Hi Helen,

It will be one more week that he has his trachy in, but Im not sure about how long nil by mouth. When I was there last night, he had just given himself a milk shake type feed (small bottle as a bolus feed, I believe) straight into the PEG, but he did indicate that soon he would be able to drink one of those with a straw. The problem with the hospital is there are never enough doctors around to talk to and Ive made several requests to see one just to clarify a few things, so I must press that point about wanting to see one, as initially when H got his diagnosis they had said he would have the PEG for 3 months, then another doc said 6-12 months and then in that same consultation, he said it could be permanent, so I really dont know. He does look amazingly well. The right side of the face is still swollen where the graft is, but its only one week post-op. He indicated last night that he has been told he may have a slight chest infection so they will be treating that with antibiotics through the PEG. Helen - what happens when they take the trachy out? do they sew up the hole? Sorry, I know it must sound a silly question and also does a persons voice sound rough for a while after its out? I will be there for both visiting shifts today plus blood donors inbetween so I expect I will be shattered tonight but will still check in later on. Thank you Helen.

Judith xxx