Humidity and tubing

loni (suzi(AT)best.com)
Tue, 15 Apr 1997 10:28:47 -0700 (PDT)

Greetings to all,
I have enjoyed reading about others and their experiences with vents.
Both my wife and I are engineers. Like others, we have been learning
how do deal with tubing and condensation. Last year, we noticed that
the tubing under a down filled comforter did not have any moisture
build-up. This prompted us to experiment with an electric blanket.
We have been able to eliminate any moisture buildup. This has
resulted in much less suctioning and moisture in the tubing. As a
result, I have gone 3 months without being suctioned during the day.
Needless to say, this has greatly improved my daily living.

I have a humidifier on my PLV-100, but we have it turned all the way
down, but still on. This is what prompted my inquiry as to whether
others are using humidifiers. Of course, my doctor insist on my
using the humidifier. I won't go into my feelings towards this
doctor and his authoritarian manner.

As a result of this set -up, my days are much better than they were
after I had the tracheostomy last May. Maybe 2 or 3 days a week I
have to deal with a buildup of secretions in my lungs. I handle
this by putting my arms on a high tabletop which allows me to cough
more effectively. Normally I can clear my lungs first thing in the
morning, but sometimes I struggle all day long.

For some background, I use a Shiley at night, and a Montgomery during
the day. This means that I do a trach change twice a day. This is
not very pleasant, but I really enjoy having that hard trach removed
during the day. I have to use the vent at night. I have been trying
to wean off of the vent at night, but I have not been successful. If
anyone has any experience with successfully weaning, I would like to
learn how you did it.

I am glad this group exist.

Regards,
Charlie Elman