Whether it is an emergency or a planned procedure, getting a tracheostomy tube can be a scary experience. There are so many questions which may arise such as what will the procedure be like, what should I expect during the recovery process, will I be able to speak after getting a tracheostomy tube, etc. Join me this week as I discuss what to expect when getting a tracheostomy tube and I will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about getting a tracheostomy tube. #lifewithavent #tracheostomy #whattoexpect
While the tracheostomy site is healing, the cuff on the tracheostomy tube will remain inflated. This will prevent the patient from speaking. Once the cuff on the tracheostomy tube is allowed to be deflated, the patient can practice speaking. I will warn you, speaking will take time and for some, speaking may not be regained.
The ability to speak may be lost due to several factors. First, any time a breathing tube is inserted into the airways, it is passed through the vocal cords. There is always a chance the vocal cords may be damaged by the breathing tube. This damage may be temporary or permanent.
Second, depending on the reason for getting a tracheostomy tube, it is possible the patient’s underlying health condition has damaged or destroyed the muscles or nerves needed to create speech. If the patient was not able to speak before getting a tracheostomy tube, he will not be able to speak after getting a tracheostomy tube.
Third, speaking with a tracheostomy tube requires the body to relearn how to speak. Different muscles and breathing techniques need to be employed. Some patients are not able to develop these new skills due to cognitive, nerve or muscle issues. If this is the case, the patient may not be able to speak after getting a tracheostomy tube.
Fourth, there is always the slim possibility the tracheostomy procedure may cause nerve damage. The damaged nerve may impede the patient’s ability to speak.
Regaining the ability to speak will be a slow process. It took me about two weeks to speak words. A month after the tracheostomy procedure, my ability to speak dramatically increased when I was able to have my original tracheostomy tube changed to a silicone Bivona. After getting a tracheostomy tube with a smaller cuff, I was able to speak in sentences.
Before leaving the hospital, either a nurse or the patient’s medical equipment company should provide a tutorial on how to care for the tracheostomy tube. A lot of information will be conveyed during this session. It may seem overwhelming. To help retain the information, video record the session. This will allow the patient and/or caregiver to review the tutorial at a later time.
A device which can help get rid of mucus accumulation is a suction machine. This machine uses a catheter and goes down into the airways and sucks up mucus. For more information about using a suction machine, please see the video: Suctioning 101: Essential Info & Tipshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g20GTuhC1zM
Using a nebulizer can also help loosen up mucus and will help make suctioning or coughing up the mucus easier. For more information about using a nebulizer, please see the video: Have a nebulizer? Info you need to know.[ Ссылка ]
I hope this video has helped provide insight into what it is like to undergo a tracheostomy tube procedure. If you would like more information about having a tracheostomy tube and using a ventilator, please see the video: have a trach & vent? Info you need to know. [ Ссылка ]
Also, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
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