Ralph: Update

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:12 pm

This news comes from Ralph’s Ex-Wife (Via a friend)
A) We all know he was hospitalized a few weeks ago for what he described as a “Foot Problem”
B) What we didn’t know was that the foot problem was a direct result of diabetes.
C) Just a few days after he returned from Hospital he went on an 8 hour walking tour of the City— Ignoring Dr’s Orders- the actual facts surrounding the heart attack that day are too sketchy at this point
D) He suffered massive damage to the right ventricle.(Pump to lungs) In fact his heart is unable to pump for itself and he is on a Right ventricular assist devices, or RVAD
E) The point is, , a large chunk of time will pass before we’re again graced with Ralph’s presence
While I am loath to pass judgment on Ralph ..at least when he is unable to answer for himself, let his predicament serve as a lesson for those who are even the slightest bit cavalier about their mortality.
Personally, since I have two boys 22 and 17 and lost my father when he was but 60 (CAD) I have done my best to minimize my own genetic shortcomings in the hopes that I can provide a template for my children—I believe I owe them that.
Hopefully Ralph’s son Teddy will one day be able to say him: “Thanks for the wakeup call Dad”
t

Dennis Spath · Post by **Dennis Spath** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:18 pm

Thanks for the update, Ted. We're all pulling for Ralph to come out of this fit and feisty as ever. The board, and the world, would not be the same without him!

jbuck919 · Post by **jbuck919** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:51 pm

Ted wrote: D) He suffered massive damage to the right ventricle.(Pump to lungs) In fact his heart is unable to pump for itself and he is on a Right ventricular assist devices, or RVAD

Teresa B · Post by **Teresa B** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 4:54 pm

Ditto

I am no cardiologist, but I remain optimistic! I think some people in the setting of right ventricular failure from acute myocardial infarct need the assist device for a period of days, and then recover some ventricular function.

Of course, I don't know how severe Ralph's heart muscle damage is, but I am rooting for him.

Teresa

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:06 pm

Of course, I don't know how severe Ralph's heart muscle damage is, but I am rooting for him.

Teresa
From all accounts the ischemia to the muscle was acute.
Having said that, he is alive and in that there is hope.
Fortunately the level of aggregated positive energy emanating from here (or as my wife likes to put it “White Light”) will be sufficient to pull Ralph through
t

John Bleau · Post by **John Bleau** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:48 pm

Ted, thanks for the update. All the White Light Ralph is receiving is him reaping what he sowed. He has always been gracious and generous as well as a very kind person. Peter Macnelly told me that he thought of Ralph as the most brilliant man he has ever known. I ardently hope he comes out of this reasonably intact.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:11 pm

Here's wishing Ralph a complete and speedy recovery.

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 9:01 pm

John Bleau wrote:Ted, thanks for the update. All the White Light Ralph is receiving is him reaping what he sowed. He has always been gracious and generous as well as a very kind person. Peter Macnelly told me that he thought of Ralph as the most brilliant man he has ever known. I ardently hope he comes out of this reasonably intact.

I couldn't agree more. I may be a relatively new member, but Ralph's boundless munificence was apparent to me from the beginning. He even offered me, a nobody, (in a PM) an invitation to meet with him for lunch, dinner, or a concert, when he mistook me for a New York resident.

Ted, is he conscious, at least?

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 9:39 pm

Ted, is he conscious, at least?

Yes, but as you would expect heavily sedated

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 9:48 pm

Thank you for the reply.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:05 pm

Gary wrote:

He even offered me, a nobody, (in a PM) an invitation to meet with him for lunch, dinner, or a concert, when he mistook me for a New York resident.

A nobody Gary?
Ralph is exceedingly generous and prideful of his Cultural and Epicurean knowledge of NYC, but not to nobodies

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:12 pm

Gary wrote:He even offered me, a nobody, (in a PM) an invitation to meet with him for lunch, dinner, or a concert, when he mistook me for a New York resident.

Ted's right. You're not a nobody. We kicked all the nobodies off the board. We have only primo quality left. Ralph's invitation is perfectly characteristic of his generosity and his affability. He loves meeting members of the forum. That's why we dubbed him the Official CMG NY Host.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:17 pm

Hi Ted,

I know this is a silly question ..... but could you assure us that Ralph is in capable hands?

