I also find that constant humidification makes me very conjested
therefore I need more suctioning. During the dry months of winter I
use the lowest setting possible on the humidifier about 3 times a
week.
"How often does everybody have their trachy tube changed and does it
cause much trauma? I have mine done about every 3 months and have to
have an anaesthetic because it's so painful."
I have had my trach changed twice in two years. My doctor says as
long as I have no sign of infection, redness, or pain...just leave
it. In a sense ... "if it "aint" broke don't fix it". He says that
excessive changing can cause bleeding and possible trachial collapse
to individuals who have had trachs and then had them removed in the
past. I have had three surgical procedures since the age of 15 for
trach...which have cause scarring. I have been lucky that with daily
showers...etc. my trach is clean and doesn't give a bad oder.
Take care.....
Annette Hanna
nete1(AT)midamer.net