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.😜😄
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Gardenview10
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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.
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.
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Has anyone who has had an ablation, caught Covid and it’s brought their AFib back. ? 
Fair ground rides
My heart 
Recovery after a double bypass surgery.
It's all becoming overwhelming 