I have followed Ralph through various boards and he's recommended lots and lots of excellent CDs (Dittersdorf or otherwise) which I have enjoyed and treasured. He has my utmost respect and admiration. We can't afford to lose him.

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:19 pm

Ted wrote: A nobody Gary?
Ralph is exceedingly generous and prideful of his Cultural and Epicurean knowledge of NYC, but not to nobodies

Then I feel even more honored.

Huckleberry · Post by **Huckleberry** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:22 pm

I am away from my home in Canada and was not planning to post here till the new year, but I have to admit that I feel very distressed by this news. (Hello, Sweet Corlyss and Lance!)

I'd like someone to give Ralph a tender hug on my behalf. Ralph is one of the very small number of people I have confided in at CMG, and, when Ralph found out that I was related to someone he respected, he was very gentle and very gracious in his correspndence with me. I choose the people I meet very carefully, but when Ralph issued an invitation to go on a walking tour of NY City with him, I took it very seriously and would have visited him this Christmas but for the fact that it turned out to be the same price to visit Costa Rica as to visit NYC.

The news of Ralph's condition is sad indeed. But he is made of sterner stuff than most mortals - of this I am sure.

Here's a collective hug and a kiss from all of your well-wishers at CMG, Ralph. Is there anyone who could deliver this message to Ralph from us?

Marina

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:28 pm

Allen Wrote:

I know this is a silly question ..... but could you assure us that Ralph is in capable hands?

You’re right, it is a silly question.
I can only assure you that besides being in God’s hands he is in a World Class hospital and one of the most renown Trauma Centers in the nation

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:31 pm

Hi Ted,

Thanks for the reply.

Please keep us posted. Thanks.

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:35 pm

Huckleberry wrote:I am away from my home in Canada and was not planning to post here till the new year, but I have to admit that I feel very distressed by this news. (Hello, Sweet Corlyss and Lance!)

Hello, gentle Marina. See what happens when you go away? Don't let it happen again!!!!

when Ralph issued an invitation to go on a walking tour of NY City with him, I took it very seriously and would have visited him this Christmas but for the fact that it turned out to be the same price to visit Costa Rica as to visit NYC.

Silly you! Picking Cost Rica over NYC and Ralph just because it was no costlier! You missed that cold, bad weather, and the transit strike that crippled the city before Xmas. What were you thinking? Anyway, you get the Post of the Day Award.

Is there anyone who could deliver this message to Ralph from us?

Ted and Frank Berglas are working the com. center on Ralph.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:36 pm

Marina
When the time is right one or all of us who live in the area will personally shower Ralph with everyone’s thoughts and prayers
I have already gotten word to his family that we are doing as much now
t

Huckleberry · Post by **Huckleberry** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:44 pm

Thank you, Corlyss and Ted, for responding so quickly; both of you are indeed very kind.

I haven't been this upset for a while now. I guess that Ralph, a person I have not even met, seemed so invulnerable and indefatigable that the thought of his being in a bad way is alarming.

Febnyc · Post by **Febnyc** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 8:12 am

Allow me to second Ted's comments about Ralph's care. He's in one of the finest hospitals one could find for emergency/cardiac care.

And to be sure, as soon as he's able to receive visitors, visitors will be there to convey the good wishes of all his fellow CMGers.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 11:48 am

I just received a call from Ralph’s old friend David who had relatively good news.
The breathing tube was removed, and Ralph was able to talk to Teddy and Teddy’s mother.
Ralph asked for his Cell Phone…(It doesn’t hurt to ask)
The assist device is still operating and required so we’ll all have to wait for future developments as far as his heart’s ability to pump on all cylinders goes
But considering the alternatives, the news is positive IMO
You guys will continue to receive updates as I do
t

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 12:56 pm

Thanks Ted. Some good news for the new year is very welcome.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 1:07 pm

And a very great new year to you Barry...and to Mrs Barry

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 2:47 pm

Thanks Ted. Right back at you and the family.

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 7:01 pm

Good news indeed. Every little step toward a full recovery counts. As before, thank you for the update, Ted!

