Tracheostomy - Anyone had one? Want to support friend

I’ve not heard of it

but she needs to care for it 34/7 or will need to go into a nursing home

Spencerbear said:

I’ve not heard of it

It’s tracheostomy. Creating an airway straight into the trachea underneath the larynx 

There are members here who had one temporarily and others where it is permanent. I’m sure somebody will reply soon. 
Meanwhile look here   

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/temporary-tracheostomy-for-head-and-neck-cancer#:~:text=A%20tracheostomy%20is%20usually%20temporary,or%20has%20grown%20into%20it.

Hi Spencer. I had a temporary tracheostomy while I was in hospital each time for both of my maxillectomies.  I had it removed when I went from ICU onto the ward. You are unable to talk while it is in and I resorted to writing to convey my needs also got good at some sign language. If there is a build up of saliva the nurse had to clear it for me with a suction. That bit was the hardest as with the saliva build up I felt like I might choke. However the tracheostomy I had the second time around I was more prepared for and got on fine with it. However long term management is something I have no experience with.

Lyn

Yes I’ve had one  when I had jaw cancer surgery, it wasn’t the most pleasant experience but you need it if having any type of surgery that relates to your breathing, obviously it helps you breath through the Traci area, mine was in place for  at least three weeks after surgery to my jaw, they changed it for a smaller one during this time, it’s very difficult to talk with the bigger one in place but once smaller one is in you just put your finger over the end which enables you to talk