Re: fear of vent

Florence Lunde (lundefm(AT)worldnet.att.net)
Thu, 12 Sep 1996 15:44:37 +0000

Hi Annette,
How much movement do you have? I really am trying to get the idea of a
night time vent into my head and heart beut it is very, very difficult. Are
you married? How does your souse react to the noise of the vent? What do
you do when you travel?
Florence
At 11:34 PM 9/9/96 +0000, you wrote:
>At 08:45 PM 9/9/96 +0000, you wrote:
>>Hello to all,
>>I am a newbie to this list. I was in an iron lung during the initial polio
>>episode but progressed to a chest piece and then vent free. For about 20
>>years I use a bantam for deep breathing in the evenings for anywhere from
>>1/2 hr. to 1 hr. depending upon fatigue. My VC is 1200 lying prone. My
>>polio Dr. (Dr. Alba) says that I should use a vent over night. But to be
>>very honest I am scared to death. I think it congers up memories that have
>>lied low for many many years and emotionally I can't even think of using a
>>vent overnight. Anybody know what I'm talking about?
>>Florence
>>
>>
>
>
>Florence...
> I know exactly what you are talking about when you mention your fear of
>the vent. I had polio at the age of 7 mths (1959) from the vaccine. I was
>in an iron lung during the hospitalization, (that I don't really remember).
>Over the years (37 now), I had bout of respiratory infections, uses of
>temporary vent with trach, but there was always that big fear that is would
>be something permanent in future years. Well that fear came true in
>1994...when hospitalized with respiratory failure, even to the last minute I
>fought the concept of using a vent. It was for me personally, that my body
>was failing...the body I fought so hard to do things like everyone else.
>
>My doctor put it to me straight...either some kind of mechanical ventilation
>or face the consequences of what a high CO2 level could do to me. Well
>believe me, even in my state of foggyness...I knew that the vent was the
>only answer.
>
>It has been 2 yrs now with the vent...(which I use a night)..there are
>trials and tribulations of using the vent, but I don't regret the decision.
>I have more energy...because my lungs have to work less during those
>sleeping hours.
>I don't have that dazed and confused feeling during the day.
>
>Believe me, just knowing what the problem is, (PPS, and use of vent) is a
>big relief. For years I thought that I was going crazy.
>
>Florence...I don't want to diminish your fears and frustrations..but when
>the topic of vent is mention..don't deny on ignore the issue. It can be a
>helpful tool. It may even save you from potential medical problems in the
>future.
>
>If you need to talk or have any questions...feel free to contact me at any
>time.
>
>I am so happy about this list......
>
>
>Always....
>Annette Hanna
>(nete1(AT)midamer.net)
>
>