“Teach Change “ Chapter 146

I was going to write about something else this week, but then my wife Laura took a great video of my six month trach change and check up, and I knew I needed to change the topic of my post.

This trach process was the best one I've had by far. I’m not feeling sick and everything is going great. I sat outside a lot this week too, and the only issue I've had is that my throat was a little sore and my right ear was a little stuffed .

When we got to the ENT I had them look in my ears first, and sure enough, the tube they put in 9 months ago was falling out. My ear is healing and as a result, the tube was pushing out. The doctor reached in and pulled the tube and some wax out and it unclogged like a drain. 

Next she moved on to my trach change. There wasn’t anything technically wrong with it, but it’s a good practice to have it replaced regularly to prevent damage, an emergency, or infection. We have a great relationship with our doctors so they let us film the appointment. The total time to change the trach is under a minute, so there is no risk to interrupting my breathing. 

First the doctor prepares the new trach so it goes in without any issues, then they reduce the balloon holding the trach in place. Next the trach is removed. The first tube you see going in my stoma is a suction tube to clean up any juices.

Then you see a camera going in. Laura does a great job panning up to show the monitor where you can see a bright red area. This is just a little bruising from moving the trach during my care. Other than some small pockets of mucus, the esophagus is pink and healthy down to the split. With proper daily care and doctor appointments you will do fine living with a trach.

You will also notice I have a stable stoma. (The hole in my neck)  This keeps the hole open when the trach is removed. If you don’t need a trach for a while this is beneficial.

I hope this post gives you a better understanding of trach care . You were wondering if it hurt? I felt no pain and yes, if we wanted we could do the whole thing at home, but I prefer going to get it done by the doctor.

Look what is in her hand. It’s my book!

Love and Blessings.

 

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