How did you deal with it?

[Ann]

Welcome to the board! My son is almost six years old and is ventilator dependent. I've never had to deal with his trach coming out, but have had other stressful events to deal with over the six years. I would say that you learn to deal with it because with each "event" that you get through you are less afraid that you child will die on you and more confident in your ability to manage the situation. With time, you will be so tuned into your son that you can anticipate what he needs before he gets to a point of "distress" and even in times of crisis, you will be amazed at your resilience and strength. Hang in there and I hope Casey gets to come home soon.

Ann

[Shari]

Well, first of all, "hello". I'm Jacob's Mom and we use ACH, also. Second, it is unusual for the kids to get that bad when the trach comes out. After a while, unless there are major airway issues, the kids get more stable and the trach comming out is not that big of a deal -you just put it back in. They get stronger! Also, you'll get more comfortable with it all and it will be a lot like changing a diaper. Feel free to e-mail me personally any time - my little boy was trached and vented for 3 years and just got his out this spring. Are you in ITU? Do you have a discharge date?

There are a couple of us on this board that use ACH - welcome!

-Shari

[Bonnie]

Welcome. Everyone here has been a huge help to me this past year. Lots of experience. Jonathan's vent fell apart the first week he was sick and he almost died. I was so scared. I did not think I would ever be able to do any of this. And 1 year later things are much different. Jonathan has gotten strong enough to come off the vent and as Shari and Ann said. Things are not such a crisis. We know Jonathan and what he can handle. It never gets easier to see your child this way, but it does become second hand.
I wish you the best and a speedy homecoming for Casey.