Hi everyone.Ralph had trachy changed again yesterday (Thursday), a few later than normal, to avoid being due at Christmas.
Consultant pleased he's capping 7 hours a day, but now wants him to get to capping all his waking hours if he can. NOT to do it while sleeping in case he stops breathing.
Next appointment will be in around 6 weeks and if he's doing okay with his breathing all day, they'll try to arrange a few days for him to go in. He'd be monitored for 24 hours to check he's breathing even when sleeping and capped, then they'd remove it, then monitor him for 24-48 hours to make sure all is well before coming home.
Ralph is really keen and excited, me a bit more cautious.
If it fails while in hospital he could have a trachy back in right away, BUT, if the stoma heals over and he gets a cold or infection in the future it could affect his airway as the vocal cords are only slightly open. Then it would be more serious and would need to be put under to put a new one in. That would mean another intubation tube, which caused the problem in the first place. I'm just scared it could then set him back, make his vocal cords close completely again, then need a RIG back in for feeding. I'm usually optimistic, but, you know.....
We have a few weeks to see if he can cap all his waking hours and discuss all the options. When the time comes the decision is his and I'll have to smile, lol.
On a lighter note, we've got our Christmas tree up, and slowly getting other stuff put out. Ralph is the BIGGEST kid at Christmas, whereas I'm the Grinch, but so thankful he's here this year. Just us 2 on the day, then elder son, dil and their 2 doggies round on Boxing day for buffet and games.
Just seen the BHF Christmas advert on TV. It's about someone who has had CABG and still here because of it. Made me cry all over again.
Well dear friends, that's the end of my rambling for this year, thanks for all your help and support.
Merry Christmas to you all and may we all have a happy and healthier New year.
Best wishes
Sue and Ralph xx
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Gardenview10
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Hi Sue, so lovely to hear how well Ralph is doing after everything that you both went through. I understand completely how anxious you are about having the Trachy removed having watched everything happening when Ralph probably dosnt remember alot of it , you have been so strong .I hope that you have a beautiful Christmas and that 2025 is a fresh and bright new start for us all x
Winter greetings to you both. "Boxing day for buffet and games." Boxing day was our favourite day, cold turkey, mash and salad with two maiden aunts supervising Charades and Consequences, and opening up Xmas presents after dinner. It's good to catch up with all the news and I can well understand your mixed emotions with what lies before you. I wish there were two gold medals on the Christmas tree, one for each of you. Whilst you two are together it's like Christmas Day every day. One day at a time and all life is but a journey. Lots of love to you both.
It constantly surprises me how invested I can get in a total strangers life. It makes me so happy when I see people, like you and Ralph, on here overcoming what, at first, seems like insurmountable odds. So glad things are going so well for you and your family. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Brilliant news Enjoy your Christmas together It's been a year that's taken you to the troughs and now to the highs Enjoy and make it your best Christmas ever. Don't let the dogs win the games though they will expect to be rewarded with too many treats if they do😂
Ralph and Sue I am so pleased for you both such great news and it sounds like his Consultant is really looking after him and is on the ball.
Merry Christmas both and get every piece of tinsel out that you can find Ralph but you will have to cut down of fairy lights to save on the lecci 🤣🧑🎄🎅🏻🌲🌲🥂
Thankyou for the update, so lovely to hear of Ralph's continued progress and hoping all goes smoothly with the trachy plans.I wish you both a very Merry Christmas! 🤶 🎅
funny . I was just thinking about and Ralph yesterday sue . Hope everything goes well for your both . I’m a grinch the same as you , but have a lovely Xmas anyway x
Lovely to hear from you again. I'm glad all is going well so far but I totally understand your concerns about the trachy. I would be worried too. But for now you can put it all aside and enjoy a Christmas you didn't think you'd have at one time. Worry about the future when it happens, not before. Have a lovely Christmas.
Fantastic how far Ralph has come, and always with you by his side. There must be many who have unfortunately had ohs with post up issues, my husband included. Sharing your experience and has been inspirational
Hi Sue, thank you for your update. So pleased everything is going well. Wishing you, Ralph, and all the family a Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year 🥂🌲🫂
Sue lovely to hear how Ralph is getting on . I would be like you and worried about Ralph having things done that may set him back.
Nick was a big kid at Christmas he's favourite time of the year . Before we married he would never go present shopping until Christmas eve soon stopped that once married. But when we had our children he went out Christmas eve to buy them a present I never knew what it was until the day. Unfortunately his last Christmas he couldn't do it . I asked him what he wanted them to have and I would go and get it but he said no it's not the same . He gave them some money. We already knew it would be his last Christmas . I won't allow myself to be sad on Christmas day but do have a good cry Christmas eve.
