Re: [VENT-L] pm valve

[Jim Lubin]

Hi Nora,

I was 22 the first time I tried using it after being on a vent for 6 months. It does feel different and took some getting use to. I don't like changes either. When I finally decided to try it more I tried it just a few hours at a time. For the past 15 years now I use it from the time I wake up until I go to bed, about 18 hours/day. Being on the ventilator the air goes in and out the trach. With the pmv you have to learn to exhale through your mouth or nose. I first time I tried drinking with the valve in I passed out. I had gotten so use to drinking continuously without stopping to exhale that I forgot I had to exhale! Now it's so automatic I just exhale through my nose at the end or near the end of receiving a breath.

At 04:24 PM 10/26/2004, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Hi, I am mostly a lurker and enjoy all the conversation here.

I have a question.  I have a 5 yr old son on the LTV 1000.  He has a huge leak but does fine with it.  He is able to talk fairly well due to the leak.  His pulmonologist ordered him a pmv.  My son hates it.  I was wondering for those of you that use a pmv,  does it feel different?  Will it take time for him to get used to it?  Is my son just being stubborn (he is very stubborn and does not like any changes done to his vent & settings, etc).  Just wondering what you experts suggest.  Do I encourage him to use the pmv? Or just let him talk the way he does.  He can get very loud when he wants something. 
Thanks,

Nora, MI

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Jim Lubin              
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Bothell, WA, USA     
http://makoa.org/jim
disAbility Resources: http://www.makoa.org
Transverse Myelitis Association: http://www.myelitis.org/HowToHelp