Re: Trach Question

annette (nete1(AT)midwest.net)
Wed, 17 Sep 1997 18:56:55 -0500

At 02:55 PM 9/17/97 -0400, you 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
>
Carol...
Reading your post is kind of like reading my mind. Yes, I have got myself
in a bit of a nervous state about the trach change. My appointment is on
Friday. Needless to say I will be glad when it is over.

I too have been thinking about having my boyfriend start changing my trach
on a regular basis. He does most everything else regarding vent and trach
related things.

I have had a trach since 1994..and during that time was also diagnosed with
PPS. It has been almost 2 years since I have had this particular trach
changed. The doctor checks regularly for infections, etc. It is now the
time to have it changed..

Thanks for the good words, etc.

Keep in touch.

Annette Hanna
nete1(AT)midwest.net