Ric is very Sick

[KiwiJenn]

I just wanted to let you all know that Ric is in VA Hospital with a very bad pneumonia. He has been in there since last Tuesday and he has been on a ventilator since that time. I've been told that Ric is hanging in there but it's been bumpy.

Please keep Ric in your thoughts and prayers. They are not sure how long he will be in the hospital, but it may be a while.

I will keep you all posted:)



Ric get better soon so you can get home soon:) I miss chatting to you.

[Pete]

I'm sorry to hear that :(

Get well soon Ric.

[KiwiJenn]

Ric is doing better but still in ICU on a vent but breathing is becoming easier for him. He may not be home for Christmas but being with family and friends is the main thing.

Keep getting better Ric:)

[Patricia]

Rick, I'll be praying that you heal fast and get home real soon.

[KiwiJenn]

I just got another update on Ric...

He has a tracheostomy now, and is able to breathe a little bit on his own through the trach collar but is still dependent on the ventilator for most of the time. He is more comfortable now that the tubes are out of his throat, but he is pretty miserable nonetheless.

Ric was pretty "down" today and is just getting fed up with it all. He has a feeding tube going down his nose and all sorts of tubes and wires coming out and off of him.

A bunch of "yucky stuff" is in his lungs and it will take some time. Doctors said "no way" as far as him getting home before Christmas.


If anyone would like to pass on a message to Ric please post here so it can be given to him thanks



Ric, I'm thinking about you every day and I hope things get a little better each day:) Miss you around here too. Jenny

[MikeP]

Hi,
Sorry to read of Ric's health problems. Hope he has a speedy recovery.
Also, hope Ric and everyone else here has a "Merry Christmas"!
Latter,
MikeP

[Patricia]

Well if not by Christmas, then that's ok as long as he gets to feeling better.

Still praying for ya Ric.

[Patricia]

Any updates on Ric?

[Patricia]

How is Ric doing? :confused:

[Ric]

this is Rics caregiver, Ric came home on Christmas eve. He is doing so-so. Ric is on oxygen and has a tracheotomy. Our goal is to nurse him back to health. He requires lots of rest and attention till his lungs strengthen. Please continue to pray and send encouraging thoughts. Thank you

[Patricia]

Thank you for the update. I saw your post last night but couldn't get logged in for some reason.

Please give Ric my love and tell him I'll be praying for his fast recovery.

Please keep all of us updated when you can.

Thank you.

[KiwiJenn]

That's great to hear Ric is home, he must feel better on his own bed too. Ric I hope you have a smooth recovery:)

[KiwiJenn]

An update on Ric today: Some of you may know that he was able to go home on Christmas Eve. He was discharged straight from the ICU to the house! He has a trach tube (tube going down his throat for air) and is on extra oxygen. That worked for a while at home, but there was just not enough oxygen making it to his lungs, and he was having alot of secretions in his lungs that required constant attention.

Yesterday, we checked with the VA hospital for a room in their "Safe Harbor" unit, which is a supportive care unit. Miraculously, there was a room available (this unit only has 8 beds, and its very difficult to get in). He has an incredible team if nurses looking after him, but he would definitely rather be at home. The great thing about Safe Harbor is that people can come at ANY time of the day to visit, and the rooms are nice. His oxygen situation is doing much better, and they are checking to see if he has another infection.


He is currently at the Birmingham VA Hospital, in their "Safe Harbor" unit. The number for The VA hospital is (205) 933-8101/(866) 487-4243. Call the hospital and ask to be transferred to the safe harbor unit, and then ask to speak with "Mr. Sims". They will transfer the call to his room and hold the phone to his head... Because of his tracheotomy, Ric is unable to talk, but I'm sure he would love to hear from you....just to say "hi" and to tell him you are thinking about him.

[Patricia]

Thanks for that update Jenn.

The "Safe Harbor" unit sounds GREAT!

I just may try to give him a call tomorrow.

Thanks.

[Patricia]

Jenn,

I tried to call just now. (Wed 1:50) I asked for the "Safe Harbor" unit and was transferred there then they said they couldn't find his name as a patient. :dft006:

Please let him know I said "Hi" and I'm still praying for him.

[Wheelin Rev]

Patricia and all,

I was shocked to learn on Ric's situation and called down to him immediately. The unit has an emergency going on right now but they said to call back in a little while and they would help Ric with the telephone.

The best way to call is toll-free 1-(866) 487-4243 and ask for extension 5480. That is the Safe Harbor unit line and they can assist with the call.

I will try again in about an hour. He is in my prayers.

