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Monday 11 January 2016

AN UPDATE

Hi everyone,

First of all, I'd like to thank you all for your continuing support throughout this difficult period in my life. I'm not sure I would have survived it without you. You have all be my rocks...truly.

As you know, Austin was admitted to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London on 4th November, for an aortic valve replacement, via open heart surgery.
Well, the operation was a success, but then a short while later he suffered a massive bleed and had to be opened up again to rectify that.
Unfortunately, he contracted a lung infection a day later and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He suffered a collapsed lung, followed by pneumonia, and was in a coma in intensive care.
The doctors informed me that they were unable to find a cure for the infection as they had no idea which strain of bacteria was responsible, and the broad spectrum antibiotic he was being given was proving ineffective. They said I should prepare myself for the worst outcome.

Throughout those hours and days, my son and I could only sit by his bedside, talk to him and wait, while the doctors drained huge amounts of fluid and blood from his lungs and chest cavity...and the microbiologists tried hard to grow a culture that would provide a cure for this particular infection.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, they eventually managed to pinpoint the cause. It was an extremely rare strain of bacteria, and they had no idea where it had originated from.
But at least there was finally a cure.

What should have been a seven to ten day stay in hospital had stretched into a month's stay, so after the first three weeks my son and I had to return home and leave Austin there (the cost of the accommodation had just about bankrupted us, and Ayrton had to return to work!).
Leaving him there alone was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. But I did arrange for the hospital chaplain to visit him in my stead, so at least he wouldn't be the only patient without any visitors throughout the following week...so if you ever read this, Mari...thank you so, so much, I am totally indebted to you.:)

Austin is back home with us now and is recovering, albeit very slowly. He has lost a huge amount of weight, and most of his muscle tissue. He has been left extremely weak, with virtually no sense of taste or smell and his appetite is very poor...but hey, he is still with us. And that was the very best present we could ever have hoped for!
He has to attend the rehabilitation centre twice weekly for the next year.
Yes, it is going to be a long haul. But at least now we are filled with hope for a future together.:)

I do intend to return to blogging now, but it may not be as frequently as it was before as there is still a lot to do here.
I really hope you will be patient with me. I have missed you all so much and will visit as often as I possibly can.

Thank you again for all your support and kind wishes.
I genuinely appreciate them all...I couldn't have survived this without my dear Blogger friends...:)


Happy New Year! xoxoxo


ps/  Just wanted to share with you the other good news...I became a grandma on 1st January! Baby Jonie is so beautiful...and I am so, so proud! :)))



46 comments:

  1. My dear Ygraine Im so happy he is better and you can care him.
    Patience is not easy I know.
    Send you for you and your son and hubby bug hugs and love.
    xoxo

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  2. My dear Ygraine Im so happy he is better and you can care him.
    Patience is not easy I know.
    Send you for you and your son and hubby bug hugs and love.
    xoxo

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    1. Oh thank you so much, my dear Gloria...I appreciate that so, so much!

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  3. My Beautiful and Sweet, Ygraine...all that your family has had to endure through these past months, challenges our will to carry on with life. But Austin, your son and you, dear friend, gathered your love together and made you stronger to fight this together. Much credit must also be given to the doctors and medical staff for their diligence in finding the correct strain of bacteria that caused the infection and were able to finally treat it.
    How wonderful that the new year has started out on such a positive note...congratulations grandma, grandpa and to your son.
    Wishing you all healing, love and happiness~

    All My Love, Hugs and Kisses
    xoxoxo

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    1. Oh Jan, my dearest friend...your kindness truly touches my heart.
      Thank you, oh thank you so much.
      Yes, we do indeed feel blessed. It seemed as if our lives were to be ripped apart...and then things just appeared to come right at the last moment.
      One thing is for certain - I do believe in miracles now!
      I would like to thank you again for all your kindness and support throughout that terrifying time. I couldn't have survived it without you (and, of course, those highly skilled doctors and microbiologists!). But it was the human, emotional side that kept me going...the wonderful friends like you.:)

      All My Love, Hugs and Kisses xoxoxo

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  4. Hello my beautiful friend, massive hugs and lots of love and comfort to you and your husband and loved ones for all that you have been through! Yes, the most remarkable gift is that your hubby is still here, I am so happy for you, Hang in there, wishing you lots of love and light and positivity to carry you all forward in strength and health. Here's to a wonderful recovery, i hope he feels better soon! Thinking of you and offering friendship and connection whenever you need! Thank you for sharing your touching journey and for always sharing your poetic-artistic-creative world with us all. Take good care of yourself and be well always...you are a very special kindred-sister and I wish the world for you! Yay..congrats on the new baby, what a blessing, enjoy this new adventure! Wishing you love
    Victoria

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    1. Do you know, my dearest Kindred Sister, I have never felt so blessed in my entire life before!
      That I was so cared for...by such beautiful and loving friends...is so, so precious to me.
      You have given me the strength and faith to remain positive, even in our most darkest times...and I thank you with all my heart.
      Yes, it is wonderful to be a grandma too (although I still feel 16 inside! lol). Jonie arrived in good health, just in time for the New Year. What more could anyone ask? I have my husband back...and a new family member!