And a Happy New Year to you and every other CMGer!

jbuck919 · Post by **jbuck919** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 11:03 pm

Ralph, asking for his cell phone first thing. A man who had no concept of a cell phone, or of e-mail, or of a message board, or indeed of the internet just ten years ago when he was the same age as I am now. And of course I knew no such concepts at 40, either. Ralph the warrior. Let us now praise famous men, and those who came before us.

GK · Post by GK » Sun Jan 01, 2006 11:03 pm

At last a glimmer of good news! I recorded his beloved NYPO's New Years concert and will mail it to him when he's ready for it.

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:00 pm

GK wrote:At last a glimmer of good news! I recorded his beloved NYPO's New Years concert and will mail it to him when he's ready for it.

GK, you're a sweetie.

Alban Berg · Post by **Alban Berg** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:40 pm

I just spoke to the hospital (914-493-7073 for patient info; ask to be transferred to the nurses' station). He is still in intensive care, but can receive visitors from 11-6 and 8-9. No phone calls, though. Cards can be sent to him at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595. I don't think I can get there during the week, but will go on Saturday for sure.

http://www.wcmc.com for further info on the hospital and directions.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:11 pm

Larry
That’s terrific news
I won’t be back in Westchester till next Sunday so if you see him, please give him my best. I’ll go see him ASAP
t

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 10:46 pm

Alban Berg wrote:I just spoke to the hospital (914-493-7073 for patient info; ask to be transferred to the nurses' station). He is still in intensive care, but can receive visitors from 11-6 and 8-9. No phone calls, though. Cards can be sent to him at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595. I don't think I can get there during the week, but will go on Saturday for sure.

http://www.wcmc.com for further info on the hospital and directions.

Great news, Al. I wish I could be there. Please give him my best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Febnyc · Post by **Febnyc** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:02 am

Weather permitting (lots of wet snow today - maybe getting to 4 inches or more; my car is a rear-wheel drive so I have to hope my wife will part with her 4-wheeler!) I will try to get down (about 30 miles south of my town) to visit Ralph tomorrow (Wednesday). I'll bring along copies of some of the posts and also the good wishes of all his admirers at CMG.

If I am successful, I'll report on here when I get back home.

GK · Post by GK » Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:39 am

Febnyc wrote:Weather permitting (lots of wet snow today - maybe getting to 4 inches or more; my car is a rear-wheel drive so I have to hope my wife will part with her 4-wheeler!) I will try to get down (about 30 miles south of my town) to visit Ralph tomorrow (Wednesday). I'll bring along copies of some of the posts and also the good wishes of all his admirers at CMG.

If I am successful, I'll report on here when I get back home.

Great. But if there's more than the usual chance of road hazard wait a day or so. Let's not have a second incident to a board member within a month.

Alban Berg · Post by **Alban Berg** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:46 pm

The point has been made on the Other Board that visiting Ralph at this stage could be premature and possibly counter-productive to his recovery. I only said I would make such a visit after speaking to a nurse at the hospital who said there were no restrictions on visitors allowed; however I have no way of knowing how well this individual knows Ralph's situation. There were also certain personal slurs directed at those of us who expressed an interest in visiting Ralph. These comments were inappropriate, but as the medical details presented were persuasive, I think it probably best to hold off on a visit until Ralph is transferred to a normal room.

karlhenning · Post by **karlhenning** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:53 pm

Alban Berg wrote:. . . There were also certain personal slurs directed at those of us who expressed an interest in visiting Ralph.

Consider the ill-humored source of those slurs :-)

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:11 pm

The point has been made on the Other Board

Considering that Ralph does not post on the “Other Board” why should members there have jack excrement to say about you or anyone else visiting him.
I assumed by the content of your post that you were given the thumbs up re visiting.
As it is, I have been under the impression that when it was OK, word would come from Ralph’s friend David or his X.
Having said that Larry, your intentions are noble and I am certain that a visit from you and other friends of Ralph would do him a world of good if only for a fleeting second.
From what I have seen from some members of the “Other Board” here, I am not surprised that Ralph’s fight to remain amongst the living has morphed into Flaming thing against you.

