Re: Advice needed

James Lubin (jlubin(AT)eskimo.com)
Tue, 24 Mar 1998 11:49:21 -0800

At 08:41 PM 3/17/98 +0000, Meghan wrote:
>I was reading past messages about the passy-muir valve. I have just
>started him on that. He can talk around the trach but the valve makes
>his voicing stronger. However he seems to get distressed and his
>breathing labored when he is on it. It seems like he is holding the air
>in once the vent gives him a breath, and he doesn't realize it can come
>out his nose and mouth. Is this really what is going on? Is it so
>different to breathe with the passy? Any suggestions as to how to help
>him along?

When I first started using a one-way valve (before I got a passy-muir
brand) I would forget to exhale when I was drinking and my lungs would just
keep filling until the vent high pressured. I was 22 at the time, so I can
see how your 16 month old son could have trouble. It just takes getting use
to. I had to remember to exhale through my nose and mouth. Now it's so
automatic I don't even think about it. I accually exhale through my nose
while I am receiving a breath and sometime wait to exhale after receiving a
full breath.

Jim Lubin
http://www.eskimo.com/~jlubin
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