Aspiration after LTP

jbromley · #1 02-14-2009, 11:40 AM

Have any of your children had problems with aspiration after having the LTP done? We had the LTP in October and my daughter has had pneumonia twice and is oxygen dependent now. Needless to say we are very disappointed and upset about this happening because she has never had any problems with aspiration in the past. She has not been oxygen dependent since April of 07 and now she can't eat anything by mouth. She was only taking tastes anyway, but these are all major setbacks after her LTP surgery. I am told that these are very rare complications, but I wanted to see if any of you have had any experience with this.

The funny thing is that her airway looks perfect and if it wasn't for the aspiration we would be talking about decannulation. Now if things don't improve with the aspiration then they may have to carve down the graft that they placed and this would cause her to have more protection of her airway, but it would cause her airway to be more narrow which would make it harder for her to get her trach out. I just want to scream with frustration. Please send prayers and positive thoughts that she can compensate once we really work with her on a stronger and more effective swallow and that the larger trach and pmv help. Thanks for listening.

Jennifer

mylesmom · #2 02-14-2009, 07:07 PM

Sorry for your problems, that is very disappointing to say the least I'm sure. Our son started aspirating for no reason in December. He's had his trach for 18 months now. It also resolved on its own a couple of weeks later.

Although I've had no experience with the LTP I'm sure it's frustrating for you. We've hoped to be decannulated by now but are still waiting...........

All the best.

Trix · #3 02-15-2009, 01:00 AM

Isabelle started to aspirate after her LTR. She was put on thickened liquids but was also able to eat solids as well. As long as nothing was runny. We probably had thickened liquids for 6-7 months. She had 2 swallow studies and we were able to reduce the thickness of the fluids then the final study was clear. This happens because the surgery messes with their swallow reflex but it should repair on its own - hopefully. Isabelle was then decannulated last December.

Make sure you suction before and immediately after drinking and eating. Thankfully Isabelle never had any chest infections from it. Keep the suctioning up!

Remember - it does get better.