vent questions

[AHands]

I may be going for tracheotomy and the ventilator next week.

the bipap that I'm using gets unplugged rather easily -- both the electrical power and the air hosing -- I am hoping the ventilator will be much more robust.

I've got some international traveling that I would like to do.
I want to make sure to get one that is FAA approved and is portable

From what I've been reading there are two nerves in the neck that are at risk. If they cut one of them, speech will be impaired. If they cut both, speech will be lost.
I'm currently dependent on my speech for typing.

What's up with ALS patients not getting ventilators in the UK?

Do you ever disconnect yours for brief periods, e.g. showering, toileting, etc.?

 

[joelc]

I use mine 24/7 as I don't have any independent breathing time. So it stays on for showers and everything else.

They are very light and portable, significantly better than a bipap.

Find a doctor who has done many tracheostomy's and you will not have problems.

 

[Dave C]

AHands - my wife got one in early December and once they got all the settings correct she has been pretty happy with it. Not sure on the voice aspects as Jen had lost most of her speech before it, but when they put the valve in she was able to make phonetic sounds that were not possible before. We were told it is a pretty "easy" surgery though there are potential complications as with any. Jen is able to be off of it for shorter periods (1/2 hour or so) but is "vent-dependant."

Hope this helps. Dave