BS: Not such a happy birthday to me

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 07:41 PM

Great news Charlie. Take care of yourself too, won't you.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 10:36 PM

I just love to read good news!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 17 Jul 13 - 03:19 PM

Good evening, everybody. Ann came home on Monday 15th in the late afternoon. I have assumed mu duties as carer, chief cook and bottlewasher. Although it's only been a couple of days things are going fairly well and despite the long haul ahead we are not doing too badly. There will be the occasional update as it's the least I can do after all the good wishes here.
She has her weekly hospital appointment to-morrow (Thursday) so I can get a few chores etc done while she is away.
May I say a huge thank you to you all.
Best wishes from Mr and Mrs. fB

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 03:33 AM

good to get an update on Ann's condition - & yours!

keep healing, Ann & keep caring/cooking/bottlewashing, Charlie

sandras

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Megan L
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 03:52 AM

Glad to hear things are going well lad. Hope the heat isn't giving any problems. Remember to take a wee bit time just to relax caring is more exhausting than a lot of folk think.

Every good thought for both of you

Awra best
Frae
Meg

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 07:26 AM

I only caught these posts today, I'm afraid. Adding all my best thoughts. I know these things take time. Be patient and take the advice!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: GUEST,maryrrf (cookie?_
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 02:42 PM

I'm just now catching up with Mudcat goings on but wanted to add my good wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery for your wife. Sounds like she's coming through it all very well and you will have many more years to enjoy life together.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Leadbelly
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 03:42 AM

All the best for your wife and yourself!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 10:01 PM

I am delighted to read that Ann is home. Take care if her and yourself!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 06:26 AM

Here is an update regarding my wife, Ann.
She's back in hospital as she has a slight infection. For anybody who's had surgery the phrase 'wound' will give some indication of what's happening. Otherwise everything is going well, according to the consultants, and she is getting excellent care.
Gorra go, I have a bus to catch to Edinburgh.
Many thanks to you all
Charlie x

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: gnu
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 06:43 AM

Sucks havin ta go back in. Hope they get it sorted toot sweet.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: maeve
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 06:59 AM

Thinking of you both, Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 08:27 AM

Keeping the good thoughts coming, right now from almost sunny Devon.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 11:42 AM

And from sunny Staffordshire.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Janie
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 08:06 PM

And from the sweet sunny south of the USA...

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 08:21 PM

and from wet Sydney - where has our summerlike-winter gone?

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Aug 13 - 09:35 PM

. . . and from Rhode Island. I hope she is well enough to be released soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 08 Aug 13 - 06:34 AM

Glad to hear she's progressing well, Charlie. (Is going back into hospital the best choice? Most post-op infections seem to come from there these days.)
Best wishes to both.
Thimbles

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: billybob
Date: 08 Aug 13 - 07:38 AM

Best wishes to you both

wendy xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: maeve
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 07:32 PM

Charlie, How is Ann progressing? By the way, I think you and Ann are entitled to another try at celebrating your birthday. You can have mine, since it didn't happen this year. Enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ragdall
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 10:47 PM

Good thoughts to you and to Ann. I hope that she's on the mend now?

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Janie
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 11:03 PM

What maeve? Have you found the secret to skipping years to avoid getting older and wiser? (and thanks for bumping this thread up!)

And more seriously, how is Ann faring? How are you faring? Holding you both in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 03:42 AM

Thank you, Ann is still in hospital and has had further, but not as major, surgery due to complications. These complications are apparently common in 15-20% of liver transplants. I'm not doing too badly myself and have just about mastered the art of house husbandry. Hopefully she#ll be home soon and we can set about restoring that crazy little thing called 'normality'.
Thank you again for your much appreciated kindness.
Charlie and Ann x

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: gnu
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 04:43 AM

As long as the sorting continues. I wish you both the best.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Will Fly
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 04:50 AM

My best to you both - hope all gets back to "normal" as soon as possible!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 07:18 AM

Still thinking about you both and sending good vibes from Maine.

XXXXXXXX

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 09:20 AM

good vibes also coming from this side of the big pond

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: maeve
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 09:24 AM

Thanks for the update, Charlie. Hang in there- seems you're both doing what you must for healing and restoration.

Janie- "...Have you found the secret..." Nope. Just other less enjoyable happenings took the place of a celebration.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 05:22 PM

Charlie, I hope she is well enough to come home soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Janie
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 07:55 PM

Holding Ann and you in my thoughts, Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 04:50 AM

Hello. Ann is still in hospital in Edinburgh having been there a fwew weeks now. She is pretty weak through not beong able to take solids in but the consultants etc, who are wonderful, are trying all sorts of techniques to help with this. She "kicks my arse" ocasionally but does get low, understandably, from time to time. I visit more or less every day and sometimes she, blesss her, gives me a day off.
We have to stay optimistic because to think otherwise is out of the question, but, if I'm a relatively honest man, things do get me down now and then.
The kindness shown here is very important and I pass it on to Ann.
Thank you all once more and I shall try to keeep you informed a bit more. Love and thanks from Charlie and ANN x

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Megan L
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 05:18 AM

Charlie and Ann If thoughts, prayers, wishes, candles and songs can help the folk around here will forward all they can to you both.

