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Re: How long is trach change painful?

Posted by Carolyn on September 19, 2002 at 14:15:56:

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

There is absolutely no reason your trach changes should be painful. Your stoma probably was healed in 6-8 weeks. Secretions sometime do last for months and months but will lessen over time.

First I would have your ENT culture around and inside your stoma. You probably have an infection.
Second, if your current ENT is not working for you change. Find one that is knowledgeable not only about trachs but trachs for OSA patients.
Third, I use Bactroban around my stoma and have never had an infection. I change my trach every three days and clean the inner cannula during the day as necessary. You do have to keep the area behind the faceplate dry or you will have infection problems.
Fourth, if your secretions are thick you might try Humibid (brand) or guaifenesin (generic). It helps thin the secretions. This is by prescription now. Soon it will be out OTC. It's also possible you might have a respiratory infection and need an antibiotic.
Fifth, most people that have trachs for OSA start changing their own trach with in the first 6-8 weeks.
Sixth, if you can feel the trach tube against your trachea when you lay down, or turn your head from side to side you might need a different size trach or different kind of tube.

Carolyn


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