Question about trach ties

[Caryn]

We started using chains (off and on) when my daughter was about 10 months old. Had I known about them earlier, I definitely would have tried them earlier.

They are great once you get used to them. We only changed them once a week during trach changes, and you are right - much easier for keeping their neck clean, dry, etc.

It would not hurt to try them and if it does not work out, switch back, but I really don't think there would be a problem with trying them on a 5 month old.

[erikall]

We` just put the metal ties on Vivian the other day. She LOVED them. I wish I had tried them sooner!! I am trying to get more ordered, but when I do, we will stick with them. She was so happy to be able to feel me tickling the back of her neck! LOL!

I had asked our ENT about them and he had said he wouldn't suggest them because if Vivian's trach came out she would be "blue baby" within three minutes. Now she takes the velcro ties off and can take out her own trach, that's why we tried the metal ones...

I would suggest you talk to your Grandaughters ENT, get his/her input on it, but also go with what works for you/her/her mom.

Erika

[Laurie]

We always used the velcro ties, but in response to the post above, I have heard of parents carrying a pair of wire cutters or a similar tool to cut the metal ties in case an emergency trach change was needed and the old one had to be removed.

[erikall]

I never thought of that, Laurie. I will definately make them part of our emergency bag when I get the other metal ties!

Thank you!

Erika

[cariaad]

I definately recommend the chains, except we use necklace chains rather than the dogtag style. I found them too stiff. Â*I also make pretty ties with jewelry supplies, as Alli is at that "girly" stage and likes pretty things. It took us several tries to get the length right, and we DID use dogtag style chains to get the sizing down. Â*Deb

[Doug-Iowa]

We switched to a necklace with a lobster claw type clasp last fall when Mason decided that he didn't want his trach in anymore and had taken it out 3 times in one week. Previous to that we were taping the velcro ties. Our ENT was dead set against the chain, until we showed it to her, then she was elated about it. She had told us that there would be some parents out there that she wouldn't be able to trust with them, but knowing us the way she does, she was ok with it. Just make sure that any caregivers are well trained on how to take it off and on well enough that they could do it in an emergency and not get flustered with it.

Jarita

[3forme]

I have never heard of this. What if your child has no neck? Our ent suggested us using the posey ties but they are too thin and it breaks down Connor's poor skin. So we use the Dale adult thick ties. And he does well but he usually has some redness even with those.

Connor is a tugger. He always holds on to his trach and pulls lots of times. Should we not use them because he does this?

Just want to get all the info to take to the ent next time we see him.

Thanks,

[Esties mom]

Estie is a trach puller also. we use marpac one piece velcro. No way can they come out. Estie cannot stand her trach moving at all it makes her gagg so we have them specially made to fit her neck so they are snug/ I would love to use chains but i think she would gag.

[Bridgie'smom]

If you use guaze under the trach with chain ties, how do you change the guaze? I always undo the velcro ties to change Bridget's guaze. Just curious. I would love to get rid of the ugly velcro ties.

Theresa