I kind of agree with Jim...I know that the methods of mechanical ventilation
are personal choices we all make, but there really isn't a day that I
regret having the trach. I mean that in the sense that when I was
hospitalized I tried several methods for assistive breathing...C-PAP,
Bi-Pap, and it just didn't work. To confining and no mobility for what I
wanted to do. I felt smothered by the mask.
It was my personal choice, not my doector, family of friends, to get the
permanent tracheostomy. I had had a temporary trach at other points of my
life and I knew the sensations, problems, and advantages to a trach.
I know others who have opted for other methods of ventilation due to
infection, etc. I have been lucky in the fact that I have had no infections
or pain with the trach. As time goes by for some...and the prospect of a
trach is mentioned don't look at it as a death sentence. It can be a life
saver for some.
I now use the Puritan-Bennett Companiion 2800 ventilator. Until last fall I
used the Life Care PLV-100. I prefer the PB 2800....because the alarm is
not so sensitive which makes it easier to sleep through the night.
Always...
Annette Hanna
nete1(AT)midwest.net