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Can one talk normally with a trach?


Posted by Matt on June 06, 2000 at 09:03:18:

I have what may turn out to be a dumb question...

1. If I were to get a trach/stoma button/etc, would I be able to talk NORMALLY or would I have to wheeze and gasp and have my voice vibrate? I've only ever known one person with a hole in their windpipe and she had to gasp before each sentence. Am I going to sound exactly the same as I did before?

2. How can you take a shower, even if it's capped?

3. (maybe not so dumb) What exactly is involved with cleaning? I hear people talking about cleaning it in the morning and evening, and something about finger occluding (?) but I'm not really clear as to what sort of procedure is involved. I'm very squeamish about such things, I would just like to know what I would be getting myself into. My wife is horrified by the idea of a hole in my throat... we both need some sort of reassurance! :-)

-Matt

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