-> I don't know anyone who has a phrenic pacer. When my vent has become
-> disconnected (which rarely happens) someone has always been nearby.
-> When your vent has disconnected, has it been at the trach? What
-> works well for me is using rubber bands to hold the swivel adaptor
-> secure to the trach.
I have a friend with a pacer. He and I have talked about it, so
I know a little about it.
My friend is a C-1 quad with related breathing trouble. He only
uses the pacer when he sleeps. During the time when he is up in his
chair, he uses a pneumobelt. From what I understand, his pacer uses
electrical impulses to stimulate his breathing muscles into working. He
has electrodes surgically implated in the left side of his chest near
his shoulder, near a major nerve cluster. The nerves that control the
breathing muscles are located here. The pacer itself is a little
machine that sits near his bed.
Good tip about the rubber bands. I have never used it.
Whenever I have become disconnected, I manage to keep breathing until I
can get help. I have the physical ability to breath unassisted for a
couple of hours, if necessary. The couple of times it has happened is
when I am out in the streets alone. It was pretty hairy, especially
since I can't talk when I'm disconnected. I managed to find a cop, who
didn't have a clue about what my problem was. He called paramedics who
were equally clueless! They finally caught on when they say my flex
tube dangling from my neck! :-S
Whenever I become disconnected, it is usually never at the
swivel at my throat, but along the circuit. Do you have any suggestions
about preventing this? Thanks!
Blane