Dave

[Wheelin Rev]

By the way... The Safe Harbor Unit did know who Ric Sims was so he is definately in there. Dave

[Wheelin Rev]

I just got off the phone with Karen, Ric's sister. I was able to speak directly to Ric as his trach has been removed and now he is just on supplemental oxygen support. Thank you Jesus! Ric is doing better and appreciates all of the love and prayers he is receiving. Dave

[Patricia]

That's GREAT NEWS!!!:dft010:

[KiwiJenn]

Just another update on Ric...

Ric is still in the hospital. He still requires oxygen and his lungs are very congested. We are not sure when he will be well enough to come home.

He requires medications to help him breath better, but the downside is that they make him tired. He is also not eating a whole lot. The good thing is that his trach is out and he can talk now. He can't talk for long since it makes him tired. Mentally, he is all there just as always. He just gets tired easily.

[Patricia]

Thanks for the update Jenn.

I'm so glad to hear he's improving.

Gotta get him eating good then he'll really be doing good.

How are you doing Jenn?

[KiwiJenn]

Yea he needs the food now to help him get well and feel less weak too.

I'm doing pretty good thanks, I'm about to finally start a new job doing front desk work, computer work and other things so I'm looking forward to that. The process of getting a desk and headset etc has taken 8 months from the day I accepted the job till the month I start, it's been a nightmare and should of taken one month. I'm enjoying the warm Summer weather too and out a lot, wheeling all over the place.

How are you doing Patricia?

[Wheelin Rev]

Karen, Ric's sister, called me this evening concerning Ric. She wanted to advise me of some recent conditions with Ric's health. From a medical perspective, Ric is nearing the end of his journey. His lungs are just too weak to take much more. Ric thinks of you all often and misses maintaining Wheelchair Forums and posting at Wheelchair Junkie. I for one would like to see Ric back on the boards but from what Karen tells me, that may not be very realistic.

With that said, we know Ric is a fighter and a believer. He knows that his medical condition **could** be instantly changed. He also knows that his fate is now in the Hands of his Father.

Ric would love to hear from you all as he misses the fellowship very much. Your feverent prayers are needed now. Messages posted here are read to him and you can contact him toll-free at 1-(866) 487-4243 and ask for extension 5480. That is the Safe Harbor unit line at the VA Hospital and they can assist with the call.

Please keep him in your prayers, send a message or phone him, and keep the faith that God is in control. Karen eluded to a few events that have occured which shows how God is moving to make this time in Ric's life as pleasant as is possible. I thank God for what He is doing and thank Him for allowing us to be a part of Ric's life.

Ric's friend and fellow ham, Dave K4EET

[KiwiJenn]

I think of Ric every day and I always think of 'positive' things hoping that he will get better a little each day, no matter how long his recovery is.

His pneumonia illness has been quite serious since day one really as he been in ICU for weeks and when I heard he was trachied I got very worried.

Yep his lungs are tired as he's still fighting against the gunk in his lungs from the infection. Once that gunk starts to clear out then his lungs get strong again.

Hey Ric get some food into you somehow it will make your body stronger and help fight against infections. Even if its via feeding tube or Ensure food replacment drinks.

Don't worry about the WCF's as I have it in control till you get back.

Keep getting better:) and keep fighting.
Jenn


Karen, Ric's sister, called me this evening concerning Ric. She wanted to advise me of some recent conditions with Ric's health. From a medical perspective, Ric is nearing the end of his journey. His lungs are just too weak to take much more. Ric thinks of you all often and misses maintaining Wheelchair Forums and posting at Wheelchair Junkie. I for one would like to see Ric back on the boards but from what Karen tells me, that may not be very realistic.

Ric's friend and fellow ham, Dave K4EET

[Pete]

Karen, Ric's sister, called me this evening concerning Ric. She wanted to advise me of some recent conditions with Ric's health. From a medical perspective, Ric is nearing the end of his journey. His lungs are just too weak to take much more. Ric thinks of you all often and misses maintaining Wheelchair Forums and posting at Wheelchair Junkie. I for one would like to see Ric back on the boards but from what Karen tells me, that may not be very realistic.

That's quite disturbing news Dave. :(

Hang in there Ric, your in my thoughts every day.

[Ric]

Back on line! I'm in te hospital still and fighting! ii have liimited time per day on the web But I'll try and keep up.

[Patricia]

ALRIGHT!

It's so good to see you posting! I check by here a couple of times a day to see if there's an update.

What a nice surprise to see YOUposting!

I'm still praying for you for a fast recovery and to be able to go home soon.

Huggs...

