Hi all, Erin here

Hey there. I know, its been just ages. Just wanted to let you know that after over 2 years of deliberation Bill finally had a feeding tube aka (peg) inserted this past Wednesday. He is still feeling a little tender and if I'm honest still wondering if he did the right thing. It sits about 2 inches above his belly button. The whole procedure took only around 15 minutes. They were great, allowed him to have the procedure done while sitting in his own power chair. Brought his own bi-pap machine in with him because it is set specifically for him and generally the hospital ones he's used during past visits hes had a hard time adjusting to. Had the procedure done around 3 in the afternoon and told we had to stay for at least 6 hours after just to be safe. Actually the surgeon wanted him to stay over night. HELL NO he said. 6 hours max, then I'm outta here. As it turned out, it was closer to 7  hours but that didn't matter. He wouldn't go to sleep lol, he was scared I would leave him there for the night if he did. So at 10pm he signed himself out and home we went.
Its day 2 now since he had the peg inserted and he's been in bed since we got home from the hospital, not sick just feeling abit bruised and battered. I'll get him up tomorrow and we can potter around outside in the garden or something.
We are in the process of transitioning from the standing hoist to the sling hoist. That was a big call. But its starting to get more difficult for us using the standing hoist. His back isn't as strong as it was and you can feel he is just a wee bit "floppy". His legs can hardly bare any weight at all now. Having said that, on a good day we will use it if I have someone else that can support him from behind while I operate the hoist. The sling hoist will be alot easier for him and me they say.We've got a week or so with the two hoists and then it'll be byebye to the standing hoist forever.
Other then that he has been doing absolutely fantastic. Still eating like a horse and yes sometimes he eats what he isn't supposed to. Been out and about going for drives and things and that's been great.

Just want to send you all our best wishes for the festive season now, because knowing me I won't be on here again for a while, not enough hours in the day just at the moment. Cherish your loved ones, honor the memories of those who have passed on and honor yourselves enough to know that you're the best person you can be.

Meri Kirihimete - Merry Xmas to you all wherever you are.

The Gardiners