Re: respiratory infections

TRACH96(AT)aol.com
Wed, 19 Mar 1997 01:49:47 -0500 (EST)

I'm a relatively new vent user. (Only have used 6 months and only at nite).
Ihave had one respiratory infection. My husband had a cold, and despite all
attempts of avoiding it...I caught the cold and it went right to my lungs.
Took a ten day series of Cipro and was fine.

I am vent dependant because of a very weakened ? paralyzed diaphragm.
Possibly related to taking steroids for my asthma. Ironically I still need
the steroids every day kind of like a catch 22. Any one out there with a
trach / vent dependant because of a diaphragm problem? Anyone out there
close to my age (I'll be 39 at the end of this month). I'm discouraged that
I'm too young to be in this situation and on disability. I am a nurse...I'm
used to caring for other people... I don't like being on this side. I'm quite
lonely and depressed...could use some friends to talk to. Trach96 (AT)aol.com