A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Non-CPAP
Forum Posting


Archived Non-CPAP Treatment Forum12 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage.

Re: How long is trach change painful?

Posted by KyCol on September 19, 2002 at 10:24:15:

In Reply to: How long is trach change painful? posted by Jody on September 19, 2002 at 00:34:35:

Jody:

I have had a trach for several years and have not had your kind of experience.

What size and make is your trach tube?

There are friends who have had secretions for several months, this is not unheard of. If you have thick secretions you are in need of more moisture in your airway.

I used a compressor with distilled water and a throat mask for a long time, actually longer than necessary because it felt so good to have the extra moisture. Whenever I would sit and read or watch TV I'd put it on every time. More for the comfort instead of the need.

What kind of setup do you have on your humidifier?

If your stoma is red and painful it could be from your backplate on the tube. Do you wear a drain sponge? You need one for awhile until it clears up. And it must be kept dry between the back plate and your stoma. (The drain sponge will take care of that).

Be careful and use just a small dab of triple ointment on the outside of the stoma, I use Bactroban if I ever get sore.

Perhaps you could stay uncapped 24/7 and see if that is a help. I seldom wear a cap and get along well that way.

Forget about your general MD, they are all happy to stay away from a patient with a trach; better for you cause some may tell you the wrong thing to do.

There is no need for you to be in this unecessary situation at all. I would see another ENT and find out if he can help you through this. Ask around for one who has more experience with your situation.

Does your doc have a trach? If not, he needs to be more aware and helpful. Most think they know all about it but really do not unless they have experienced it.

I never had the first pain and have changed my tube daily for years on my own. I never spend more than five minutes a day on my stoma care.

There is one more thing which will help you but I cannot write it here, it all amounts to added moisture and the proper fit of the right tube.

One size does not fit all.

Follow Ups:


Archived Non-CPAP Treatment Forum12 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved