Cody Namesnik
http://www.netzone.com/~cody "to See my Picture"
cody(AT)netzone.com
CKSwedberg(AT)AOL.COM wrote:
> In a message dated 9/17/97 11:25:47 AM, Annette wrote:
>
> >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