Ralph has had a mostly good week. He had an off day on Tuesday and didn't have his shock treatment, but had it on Wednesday and it's his last one today, Thursday. ENT will assess next Monday. Next week he's also having a PEG fitted in his tummy and will get his feed through that until he can eat and drink. So far they're optimistic it's working as he is swallowing better, they would try him now, but still too many secretions for him to manage, although they are a lot less. He is managing to swallow some down now so that's a good sign. They're also going to arrange another smaller tube in his tracheotomy, he started at 9, chesterfield put in an 8 when he moved and now they'll do a 7. It has to go down one size at a time. They'll also try the cuff down for just a few minutes at a time.I haven't posted for a week as it's later visiting hours in this ward, doesn't start until the time I was leaving from the other, so not home until 6. Leave from home later obviously but I'd rather be home for 4 than 6. I'm tired!
Update : Ralph has had a mostly good... - British Heart Fou...
Update
Good luck today Ralph for your last shock treatment and let’s hope that the ENT assessment goes well on Monday you are trying so hard. Yes it is tiring Sue but will hit you most when it’s all over and Ralph is well again. It sounds like you are on the homeward straight x
They did say yesterday it may be 2 months before they'll try him with food and drink, so tracheotomy in for that long at least. They told us last week it would be 3-6 months in hospital, so still a way to go if he's not home until Oct
Oh wow, I thought they may be thinking of him going home as they were putting a peg in for his food. It’s going to be hard on his mental health once he is home after all that time being in hospital Sue, he has really had it rough x
Lovely to hear from you Sue, Ralph is certainly tenacious! Everything is moving in the right direction and the baby steps are slowly becoming toddler steps. Hopefully the weather will improve as we enter May, everything is so much easier when the sun is shining, especially in beautiful Peak District
It's been absolutely freezing here last few days, be lovely to not be frozen while waiting for buses
I just wish I lived closer to drive you to hospital a couple of times a week so that you get some rest and a break from waiting for the buses. I know how tired I got and I was driving myself. Look after yourself and very best wishes to Ralph too xx
That's so kind, thank you for the thought xx
I’m glad Ralph is still making progress. I can’t imagine how exhausting this must be for both of you. Take care and I hope you both have as good a week as can be expected x
This is certainly a long haul and gruelling for you both.
Lovely to see Ralph sitting in some sun looking pretty chirpy, even though we all know the temperature is still so chilly and no doubt he couldn’t be outside for too long.
It’s not what you planned or hoped for but massive respect to you both for dealing with it all so bravely.
With love x
Good to hear from you (and to see Ralph). It sounds like a nice steady week overall where you can see progress which is fantastic news. At this point you have had weeks of strain and stress so no wonder you’re tired. Hope you’re managing to eat. By this point Mum was existing on ping meals except for a weekend when she came to us to eat. I was being catered for by a 14 year old between work and evening visits so food was an adventure!!! Keep in touch and hopefully next week will be another step towards homecoming! Xx
Hopefully he'll be home by October which will be the 6 months, if it's earlier that would be great x
Sue, good to hear from you and to see Ralph and getting outside, albeit in the cold .
The PEG will get rid of that pesky NG tube 👍 , hopefully helping to improve the swallowing
You are both still in for a long haul, but the lighter days and better weather, should improve the situation a bit, the main strength comes from your love for each other. 🥰
So glad for the update as I always look for one from you. Looking good, Ralph! Good luck with the ENT assessment on Monday, and having the PEG fitted. Later visiting is a pain, but still better than travelling to Sheffield. Remember to take care of yourself Sue. Is there a cares group at the hospital you could visit? xx
Hi Sue Thanks for the new update and so glad its a positive one 
Its certainly been a rough ride for the both of you but the new treatment is looking positive so far which is great. Im sure you are tired its been a lot for you and hope you are eating okay so hard to make good food when you get back so late I tend to make quick rubbish like toast but not the best xxx
You both doing so well, I keep a look out for your updates now , not just to hear how well Ralph is doing but because your story is so inspiring..... Just goes to show how things can turn around no matter how bad they may have been.I think you both deserve a medal and a holiday when it's all over.
Well done Ralph and Well Done You!
Hugs , Bee
We'll both settle for some time together at home ❤️
Well done Ralph and Sue !! You're a couple of warriors !!
I'd love to see Ralph the fighter to send him good vibes and best wishes, but I can't see the photo . Have a restful night, the two of you ❤️
I removed it
I too missed the photo , but glad to things se still moving in a positive direction for you both x
Had a message from someone saying best to remove it, not safe to identify people on here
ok my dear . Strange though . It’s not as if your parading photos of a child in a swimming costume or something . We are all rooting for Ralph on here . Hope he Carries on doing well
another week closer to getting home. It’s lovely to hear the progress Ralph is making. Like everyone else Sue, make sure that you look after yourself. X
Good news! Now get some well-deserved rest. 😌 - Paul
I don't know Ralph but he's a lucky man having you for a wife. Alec x.
Thank you, but he'd do the same for me. That's what being a couple means x
Good to hear Ralph has had a good week but its going to be a very long haul so you need to make sure you look after yourself too and get enough rest Look forward to the next update
Yes, Ralph has warned me there will still be ups and downs. Told him I'd be late next Wednesday as gas service booked in by housing association. He wrote have Wednesday off and rest. Told him it depends what time they come, it's any time 8-1
Oh bless him, he seems to cope so well with the ups and downs . They must be disappointing for both of you but he's doing so well. I don't post often but always read your updates. The important thing is for you to take care of yourself. The stress of all this must really be affecting you. You will be no use to him if you get ill.
Sue. Good to have an update. If the visiting hours are a problem to you have a chat to the ward Sister / Charge Nurse. Explain the problem and as Ralph is likely to be a long-term patient they may allow some flexibility.
Thank you for the update. Good luck to Ralph with all the treatment plans 🍀🍀hope it all goes well. Take care of yourself and Ralph this is a long haul and exhausting for you both. Best wishes to you both ❤️🤗😘
I cannot see a picture on my feed of Ralph
Very glad to find your latest up date on Ralph. At least you already know you are in for a long halt. Hopefully Ralph improves being at Chesterfield. But remember to look after yourself. Last thing either of you need is you getting ill . Take good care of eachother love is a precious gift . And you are lucky to have eachother. 💝
I posted a reply further up. I had a message from someone saying to remove it as it wasn't safe to identify ourselves with pictures
I did see a later post from Sue saying that she removed it as some advised her to. I myself are feeling well in fact I had an appointment with cardiologist yesterday long time coming lol. Also had an Echo in March. The consultant read me the results. Apart from there is as light leak in of of my valves which he told me nothing to worry about All four chambers normal. My EF number gone back in normal. 55% to 60%. So he said lol what are you doing here. No longer borderline heart failure I thought I had deteriorated last year but put on beta blockers really helped me so I am really pleased
That's fantastic news, so pleased for you 😊
Thankyou Sue. I have been reading all your posts with Ralph the struggles you face I do hope that things have now turned a corner and that he continues to make progress however small that may be. Everyone is with you all the way we don’t always comment but you are both in our thoughts.
Fingers crossed, hopefully be some optimistic reports tomorrow x
There seem to be good plans in place for Ralph's recovery. If October is the home coming date (could be much earlier), he'll have a wonderful Christmas with those he loves. Make sure you look after yourself as this is exhausting for you.
All the love in the world to you both. Jan xxxx
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