Trach necklace would you buy one

[Big Al]

is this something that would interest anyone or does anyone know of this being done by someone else already. What I'm envisioning is a necklace that uses hooks or clamps to attach to the trach and has an ajustable section of chain in the back to custom fit it would be used in place of trach ties. A pendant, or similar type of decoration could be hung below the trach while leaving enough room to suction and place a dressing. I have an aquaintqnce who makes jewlery and before I talk to her I want to make sure I'm not spinning my wheels and their selling these things at wallmart or something. The nice thing about the lady I know is that she does everyting custom. All of her peices are one of a kind. could even do a simple chain with a cross or dog tags for the dudes. Please post your opinions ideas or jeers I'm interested in it all.

[Livi's_mama]

There are moms here who make their own trach bead ties that look similar to necklaces.

The thing is, the length is just different for each person. Something adjustable, may or may not work in a necklace type fashion.

Not to mention the security of having another party make a necklace when they might not understand the importance of the trach staying in place, kwim?

[LittleBee]

We use trach necklaces that I make myself. Whenever we go to the doctor they say, oh how cute, you should make those to sell. The first thing that pops into my head is - Liability, no I don't think so. I can only imagine the legal ramifications if I made someone else a necklace and it broke and caused damage and/or death.

Trish also has some great points. We make Luke's necklaces out of seed beads (the most boyish beads I can find) and when I make a new one I often adjust it by only 1 or 2 beads. The length has to be pretty precise. Even then it "shrinks" a little after the first time it is worn. I make mine following Kris' instructions in this post http://www.tracheostomy.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8347 and the fishing line seems to contract a little after it is first washed in hot water. But, it is important that you use something that can be cut off with scissors if necessary and that you feel is strong enough to trust your child's life to.

I don't mean to be discouraging, just bringing up thoughts I have had myself about making necklaces for others. We do love using necklaces - we only have to change them once a week, Luke's neck doesn't get red and irritated, and they are very inexpensive to make.

Let us know if you decide to go for it. I would love to see what you come up with.

[Alex's mom]

We use trach necklaces that I make myself. Whenever we go to the doctor they say, oh how cute, you should make those to sell. The first thing that pops into my head is - Liability, no I don't think so. I can only imagine the legal ramifications if I made someone else a necklace and it broke and caused damage and/or death.

Same here - everyone loves our trach necklaces and thinks I should sell them but I wouldn't feel comfortable with that. And really, if I did, the royalties should go to Kris anyway. ;)

My biggest issue w/the necklaces that I make is that they are not adjustable. If someone made them adjustable, I think I would definitely check them out. Our trach ties need to be pretty snug, my little one is vent dependant and moves around a lot so there is always pulling and the occasional decann happens.

Here is a pic of what ours looks like.

[LittleBee]

Stacey, I love those beads. Where do you get them from? Are they triangular?

Al, I just posted a photo of Luke in his necklace on Imogen's post if you want to take a look at what we do.

Oh, I just thought of something else too. Finding the right lobster claw clasps was a bit tricky (for us at least). I love the look of the silver ones they sell at Walmart, but they were just too tough to get off and on - there is only so much finagling you can do when the trach is in place. (Luke uses a Shiley, and their flanges could be thicker than other brands for all I know.) So we end up using the stainless ones from Hobby Lobby. They are fine, but they can bend a bit and I have to replace them after about 3 uses. This still means I only make ties every 3 or 4 months. I usually make 4-5 colors/patterns at a time.

[Alex's mom]

Stacey, I love those beads. Where do you get them from? Are they triangular?


The beads are round - I ordered them from FireMountainGems.com. I also got the lobster claws from them. They last a long time. I use them until the silver wears off.

[Becky]

I have a few custom made trach chains as well that I made myself with beads and I have a sliver chain that I wear too, its the kind dog tags hang from. But just the other day I received a gift from my husband, a custom made gold trach chain and another small part that hooks to the flanges of the trach and hangs down like you described BIG AL, mine has a cross hanging from it. My husband actually went to a jeweler that does custom work, he took one of my chains and a trach and told the man what he wanted made and he did it. I call it trach jewelry. Here are pictures of them. You can also see my silver dog tag chain in the picture that show my trach jewelry.

Becky

[Big Al]

Beckey your husbad is the man that is an awsome gift. Thanks for the input. Everyone. As usual the idea looks a little less appealing when I've slept. If I post something at six in the am I've been up all night. My friendakes necklaces as a business if anyone is interested pm me and let me know I'll put you in touch with her.

[lovemymak]

My biggest issue w/the necklaces that I make is that they are not adjustable. If someone made them adjustable, I think I would definitely check them out. Our trach ties need to be pretty snug, my little one is vent dependant and moves around a lot so there is always pulling and the occasional decann happens.
I haven't tried Keturah in these, as she is also on the vent and I don't want to have to worry about decans. She's happy with the ducky ties, so for now, I'm not going to risk it.