On Wed, 7 May 1997, Jeff Gray wrote:
>
> >My Doc has told me that once full time ventilation is needed, a
> >tracheostomy would also be needed. Do you have problems with getting
> >phlemn and stuff stuck in your throat? How do you clear secretions?
> >What kind of care do you receive; such as nursing care, bathing,
> >daily stuff. Maybe your MD is milder? How long have you been using
> >full time ventilation? How long before full time use did you start
> >night only ventilation? I have tried 4 different face masks and
> >haven't been able to tolerant more than 1 1/2 hours. What type do you
> >use?
> >
> >Kyle VanderHoek
> >
> Kyle,
>
> I don't know what your physical condition is. Maybe I was in better
> physical condition when I began using a ventilator (I was about 23 years
> old at the time) than you are. Maybe your neck is too imobile or too weak
> to be able to use a mouthpiece? Do you have difficulty swallowing food? I
> do. I tend to get small particles stuck in the back of my throat. This
> results in the formation of large amounts of congestion. I don't have an
> adequate cough to bring up large amounts of congestion or food particles. I
> have a machine called an In-Exsufflator made by J.H. Emerson Co.
> http://www.jhemerson.com/ which clears secreations. I also use it to bring
> up those small particles of food I sometimes gag on. I also use an
> In-Exsufflator to keep colds and respiratory infections from setting into
> phemonia. I can't do without it. I usually wake up in the morning with
> small amounts of congestion. I can clear this by rolling on my side and
> clearing my throat. After about 15 minutes the congestion comes up. I've
> used a vent for approximately 10 years. To use a ventilator overnight you
> really need a nosepiece customized for your face. That is what I use. But,
> it is hard to find someone who makes these. Mine is made at a dental clinic.
>
> I'm leaving my messages on the vent-users message page instead of e-mailing
> you direcly so others will be able too read them.
>
> Jeff Gray
>
>
>