Re: [VENT-L] trach changes

[SSmith]

Hi Alan.........my hubby had problems with bleeding especially at the trach changes.  He had excessive granulation that was causing the irritation.  He eventually had a surgery called a "trach revision" in which the stoma (opening into the trachea) is made permanent.  It took him about a week to be able to eat and swallow normally, but it was worth it!  Voila!  no more bleeding or granulation.  Any ENT dr can tell you about this, although an ENT surgeon may have to be the one to actually do it.  May be this is an option to consider?  We also use the PMSV.  What a wonderous invention!   S in MS   ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 02, 2004 12:08 PM Subject: Re: [VENT-L] trach changes     I haven't changed my trach since November 2003. I first got my trach in May 2003 and it has been bleeding ever since, despite round after round of antibiotics. Even after the trach change it continues to bleed. I guess bleeding everyday has become a part of my daily life.  I leave my cuff down 24/7 so I can talk (using a passe muir speakng valve) and call for help if needed (I'm a C3 quadriplegic).  One good thing going for me though, is that I'm able to clear my lungs and throat enough to avoid daily suctioning.                                                                 Alan Lee                                                             [EMAIL PROTECTED]   --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.727 / Virus Database: 482 - Release Date: 7/26/2004