John Bleau · Post by **John Bleau** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:18 pm

What is that other board? If unmentionable at CMG, Ted, how about emailing me at jrbleau@sympatico.ca
Thx

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:23 pm

After a quick trip to the other board I see that my posts here have been lifted (Sans my “self righteous” comments”)
And still, Ralph lies in ICU with a mechanical devise keeping him alive
Rock on

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:28 pm

What is that other board? If unmentionable at CMG, Ted, how about emailing me at jrbleau@sympatico.ca

Thx
Check you email J

Alban Berg · Post by **Alban Berg** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:30 pm

Ted wrote:
The point has been made on the Other Board
Considering that Ralph does not post on the “Other Board” why should members there have jack excrement to say about you or anyone else visiting him.
I assumed by the content of your post that you were given the thumbs up re visiting.
As it is, I have been under the impression that when it was OK, word would come from Ralph’s friend David or his X.
Having said that Larry, your intentions are noble and I am certain that a visit from you and other friends of Ralph would do him a world of good if only for a fleeting second.
From what I have seen from some members of the “Other Board” here, I am not surprised that Ralph’s fight to remain amongst the living has morphed into Flaming thing against you.

Thank you, Ted. I would rather err on the side of caution, but I will contact the hospital later in the week, and I will be guided by the hospital's advice rather than some armchair diagnostician 2700 miles away. I am truly sorry this situation has evolved as it has, and hope the moderator will delete any troublesome posts.

karlhenning · Post by **karlhenning** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:31 pm

Ted wrote:Considering that Ralph does not post on the “Other Board” why should members there have jack excrement to say about you or anyone else visiting him.

The member of the Other Board under advisement, is Mel a/k/a Cuddles.

A chap who appears to have ample reserves of jack excrement :-)

jbuck919 · Post by **jbuck919** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:32 pm

John Bleau wrote:What is that other board? If unmentionable at CMG, Ted, how about emailing me at jrbleau@sympatico.ca
Thx

No, it's not unmentionable. It's www.good-music-guide.com and it is not in disrepute here. It is a fine classical music board with a slightly different flavor.

Mostly, a few posters over there who were posters here (before they quit for reasons too complicated to go into or that I don't know in the first place) are also concerned about Ralph. But there is one who can't keep his mouth shut and has decided that he is the head nurse of Ralph's ICU. He was banned from here and would be good riddance over there as well.

I have no doubt that all posters here who live within traveling distance of Ralph's hospital will exercise the utmost discretion. And he is a gregarious fellow who happily reaches out to us for whatever personal contact is possible. I'm going to have to settle for a get well card.

John Bleau · Post by **John Bleau** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:34 pm

Thanks, jbuck.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:34 pm

You’re welcome Larry
”Don’t let the bastards get you down”
I know I won’t

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:38 pm

karlhenning wrote:The member of the Other Board under advisement, is Mel a/k/a Cuddles.

Cuddles? Cuddles? Cuddles?

I couldn't think of a more inaposite screen name. What happened to Iago, which was more in keeping with his personality?

John Bleau · Post by **John Bleau** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:41 pm

And thanks Ted. Got your email.

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:41 pm

jbuck919 wrote: Mostly, a few posters over there who were posters here (before they quit for reasons too complicated to go into or that I don't know in the first place) are also concerned about Ralph.

Well, 90% of them used to be here and are still registered here. Of course they are all sterling folk, with the exception of the aforementioned Mel, and the unmentioned Michel. They just don't hang here for whatever reason. Even after we got rid of the malefactors they complained about and after Mel went over there, they still don't hang here. That's their choice.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:53 pm

Let the facts speak for themselves:
There hasn’t been one negative comment here about anything to do with Ralph or those of us who have posted info about him
I realize that several of our members here are cross pollinated from GMG—so I can’t blame the other board for generating negativity, but some of its members…That’s another story

Post by **Corlyss_D** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 5:09 pm

Ted wrote:Let the facts speak for themselves:
There hasn’t been one negative comment here about anything to do with Ralph or those of us who have posted info about him

What could they possibly say critical of him? Especially under the circumstances?

several of our members here are cross pollinated from GMG

Ted wins the Post of the Day award!!!!

The Classical Music Guide Forums

Ralph: Update

Ralph: Update

Re: Ralph: Update

Who is online