Caretakers of s s w/ trachs

[ssr]

http://www.tracheostomy.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Is there anyone out there caring for s w/ trach?? my 67 yr old mother just got one last week but she is still pretty ged. It seems they are keeping her in an induced coma.
This is a lonely time and i feel so helpless.
I enjoy reading everyones happy experiences .

[marqus'smom]

Welcome ssr, I know it can be very difucault at times and REALLY lonely, but things will sooner or later start getting better... Im sorry I dont have an answer to your Question I just wanted to say Hi!! http://www.tracheostomy.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hug.gif

[suzanne2545]

Hello,

Welcome to the boards. You might want to just post something on the pediatric board. That is where all the "action" is. I imagine much of the care issues are the same and certainly, you will find lots of support there for caring for your mother.

Suzanne

[jennifer_cafiero]

SSR -

I am in the same boat. My mother is miserable. Tonight she asked for the advanced directive forms because she really wishes we didn't make this decision and just let her go. It is absolutely heartbreaking. She's 74 and had so much more life before all of this happened. I seriously just break into quiet tears so many times a day. I'm helpless and the whole situation is just hopeless. There are so many other great things going on in my life (like an upcoming wedding) and I just don't even have the excitement about that anymore. I know how you feel but the alternative is the big box in the ground. We just have to hope we are doing the right thing. I'd love to talk to someone about this too - it is a really incredibly lonely time, even with a big family. Hope we get to talk. ~Jennifer

[gmessig]

Hi jennifer,
How is everything going with your mom? My mom is scheduled to have one the day after tomorrow and I am meeting with the doctor tomorrow. I am hating this for my mom. any suggestions on what to ask the doctor?
Thanks
Geneise

[jennifer_cafiero]

Hi there - Sorry I didn't see your message last night. I hope all went well today with the surgery. I can't remember asking anything specific - it was all such a whirlwind. But just make sure that if you have any questions, you ask them all. I have learned not to be embarrassed about my lack of medical knowledge. After all, they are getting paid a great deal of money for this. Let me know how it worked out ... and if I can offer any advice ... even though I'm still having a terrible time dealing with this myself!

[JWorthington]

Hello ladies. I am a parent of a 4 year old with a trach, he has had his trach since he was 19 months old. I sympathise with what you are all going through, I suspect it is probably easier for a child to accept a trach than someone who has been nose breathing for most of their lives. But a trach can save lives, and give renewed life to those who thought they could no longer have a life, and it can be a relief to see those you love able to breathe easily. I can't begin to imagine what you are all going through, I know it was a terrible time for me when I learnt that my son needed a trach. But if I can be of any help with any of your questions at anytime, please ask or pm me.
Julie

[JWorthington]

Oh I forgot to add. If you visit the pediatric boards, there are two lovely ladies there, Robin and Becky, they are both adults with trachs. I am sure that they could give you lots of insight into how it feels as an adult with a trach and what it means for them. they have both had their trachs for most of their lives, but Robin I think has 4 children!

Hope this helps
Julie:)