Tracheostomy versus intubation?

cariaad · #1 03-23-2002, 09:06 AM

Well, for us, the tracheostomy was the answer to getting Alli home. She was still intubated even tho the vent wasn't breathing for her because she couldn't maintain her airway--due to scarring of vocal cords from the intubation. (She was a master of pulling it out by 2 months of age) There are many advantages to the trach, including being able to eat by mouth! Is Felix a preemie? HAs he been on the vent since birth? I don't think the vent causes any lung damage itself unless the settings are too high and you have a pneumothorax or if he is fighting to breathe "against" the vent, but someone may correct me there! For us, getting the trach was the start of the excitement. SHe began to grow after that and of course coming home after 5 months in the NICU was wonderful. Keep us posted and Good luck! Deb

Jimmysmom · #2 03-23-2002, 06:18 PM

Hi

I would vote with the rest to go with a tracheostomy. My son was intubated and on a vent for a month while the drs. tried to diagnose him. He finally got a trach and was able to get out from under the sedation. He is still on a ventilator due to his right diaphragm being paralyzed, but this is part of his syndrome and hopefully one day will be reversed. People require mechanical ventilation for a variety of reasons, and it is not neccesarily a bad thing. Since my son was intubated for so long we now are working with him to overcome his oral aversion. He is making process but still is not keen on having much in his mouth. He was eating by mouth before intubation but now he requires a g-tube for nutrition.

Take care

Anne, mom to Jimmy Logan (2 1/2) GBS, trach, vent dependent, g-tube

Gretchen(Celia's mom) · #3 03-23-2002, 10:02 PM

I totally agree with the trach instead of intubation!!! Celia came alive for the first time after getting her trach at 3 months. A total new baby. She started to grow and gain weight too. She also had to have a g-tube placed after many intubations. She had such an aversion to things in or around her mouth because of all the intubations and ng-tubes. Then the best thing of all she got to come home, and home is where all babies thrive!!!!!!!!! Good luck, I know it's a hard decision. Gretchen

cbissell · #4 03-24-2002, 06:03 PM

Felix will be more comfortable with a tracheostomy rather than having tubes in his nose or mouth. And yes, the ET tube can damage his airway.