well done to the two of you. The two of you are something else. So strong minded and full of love for each other. You are a very special couple. Take carew xx
Congratulations to both Ralph and you for all that you have gone through and come through successfully! Ralph is doing extremely well. I am incredibly happy for you both! ❤️
Amazing to see such happy news..your husband is fantasic and you are fantabulous!!!..your support and love and dedication brought him here...best of luck in the continued improvement...what a saga...now..you can write that book!!!
Hello to both of you, I’ve been wondering for some time how things were going (I remembered Castleview but couldn’t recall the new name you went by) so glad you’re both back home together where you belong. You have both been incredibly strong & hope you just go from strength to strength! xx
Brilliant news! We have been in the Lakes for 2 weeks with no internet (bliss)so am busy catching up on things! Chesterfield corridors are LONG - !!!xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Will this Hell never end