Patricia

[Wheelin Rev]

Back on line! I'm in te hospital still and fighting! ii have liimited time per day on the web But I'll try and keep up.
WooHoo! Awesome Ric! After talking with your sister the other day, I thought you might never be back online with us. What a pleasant and awesome suprise to see you! Just maybe, Karen and I over-reacted but that one day I talked to you really scared me. Must have been one of your down moments.

Prayers being answered in a very real kind of way! TYJ! We serve an awesome God!

Great to see you back online! Baby steps, one day at a time. God bless you! Dave

[KiwiJenn]

omg Ric it's so good to hear from you and see you posting again!!:):)

Just take each day as it comes and keep fighting that dam infection and kick it out of your system and look after yourself

I still think of you each day

[Ric]

Hey Everybody!

I was working under poor conditins last night, tonight is better. I got up in my chair erlier so I'm tirerd now. And not typeing well.

Baby Steps! A lttle now, more later.

Ric

[Pete]

Baby Steps! A lttle now, more later.

Ric

It's good to see you online Ric

Get well soon.

[Timm]

Brother...dont you dare give up!

You where the one person along with Jenn that had my back a few years ago and I will never forget that.

Anything I can do for you just name it!

Prayers, well wishes and hoping each day gets a little better!

Timm and Crystal!

[Ric]

I'm in a morphine cloud right now, trying to type, and reading is hard, but I'll make it.

i think I'll be moving to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center Hospice Care unit so I can get the care I need. I can't afford 24/7 live in help, so I'm giving up alot of Stuff like ham radio, my stereo, ig scfreen tv, etc. Its easy to swallow though, the facility is here: http:/www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=140&dnum=All (http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=140&dnum=All)

It's only 45 min. from my house, so I can visit anytime. I;ll keep my van. And my laptop and my new love, verixon broadband acess card usb style.

zSrry that this post is so mssde up. its the moriphine.

[Patricia]

Cloud or no cloud it's good to see you posting more. I'm glad you're doing better and feel like getting online.

Don't worry about how you type, we all type funny normally.:011:

That VA place looks really nice. As long as you have your laptop and wifi you'll always have us to chat at. :)

[KiwiJenn]

Hey Ric:)

That looks like a nice place to go to get the care you need to get well again.

[Wheelin Rev]

Bruce, Ric's brother in law, posted the following on Ric's Facebook page this morning:

Bruce Waldrop (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=532769467) wrote at 8:02am

Everyone....

It saddens me to tell you that Ric passed away yesterday evening. He had an obstruction in his lungs that he was not able to overcome, and died several hours later around 6pm. His mother and sister were at his bedside and he was not in any pain.

Although this is still a mystery to me, I am comforted by the fact that Ric proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ and now rests with his Father in heaven.

I will keep you posted of any further details. Thank you for keeping Ric and our family in your thoughts and prayers.



Ric will be remembered forever. I am sure he is looking over us in his new body, free from any and all ills. God bless you, Ric.

Dave

[Patricia]

:(

[Pete]

Very sad news, Rest in peace Ric, We'll miss you. :(

[KiwiJenn]

I got the sad news about Ric:dft004: this morning from Bruce in a personal message.

Ric will be greatly missed and I will always remember him and his happy smile. I have lots of good memory's even though I never met Ric in real life, but we chatted online and I heard his neat accent and chatted via the many forums we were on.

My sympathies to all his family

[Patricia]

Ric (http://www.wheelchairforums.com/forums/member.php?u=1) http://www.wheelchairforums.com/forums/images/bigred/statusicon/user_offline.gifhere.....Online in Heaven.

He may be offline here but not out of mind.

We're all sure going to miss him.

[mazersteven]

I am very saddened to hear of Ric's passing. I know Ric from another forum (Audioholics).

I can't post a link to the thread. But he is missed very much by all of us.

[Rob Babcock]

Hello all. My name is Rob Babcock. I don't mean to intrude on your grief; I come to offer my own. I'm a moderator at an audio site that Ric liked called Audioholics. He was an avid audiophile and music lover. For several months we didn't know where he was & why he hadn't posted in so long...now we know.:(

Ric was much beloved at AH and had many friends. He was as much an inspiration there as he is here. May he be in a better place; rest assured he'll live on in our hearts.

R.I.P, "Gimpy Ric"

[mike c]

RIP Ric

[Wheelin Rev]

From mazersteven and Rob Babcock's messages above, I found this thread:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56154&highlight=Gimpy+Ric (http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56154&highlight=Gimpy+Ric)

Ric surely had a LOT of friends and touched a LOT of lives. And Ric had at least one other hobby as well, Amateur Radio, where he probably touched many others. I still think of Ric and all that he did for people. Simply Awesome!

Dave