Its alright to feel half empty some days heck it is even alright to have a cry when you are on your own. When you walk in the door of the hospital is the time to put the sunshine face back on.

May you both be strengthened by the love of others
May the energy they generate fill you both
May the peace they send allow you both to sleep peacefully
May the medical staff be filled with knowledge and compassion
Whatever the outcome know that you are both loved and cared for.

Awra best
Frae
Meg

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 06:01 AM

Beautiful, Meg. Thank you. I'm usually wearing my 'ello, darlin' face when I visit. More often than not it's genuine. But yes, now and again Mr. Meltdown -as they say these days - comes to visit. Charlie x

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: gnu
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 06:13 AM

Lovely words Megan. I can only to add my thoughts and best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 07:40 PM

Still sending those vibes from Maine.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 10:23 PM

I'm sending my vibes from Rhode Island, too! Although we are at a distance, we care.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Janie
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 10:29 PM

My hope is that Ann "holds her own" when she needs to, and then grows stronger and healthier by the day. Know you both are surrounded by light, love, and unconditional positive regard, Charlie.

Feel the warmth and shelter.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 10:38 PM

Janie, your post brought tears to my eyes.

I'll second it.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 06:34 AM

I'm grateful to ChanteyLass for bringing your thread to my attention, Charlie. From me & my Ann to you & your Ann, loving & healing thoughts. These are tough times & remaining 'up' & positive can prove so difficult to sustain. Reading through the posts, the high regard in which you are held comes across loud & strong. Ann & I wish your belovéd Ann a speedy & complete recovery & we wish you a slightly belated Happy Birthday,
                   With Love,
                                  Nigel & Ann Paterson.
                                  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 01:56 PM

Thank you so much, Nigel and Ann. You are the icing on an incredible cake.
Anyway, I just got back from my visit to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and we had our weekly chat with the various doctors, urgeons and nursing staff who care for Ann.
Three good things: temperature down to normal so less infection, blood pressure up to normal so slightly more oomph and last but by no means least, a drain fitted last Thursday is functioning better than thought after a CT scan showed a marked imporovement. Even the surgeon was surprised.
Still a long way to go but theses pages make it easier to deal with.
Love and best from Charlie Fb and Ann XX

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: gnu
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:10 PM

GREAT NEWS!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: maeve
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:29 PM

Charlie, what a relief! I'm away from home caring for a relative so haven't been able to stay in touch very well. You and your resurgent Anne are still in my thoughts and prayers.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Megan L
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:58 PM

Charlie I am so glad to hear of a small step forward our arms cannot hold you both but our words can stretch from here to there wherever we are. When David was ill someone asked me how I kept going the answer was a bit tongue in cheek but none the less true some days "I remember to keep putting one foot in front of the other." some days that's all we can do.

Thank you for keeping us updated now go eat and sleep lad she needs you to look after yourself as well.

Awra Best
Frae
Meg

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 08:47 PM

Charlie, as I often say, "Good news is good news." You and Ann just keep breathing while we all hope for her to continue to improve even if that comes gradually.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 06:15 AM

So pleased to read the latest news, Charlie. Progress is progress, no matter how small the increments, but it sounds as if Ann's 'increments' are not so small. It's also rather satisfying when doctors express their surprise at how well things are going (satisfying for them too, I would imagine).
                        Holding you both in our thoughts,
                                                                            Love, Hugs & Kisses,
                                                                                                          Nigel & Ann.
                                                                                                          xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 07:11 AM

Nice to wake up to good news Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 01:30 PM

Hmmmmm! I just spoke to one of the many outstanding nurses who looks after Ann. Apparently she(Ann, that is)has become very picky about what she'll eat. As the nurses are super tolerant they will actually go to the hospital canteen in order to get her something. If she orders me to fetch a Fortnum & Mason's (Big snooty UK shop) hamper in I'd better get on the train to London. It's better to have some humour than not. I'll be checking up on her later. I don't care whatshe eats as long as it's something that isn't fed by tube!
Big thanks from a loving hanging in there husband.
Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 08:49 PM

It sounds like Ann's taste buds are working!

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 10:07 PM

very good news.

Food = fuel, but when a patient starts choosing what food she wants, that's a very good sign of recovery.

Charlie, is looks like you might need to start bringing in some of Ann's favourite foods!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Not such a happy birthday to me
From: Maryrrf
Date: 10 Sep 13 - 09:39 PM

Charlie, I seldom post anymore but I'm glad I checked this thread. It's wonderful to hear that your wife is improving! Best wishes to both of you!