Living with a Tracheostomy

Is there anyone in this forum community who is living with a tracheostomy and without the help of a caregiver.  I have questions and would love to gain more education about living a almost normal life with a trach!

Thanks-

Shannon

[katie62]

Hi,I have had a trach for 10 years now,and I don't have a caregiver,I am married and the mother of two.I have severe asthma and breathing problems..I would  be glad to help you with any questions you have.I have a Shiley,8 fenistrated trach.

Take Care,Kathy

[Merrimac45]

I have had a trach since Aug of 07.  I do not have cannula or tube, just a hole (stoma).  At first I was really angry, but decided that since I had no choice that I would do the best I could with it.  If I want to talk I just use my thumb to cover the opening, a lot of interesting noises while learning.  I only run into trouble when I have both hands full.  It is amazing how often this happens, but most of the people who know me have learned to live with my slow response time.  If not, it is their tough luck.  

The biggest problem is getting through the surgery and the therapy.  After that it is just a matter of perfecting your technique.

I am 63, living by myself.  As mentioned above I have a medical alert button.  I really try to ignore it most of the time.  I do clean it several times a day.  I have used some mist
medications and inhalers, but I find that the thing that helps the most is a humidifier.  I have just a small one like you might use in a baby's room.  I have it going pretty much all the time.  Now I live in a Studio apartment so I only need a small one.  I do not have a suction machine because my doctor did not feel I needed one.  I do not have any cannula, or the button so you can talk without your hands because my doctor told me I did not need one.  Every other doctor has asked by I don't.  Go figure.  

Since I had at least three episodes of respiratory arrest due to sleep apnea, I am happy to just be alive and reasonable well.  I even went into respiratory arrest while on the bi-pap machine, that was when they decided to do the tracheotomy.  Can't say I am sorry to have it when I consider the alternative.  You just do what you have to do.  No sweat.

The only serious problem I have encountered is when mucus hardens and drops into my trachea.  I usually can cough it up.  One time I had gotten as far as pressing my emergency medical alert button, but coughed it up before they called.  The next time I had my son take me to the ER and with a flashlight and tweezers they had it out of there in no time.  The advantage of not being able to breathe is that you get into the ER room much faster than with kidney stones.  I know this from experience, 5 hours. Ouch!

I have not run into any information about dealing with a trach without the cannula.  Everything I have found is geared for those with the apparatus.