On a lighter note he was a joker . Before we married he staggered into my parents with a huge box for me . And said he careful it's heavy. When I opened it Christmas morning it was a giant teddy bear. He did the same thing the following year huge box and staggering. Thought he was having me on again . Christmas morning nearly gave myself a hernia it was a sewing machine and in those days they where all metal. Once married one year again huge box under the tree the bugger had wrapped 10 boxes each smaller than the next he had brought me a beautiful necklace I still wear everyday. But told him no more silliness.
My dad one Christmas unbeknown to my mom he had wrapped and toilet roll and tin of prunes as a gift for me. No I wasn't constipated just loved tinned prunes.
Hope this has made someone smile.
My tree goes up the 1st December same as it did when Nick was alive and down on new year's day. Since moving here my grandsons decorate it . I just put the lights on and the few breakable decorations.
We sent to see Santa this year before they did it.
I always think of my other 3 grandson's when they are doing it as they never did it. And sadly never will. Not my choice but being estranged from them is hard . They are now 8,6&4. Last time I saw the eldest they where 4&2 never seen the youngest or know his name only he was due in July 2020. Why my son decided I was no longer his mom I will never know . Last time I saw him was on my birthday April 2020 and had a wonderful time . 4 days later his text telling me he sent an email and not to contact him . What hurts so much I had a kind and loving son for 32 years realising he is a cruel coward hurt so much. And my grandsons have grown up either thinking I don't love and care about them or been told I am dead.
Sorry Sue but Christmas always makes it harder for me. Estrangement is a living grief . But the grief I feel for Nick dieing far out weighs what my son and daughter in law have done. My grief for Nick gets worse every year but it's the heavy price we pay for finding the other half of ourselves. And love never dies .
So glad you still have Ralph and may you have many more years together. 💞👥
Looking for details of a 10K park run in your area on Boxing day but could only find a 6K. Shall I put you both down for that?
Such great news to hear of Ralph's progress. Do take time to just sit and enjoy each others company. Then its on with that running kit. All best wishes to you both.
🤣🤣 oh what a shame, we have plans on Boxing day 😜I just cried watching tv last night because I am so grateful he's holding my hand and watching with me, so emotional 💗
Oh it's lovely to read your update & I hope you have the best Christmas ever. I hope 2025 is a fabulous year for you both. You've given us such a good picture of Ralph, it came as no surprise at all that he's the biggest kid at Christmas 🎄😂😂 Much love, Carolyn xx
Hi Sue ,Thanks for taking the time to update. Great news on Ralph’s recovery. I hope you have a fantastic time over the festive period- you both so deserve it.
Aww I have been thinking about you both over recent days and wondering how things are! I have now hit my 1 year post heart attack milestone and very much grateful for all that's around me. I wish both you and Ralph the very best and hope this season brings laughter and precious memories xx here's to 2025 for us all x
So lovely to read your news. I have often wondered how you are both doing. Have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy New year. I hope all goes well with Ralph. X
It is so lovely to hear how you and Ralph are getting on. Have a wonderful Christmas together. 🩷💙🎄 take care too and good luck with the hospital stay. Xxx
Really wonderful to get an update...your experience was a really tough one..and you and Ralpf became our heroes...so glad you are having a Christmas celebration....and hope that all the new trials that await you will be small and successful...we will all remain positive with fingers crossed when the time comes...in the meantime..Merry Christmas...and God's blessings to you both.
Hi Sue good to hear from you been a while or have I missed your posts ? I hope all goes well and Ralph is able to have the trachy removed. I completely understand your concerns. You both have been through so much and certainly don’t need any set backs. Praying that all goes well 🙏🙏
Have a wonderful Christmas and let’s hope that 2025 is a good one for us all. God bless you both and your family ❤️🤗😘🎄😊🌞
Hello dear friend. Good to hear you husband is doing well. But how are you my friend, you are important too. Please take of your self too. I hope you don't mind me saying, it only because I care. My husband has been looking after me lately and it just made me appreciate how he is suffering too. And being strong for me. He is getting me back on feet. Thinking of you both sending you my dearest wishes. Xxx
Morning Sue and Ralph . That is great news that Ralph has come on so far but he is a fighter and he will get through this next stage as well. Hope both of you and your family have a lovley Xmas and 2025 is a great year for yous. X🙂
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