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Posted by Scott on June 07, 2000 at 04:20:52:In Reply to: Can one talk normally with a trach? posted by Matt on June 06, 2000 at 09:03:18:
Yes you talk normally and I can even sing when I can get enough air around my trach tube. In fact, I think I sound better than before the trach due to much of my nasal congestion disappearing.
The gasping you heard from the woman with a trach may have been due to her having to small of one. With a six millimeter or smaller the rushing or sucking sound of air is much more predominate than with an 8 or 10mm.
I think you mean "how can you shower even if it's UNcapped ?"
When in the shower I use a babies bib turned backwards so the vinyl side is facing out and tie it over my stoma or trach tube if I have it in. I have used this many times with no problems. It's cheap too!!Everyone develops their own cleaning technique that works for them. After a while you will see what works best and fastest and adopt your own methods.
For the trach, usually it is cleaned with a brush and water and or Hydrogen Peroxide and or vinegar.
Personally I am sickened by the smell of vinegar so I would never try that. I use hydrogen peroxide a lot and occasionally boil mine in salt water. The whole procedure does not take 15min. and many times less than 5 min.. Dont tell anyone but sometimes I skip a day!The outside of the stoma can just be wiped off with warm water. Some people use qtips with hydrogen peroxide around the stoma. Works great if you can stand the smell. Sometimes I will spead some triple antibiotic around the stoma opening. When on antibiotics I occasionally spread an antifungal cream around the stoma.
I am due to receive a Montgomery stoma button in a day or two. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Matt, you may not even remember what real sleep is like. I don't think I slept this well even as a child.
PS. Finger occluding is simply covering an uncapped trach tube with your finger so the air can pass over your vocal cords for speech.
If you don't have any complications past OSA and you do your homework and get a REAL GOOD ENT you shouldn't have to worry about finger occlusion.Good Luck
I know it's a big step, I remember. But it beats dying.Scott
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