      Thank you again, my dear Sister...for everything. I am totally indebted to you for all your kindness.

      All My Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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    2. Hugs, ditto, I feel the same about you sacred sister! and I appreciate all that you are!
      Yay, I am thrilled you are enjoying your new sweet Jonie, so precious a gift! I think it is wonderful to still feel 16, shine on..me too!Never let that inner magic go!
      Have a beautiful month and here's to more blessings ahead for you and your family in the year ahead!
      hugs and much love
      Victoria

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    3. Thank you so much, dearest Sister...and here's wishing you the very best of Blessings in the coming year too!

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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    4. Thank you so much, dearest Sister...and here's wishing you the very best of Blessings in the coming year too!

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Anthony.
      I think things may be turning a corner now (fingers crossed), so here's to the future!
      I truly appreciate your kind words of support...:))

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  6. Oh, I am so glad that your husband is back at home, that is wonderful!!! I was fearing reading this post but glad it had a a happy ending for you. He WILL get better Ygraine. Love and a good environment (home) can work wonders for the body and spirit. I can only imagine how relieved you must be.

    Many years ago, I had a similar experience where I had to leave a loved one alone for a period of time, in a care facility in my case. It was the hardest thing I ever did too. I know what that feels like but sometimes, we have to do something we don't want to do at all, out of necessity. I'm sure your husband totally understood though.

    Take care and big hugs and healing energy to you and your whole family. You all need a rest and some really good progress now. I know it's on the way. G

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    1. Oh Geraldine...I am almost afraid to hope too much...but he is recovering remarkably well!
      He is getting a bit stronger every week, and has even begun to drive short distances again now.

      Many thanks for sharing your experience with me too. It is so hard to leave a loved one alone in a strange place, even when it is out of necessity, isn't it...leaves one with a dreadful sense of guilt.

      Thank you again for your support...it has been such a comfort to me...:)

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  7. First of all ... Jonie ... what a joy ... hope she is physically close to you that you can cuddle her, hmmm? ..and for your love ... wishing him all the best ... he went through hell and back ... be patient, lovely peeps, yes? Heart surgery and all the complications brings a lot of misery ... I know, but like you said: He is still with us ... yes!? ... Be strong ... and thanks for sharing, hmmm? Love, cat.

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    1. Unfortunately Jonie hasn't yet been within cuddling reach, but we do have lots of photos, so until she is, these must suffice!
      The signs are really hopeful with Austin now, and although he's by no means "out of the woods", things are looking much more favourable than they have for ages.
      Thank you so, so much for your kind words of encouragement...your support means so much to us both.:)

      Lots of Love xoxoxo

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  8. __We are with you "Y" ... surely, our hopes and wishes go to Austin and you!
    __I'm sure Baby Jonie... has added to the positive hearts! _m

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    1. Oh thank you, Doug...so much!
      Oh absolutely...baby Jonie was the best start to 2016 we could ever have imagined.:)

      Have a great weekend! :))

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  9. What a joy that you are a grandma, Ygraine! Truly a blessing! I am deeply sorry for what you have been going through, and I am glad that your husband is home now. Sending you much love and warm hugs.

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  10. What a joy that you are a grandma, Ygraine! Truly a blessing! I am deeply sorry for what you have been going through, and I am glad that your husband is home now. Sending you much love and warm hugs.

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    1. Yes...such a joy - to have Austin back, then Jonie born safely - what more could anyone ask?!
      I have indeed been fortunate. It seems the Gods must have been listening after all!:)

      Thank you so much, my Dear friend.

      All My Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  11. All my best wishes for Austin's continued recovery, and congratulations on your new grandchild. My hopes are always with you, Ygraine.

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    1. My heart-felt thanks, Geo...truly.
      Can't begin to express how much that means to us both...:)

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  12. Hello dear Ygraine,
    What a terrible time for your family. But the most important is that Austin is home now. I wish you all good luck and hoping for a good healing.

    And what a great news at last...Congratulations with your grandchild. That must be great news after all!!

    Sweet greetings,
    Marco

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    1. Oh thank you, Marco...from the depths of my heart!:)

      I finally feel able to face the future again now...without that dreadful sense of fear that has been a constant companion for the past few months. Yay!!

      Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

      A Hug :)

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  13. oH Sweetheart I'm so, so sorry, to have gone through so much, I wish him and you all the good health needed, and all the Love in the World oh the things you and he must have gone through, I wish you, your son, your husband, and your new grandbaby way to go, Full on Health and Love and forever happy....Hey with you by his sides he'll love a very long time, my very best wishes and know that you and your entire family are now in prayers, for you, for Austin, for your son and your new grandchild, the very, very best, with Love , always xoxoxo my dear, dear Ygraine I hate to know all the worry and pain you must have gone through, you're in my heart, always

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    1. Oh Sweetie...thank you...thank you with all my heart!
      You have been so kind and supportive...and such a good friend. I am going to miss you more than you will ever know.
      Please do keep in touch via e-mail?
      My future without you in it would feel too empty.

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  14. the very first day of New year has been excellent... let there be many more pleasant surprises through 2016

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Deeps!

      Here's wishing you many pleasant surprises throughout the coming year too...:))

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  15. wow, your family and husband has been through so much. I hope he recovers back to his healthy self. ((( hugs to you)) and congratulations on that new baby Joni.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sandy!
      That is really appreciated, from the depths of my heart. :)

      Wishing You a fabulous weekend. xoxoxo

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  16. Dear Ygraine my friend, my heart goes out to you both.

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    1. Oh thank you, my dear Friend...so much!
      Your words have truly touched my heart...:)

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  17. It is a great relief to know your husband is still with you and I pray he will be for a very long time to come. Always be of good cheer and never lose hope.

    Happy new year!!!
    xoxoxxxx.

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    1. Oh thank you so much. I am feeling more hopeful than I have for a long time now.
      And no, I will never lose hope...especially when I have such positive friends as you to keep me going!
      Thank you again...so much.:)

      Happy New Year to you too!!

      xoxoxo

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  18. I am glad to know Austin is back and recovering after the the great ordeal all you had to go through. Thank God. I hope and pray he will fully recover soon.

    Please accept my congratulations on becoming a grandma.

    Best wishes

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    1. My genuine heart-felt thanks, Joseph!
      Your kindness has truly warmed my heart.
      You are so kind...:)

      Have a great weekend.:))

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  19. My friend, thank you for letting us know what has happened! I will continue to send healing prayers to your hubby and well wishes for you and your loved ones! You, your son and your hubby, have went through so much and have became stronger through it all! I am so happy you had good doctors and the chaplain!
    Congrats on your new grand baby!
    Much love, Big hugs and Many Blessings!

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    1. Oh Sweetie...thank you...with all my heart!
      I know how you have personally suffered in the past, so understand what it is like to be facing a serious illness...and then to finally pull through.
      Your prayers have been so gratefully received...gosh...I feel so blessed with such amazing friends as you!
      And now baby Jonie...wow how lucky I am!:)

      All My Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  20. PS: I missed the line about your new grandbaby, big congrats!!! and on Jan. 1st. I hope they are starting out with lots of free goodies. They do that here for jan 1st arrivals. Enjoy every minute and lots of hugs to you Y'graine. Hope you're taking some chill time just for you. You deserve it, big time!!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Geraldine!
      Yes, they did receive their pack of free goodies. I think every new parent receives a pack here, whatever day of the year their baby is born - at least, I did receive one when my son was born (on 31st July). But that was almost 24 years ago, so it may be different now!
      Yes, I am trying to take more time out now. I think the stress of recent months has taken it's toll...I get so tired sometimes! :/

      Thank you again for all your kindness and support. It truly means so much to us all.:)

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  21. Let me start by saying that I am really, really, really happy that you have your loved one back with you. And, big CONGRATS to grandma! :-)

    Welcome back.

    Greetings from London.

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  22. Congratulations on the birth of your grandchild Ygraine:)
    I am happy that your hubby is well and although the road will be long and scary faith and optimism go a long way too. Don't forget to look after you as well dear friend :) hugs xxx

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  23. Dear Ygraine
    My heart goes out to you for all the difficult times but I am so overjoyed at the news about your grandchild!

    (I can relate to all the turmoil about your husband as it brings back memories of my husband being in a coma for over a week back in 1983 and he was not expected to survive.)

    Such a blessing to have a grandchild!
    My sweet Rose turned 4 yesterday.
    She adds such joy to my life!

    Sending hugs and love
    (Sorry for the late visit but life is so busy here)
    xoxo

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  25. Dear Ygraine, so happy to know your husband is at home again.
    Love is always the best medicine.
    I missed you.
    I will pray for his complete recovery.
    You are a tender rock and Austin knows he is safe under your loving care.
    Here in Spain we say, "God won't deal you more than you can handle." :)
    A hug and sorry for this late visit.
    :)

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