>How do some of you get your
>trach changed? And do you find it painful?
I've had a trach since 1989. I had to make the decision to get it because I
couldn't breathe while sleeping any more. (I am a polio survivor and have
had respiratory problems all of my life because of this.) I have to hook up
to my home vent system whenever I go to bed. While I'm off the vent, my
trach tube is plugged.
I used to go to the doctor once a month for my trach change, but that was
such a hassle because I had to drag along all of my medical supplies (suction
kits, trach care kit, new trach tube) as well as my own suction machine. My
doctor taught my husband how to do it so now he just changes it for me at
home. It is much easier for me that way. My husband was willing to change
my trach from Day One, but I was too scared to let him! Finally I decided
that it would be a lot better because I was so tired of carting everything to
the doctor's office. I just didn't want my husband to have to practice on
me!!! :-) But there was no other way. Truthfully he does a great job!
As for pain -- yes, at the time he is shoving the new trach tube in, it hurts
a lot. But as soon as the tube is in place, the pain is over. So the pain
lasts for about 1 second. The change always makes me cough for awhile until
I can get myself suctioned. There's some bleeding caused by the change, too.
Once in a great while the stoma area aches slightly -- maybe for a few
hours or even up to a day afterwards. But that's all for pain.
Personally I absolutely HATE having my trach tube changed! The first time I
had it done, I was just terrified. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to
breathe. I got myself worked up into quite a state! There is still this
slight fear surrounding this task. I know how to control the fear today so
that it doesn't get overblown, but I believe that it will always be there. I
just don't have to react to it.
I have some scar tissue build up around the stoma. My dr. had me have some
surgery to remove it twice, thinking that would solve the problem. Well, the
scar tissue just grew back. It doesn't bother me at all, and it doesn't seem
to interfere with my breathing. My view is to just leave well enough alone.
I don't want any more surgery if I can help it.
I'm glad that your broncoscopy went well, Annette. I had one many years ago
before I had my trach. I wish you well.
Carol Meyer
Massachusetts