spare a thought for rick

Highland_Lass_2

So glad that things are improving for Rick. Great news.

Highland_Lass_2

fsdss wrote: »

i cant believe that auction is £5.50 delighted - almost enough so far to buy a kettle (which they haven't got)

i've actually done my hair today and popped on a bit of make up- hubby and i were just saying that we have come so far now with Rick, we can start looking at the future a bit more.

It's at £9.50 now which is brilliant.

fsdss

Ricks had another stable night so thats 48 hours that he has been stable.

Becca is in town picking a nice A4 size book for Rick - we are going to write down how we all feel in the book (using this thread has become easier as some of our thoughts are reminded in here). were going to take some pictures of Rick in ICU, and attach it into the book and leave it in his room for him to look at when he is better.
the purpose of this is to Fill in his missing days but more important to let him know how truly we feel about him, because although we tell him we love him - it will become more deep and sincere when it is written down.

hobbesy_2

Another person pleased to hear things are going well.

When we take little man back for his update in the next week or so I also want to do something to make life a little easier on the ward for families. As we had to rush into a&e and in my case ended up not leaving for 8 days you're not always in a situation to have everything with you you need, and like you say its expensive to survive day to day in a hospital without a support network.

Luckily our family room (William Harvey kids ward, Ashford) had a kettle and microwave, with tea and coffee provided via a mix of donations and nhs funding. But like many places its a dated little room with run down furniture. Once I could leave his bedside though this place was a haven for those with little ones down the hall, so I've been trying to think of little ways to help (certainly don't have money for new furniture, etc sadly). Like others, I sadly can't donate blood so wanted practical things. Every hospital will have a ward or two in a similar situation so anybody touched by this thread could make a difference to someone.

Magazine subscriptions - you end up reading very old magazines cover to cover as there's a very fine line day after day between being worried sick and bored witless. You can pay for these with tesco points so needn't cost a penny.

Biscuits, Squash, etc - Just some little comforts would make a big difference

Shampoo and other toiletries - We had the use of a family bathroom but as I said if you're not planning on being in hospital you don't have anything with you. (I'm actually considering asking my aunt who works at colgate how cheap you can get a box of toothbrushes,etc for)

Toys, books, colouring stuff - In the case of children's ward, as you can imagine the toys are very well used, and floor puzzles,etc soon start losing pieces. There's probably rules on second hand toys but there's bound to be some sales bargains to find

Phone/tv cards - Nurses can then give them to families they know could do without the extortionate cost

I'm just using this post really to sound out my ideas on what I can do and hopefully give ideas to others. There's plenty of other easy ones I'm sure that could really make a difference and make life a little more bearable

But for those who can - Donating blood is free! unless its on ebay ;-)

Keri -x-

quietheart

fsdss wrote: »

Ricks had another stable night so thats 48 hours that he has been stable.

Becca is in town picking a nice A4 size book for Rick - we are going to write down how we all feel in the book (using this thread has become easier as some of our thoughts are reminded in here). were going to take some pictures of Rick in ICU, and attach it into the book and leave it in his room for him to look at when he is better.
the purpose of this is to Fill in his missing days but more important to let him know how truly we feel about him, because although we tell him we love him - it will become more deep and sincere when it is written down.

such a great idea. especially taking photos of him in ICU. people often come out of situations like this with little or no recollection and find it hard to relate to it or come to terms with it. seeing photos makes it real. you've had some great ideas and coped so well with all of this.
best of all is how well rick is doing. so chuffed for you all.

Peakma

So glad to hear he's doing better.I never realized glandular fever
could be so serious.I'm sure your not doing,but please make sure Ricks girlfriend isn't feeling guilty or responsible for this happening in anyway.She must be feeling pretty awful also.Please make sure she feels involved with his recovery,I guess she's only young also,and it must a real shock to all involved.
When my brother died suddenly from Meningitis c,aged 16,it was just so difficult to understand,all the hows and whys,and in a way it would of been easier to just have someone to blame.But I'm so glad there wasn't,because I would of held a feeling of hate for them,which would of been another thing to deal with.
I am not in anyway saying this is what your feeling.And it is not meant as a dig in anyway,just sharing my experience.
I think you are all doing great,and your family is really lucky to have you,you seem like a pillar of strength.

quietheart

to second Peakma, i do have sympathy for rick's girlfriend. when i had glandular fever i couldn't think straight, make any decisions and found day to day living a real struggle. you are on go-slow and your brain only seems to be able to cope with the minimum duties.... hope that's the reason why she didn't think to mention it. i know when i finally found out i told people to excuse my slurry behaviour....

Keeping_Motivated

I must agree here that his girlfriend probably needs a little TLC... I am an adult and had no idea glandular fever could turn into something so life threatening and horrendous I just knew it could be very debilitating and hard to get over so I assume his girlfriend didn't think it was significant to mention or if she did maybe she was feeling guilty and too scared to mention it?? She is only young.

Best wishes again to all of you x

r.mac_2

I have just read through your thread and have had tears in my eyes the whole way though.

I am so pleased that rick is doing so well and am so touched by your strength at such a difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, rick and your family and I do hope that 2008 sees rick getting stronger every day. No doubt you'll have to crack open the champagne very soon!

I also think that your suggestion about nick knowles is a good one - you should write to the bbc and put the suggestion to them......

Keeping_Motivated

I second the Nick Knowles and if you want to start a petition I would sign it.