About below post

[Carriestockmal]

I just didn't want any of you to miss the introduction of Bob H. I included his story in my below e-mail about Jack walking. Heck, I might as well include it here too. He also posted it in the adults section.
I have worked with Bob for 5 years and he was the first person I thought of when the docs said the word trach to me. He's a great inspiration and resource!
Welcome Bob!

Bob writes....

Hello Everybody. This is my first time on this site so I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a 44yr old male who has had a #4 Shiley trache and portable ventilator for about 22 yrs. I need the trache due to a birth defect that created a depression in my chest cavity that reduced my lung volume. Fortunately I only need to go on the vent at night. For this reason I have been able to live a fairly active life. I have had a career as a Toy Designer at a major toy company here on the east coast. I change my own traches and really don't need a lot of help. Over the years I have experienced alot of challenges but with the help of my faith and great support from family, friends and co-workers and of course doctors, I have led a really active life. I am able to talk clearly with the trache in. The toughest times are when I get bad colds. That's a matter of constantly clearing the trache tube from constant mucus build up. I'm married to a great wife and have three terrific kids, 1 boy and two girls. I am very blessed. My main motivation in life has been that I wasn't going to let anything stop me from acheiving my goals. You are all in my prayers and I look forward to sharing my future experiences with you.

[Jacob's Mom]

Bob, Welcome! It truly is inspiring when I hear of an adult who lives a full, happy life with a trach. Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to hearing more from you.

Amanda

[Jen3]

Bob,
You are a great person for being willing to share your trach life with all of us here. For those parents whos child may have a trach for life, you have given hope to leading a fun, normal, happy life. Thank you. Feel free to post here any time. I would love to chat with you and learn more.

Jen

Bob,
Welcome! Â*It is great to have an adult trach user who can add a whole new perspective. Â*My 14 year old daughter has had her trach for 8 years due to an upper airway obstruction and may well have it forever. Her doctor has just intoduced the idea of modifying her stoma to make it "permanent" so it would not close if her trach came out. My daughter is mildly delayed and quite active so he is trying to make it safer for her to function without a trach trained person velcroed to her.
They had a terrible time placing the trach (it is actually a second trach- she had a trach for a few weeks post surgery when she was 4 years old) so he really, really doesn't want it to close accidently. He also thought we might then be able to try and fit her with a button instead of the trach tube. Do you have any insights for me?

Hi Everyone, I sorry, I'm still trying to navigate how the boards work. Thank you to all of you for your warm welcome! I want to thank Carrie for introducing me to all of you as well! I also want to thank Carrie for letting me know about the latest portable vents that are out. Through that conversation she explained about this network and how supportive you all are of each other. I hope my experiences are helpful and after seeing some of your postings, I know there is alot of help and inspiration I can recieve form all of you. Thanks so much again for all of your kindness and I look forward to sharing many experiences with you in the future!

[Melisande]

Hi Bob!

Nice to meet you and glad you came aboard! Â*My son has a trach and vent while sleeping too. Â*He is only 17 months old, but there is a chance he may have the trach for the long term. Â*He has something similar to central apnea. Â*He is otherwise healthy. Â*It is good to know that there are people out there who live their adult lives well with a trach and vent. Â*It is reassuring to me, at least, as a worry-wart mother, who wishes the best for her son in the future. Â*The introduction of you comes at a good time for me. I have begun to worry when Donovan will realize he is different from everyone else. Â*Of course, I want to protect him from that, but I know that I cannot. Â*It's a powerful maternal instinct. Â*Just yesterday, a perfectly nice checkout lady at Walmart asked "What's wrong with him?" Â*I wanted to cry. Â*I HATE THAT WORD--WRONG!!!!! Â*I know she meant no harm and I'm glad she asked. Â*It is my opportunity to educate her, but it hurts none-the-less. Â*I wonder what Donovan will think when he understands what someone like that asks that same question. Â*How do you answer that question?

Sorry to get so serious, but it has been on my mind since yesterday. Â*The parents on this board have talked about this many times before.

I am still learning about this whole process and I have lots to learn from all of you here on the board. Thanks for listening.

[Doug-Iowa]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for introducing yourself to us all. What a wonderful life you are living. I bet your children really like having a Dad that makes toys. It is very good to have you here.

Now for the question no one has asked. What toy company do you design for? We will be sure to support it to make sure you always have a job.