To make a long story short. The Shiley #6 I changed to is there newest
model. For some reason the inner cannula slides to easily into the trach
tube. Therefore when I hook up to the vent..we are talking major air
leakage. But when I put the red cap on for talking, etc. there is no
leakage.
My vent supplier here in town has talked to Shiley but of course they won't
own up to a defective product. I am getting sufficient air...but boy it
was annoying. My vent supplier didn't get to talk to anyone from Shiley
until late Friday before she brought me another trach to try. (the same
kind) and guess what..it still leaks. It is the tube and inner cannula and
not the trach and my stoma. Hopefully she will find out more tomorrow.
But what my boyfriend and I did to solve the problem temporarily was to put
a rubber band on the top of the inner cannula where the prongs hook to the
trach. (Rest assured there is no danger of it falling off into the trach
tube) But the rubber band has solve the air leakage problem. It is amazing
the things you will do to get some sleep.
I'm would like you to share some of your weird vent stories, etc. regarding
making trach, vent, etc more comfortable. Also whether you have a cuffed
or uncuffed trach.
Also thanks to everyone who has helped with my problems in the past two
weeks....finally the medical procedures are over for awhile. (until Shiley
figures out how to send me the proper trach)
Take care..
Annette Hanna
nete1(AT)midwest.net