Re: Welcome
M T S (scorpiofang(AT)juno.com)
Wed, 12 Feb 1997 22:09:09 tzn
I don't see what the deal is with having a trach either. It has kept me
alive for nearly 8 years longer than my life expectancy. It is not always
a good thing to wait for a life/death situation. When I did, the odds of
dying were so great, it is a miracle I survived 8 years ago. If the
doctor thinks you don't need a trach, that's fine. If the doc thinks you
do, its good advice. Get more opinions too. Having a trach can allow you
to use a vent at night. During the day you can go without the vent. One
of my former roommates with post polio did fine with it for 20 years +.
That won't make one lose much strength, if any. A life/death situation
can make you lose a lot. This roommate, Joe, was in a car accident and
lost strength which made him need the vent. He was walking with a cane
before the accident, and absolutely had no need for assisted breathing.
Don't take any advice from a doctor, too lightly.
M