Which is better trach or no trach

We have the Trach for excessive secretions. We were suctioning Frank through the nose prior to his Tracheotomy. It was very traumatizing for all involved. I know this does not help but are you able to suction her through the nose?

Misty

[christyw]

I don't know for sure how good decan is for BPD babies whose lungs still look bad. Pulmonary wouldn't release Gaithy into the hands of ENT, for decan purposes, until they felt her BPD had resolved. That may not be the gold standard, but I do know I feel pretty happy about it. Our ENT also wants to get a capped sleep study before decan because of her extensive respiratory history.

I hate that Mahala is sick a lot. I know how HARD sicknesses have been lately for us. Gaithy has currently been well for 7 weeks (this coming Friday) and we are so happy about that! However, before that, she was REALLY sick about every 3 weeks or less. It has been a miserable winter season. I know being without the trach would've been quite interesting and it IS scary to think about. What keeps me hopeful is the thought that maybe she will be sick much less once the trach is gone....who knows...doesn't look like that's the case for Mahala. Anyway, I hope this all finally gets cleared and she'll have a good, and a well summer season. Â*

Christy

[Olga]

When Grace was first decannulated I still wanted to suction her. She has had more colds and infections since she was decannulated than ever before. I think it was because I used to isolate her so much when she had the trachy. We are now "catching up" with all the infections that kids get through in the normal course of events at nursery etc. I keep telling myself that Grace is building up her immunity. I think that the rate of infections is now slowing down and I find that giving her echinacea (a herbal extract available in health food shops) is helping her overcome colds more easily. I still have to remind her to "cough it up" now and again, but is is becoming easier. Also the warmer weather is nearly here so stick with it. Best wishes. Olga

[Whitney]

Alex was over 5 months old before we decided it was time for the trach.

We don't have experience with "life after the trach" but I can remember what it was like while he was on the canula. Alex did well, but he seemed fragile. Once we tried to wean his liter flow, Alex slowly declined. He was more tired and he just could not eat as well. Now, I personally believe Alex was barely holding on and he was going to crash inevitably. One rough virus or cold, and Alex would be re-hospitalized and ultimately trached. For these reasons, we decided to skip another extubation attempt and to do the trach. I remember what it was like prior to the trach and I can say it has been a true lifesaver for him. It has allowed him to get the adequate support he needs to be as active as he can be. By the sounds of it it seems like she is definitely working harder since decannulation. What are the doctors saying about it? I know our pulmonologist will be watching Alex's BPD closely like Christy mentioned....

Best of luck to you. We hope things get better over the summer.

Whitney

[Laurie]

I wonder if some extra hydration or using a humidifier would help with the thick secretions? I know some parents who placed a humidifier in their child's room post decannulation, and they found this helped with respiratory issues. Also, increasing her fluid intake might help. I hope things settle down soon...