Tracheostomy Tube Trouble: I Can't BREATHE! How a Nurse Saved My Life! Life with a Vent

When you rely on life supporting devices to make it through each day, careful diligence needs to be taken to prevent tragic events. As I reflect back on the many blessings in my life, I am forever thankful for a fast thinking nurse who saved my life. Without this man’s help, I would have died four and a half years ago. #lifewithavent #tracheostomy #cantbreathe
In May of 2017, I was very sick. My respiratory muscles were not strong enough to sustain my breathing needs; high carbon dioxide levels were threatening to end my life. I underwent an urgent tracheostomy procedure in which a tracheostomy tube was placed into my airway and I was started on invasive ventilation.
When I had the procedure done, I knew very little about ventilators or tracheostomy tubes. I had complete faith that my doctors and the medical staff at the hospital had extensive knowledge about these items. What I soon learned is that they knew very little.
While I was recovering from the tracheostomy procedure, my respiratory care was less than ideal. A respiratory therapist would come to my bedside and suction my lungs once or twice a day. My breathing was noisy. It was evident there was a lot of mucus in my tracheostomy tube. However, when the respiratory therapist came, my tracheostomy tube would be suctioned only one time. The respiratory therapist would then leave. #TracheostomySuctioning
A few days after surgery, I was struggling to breathe. No one came to my room to do airway management all day. The intensive care unit was short staffed, which meant my tracheostomy and ventilator were neglected.
For a normal person, the nose and mouth moisten the inspired air before it enters the lungs. For a person with a tracheostomy tube, the upper airways are bypassed. Room air is dry, which means the dry air enters the lungs and causes the airways to dehydrate. It is absolutely essential to keep the airways moist to prevent mucus plugging the tracheostomy tube. If a tracheostomy tube becomes completely clogged with mucus, a person will not be able to breathe and will die.
For more information about Heated Humidifiers, please see the video: • Heated Humidifiers: Es...
For this reason, there is a heated humidifier attached to ventilators. This machine warms and moistens the inhaled air. In order for the machine to work, there must be water in the humidification chamber. Without water in the humidifier, the inhaled air remains dry.
My humidifier ran out of water early in the day. The respiratory therapist never visited me. So, the air I was breathing was very dry. As the hours passed, the mucus in my airways became extremely thick.
Finally at 11:30 p.m. my lungs were suctioned, but by this time, suctioning was ineffective. The mucus in my tracheotomy tube was too thick to be collected through the suction catheter. The respiratory therapist left, leaving my water chamber empty. In a vain effort to get my lungs rehydrated, I found the sterile water and filled my humidification chamber. I hoped and prayed the mucus in my lungs would loosen up overnight. #Ican'tBreathe
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[@Lovely-ku9rn]

As a respiratory therapist, this was hard to hear. I'm sorry you went through this. Their assessment skills needs more work. I never leave my patient unless I know for sure they're ok, no matter how busy I am. I am glad that you are OK!

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for taking the time to ensure you patient is ok.

[@GirlNextMeow]

As a homecare nurse who works primarily with vented patients, this is horrifying. A respiratory therapist who couldn't recognize that there was an issue and refuses to suction more than once? I work with a girl who doesnt have the strength to cough up mucus, so we always have a portable suction with us, extra trachs, saline vials and at least 3 suction caths. Hotpot will alarm if empty and we all know to refill it and not just turn it off. I'm so sorry you experienced this and it really shows how much greed and hospital nursing shortages are affecting patient outcomes 💔

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you for your dedication. You sound as though you provide excellent care. Thank you for all your support.

[@dorisx1705]

I’m a nurse and wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your story. It reminds me that we all have to slow down and make sure every procedure is followed as prescribed. And when our patients exhibit distress we should all listen longer, try harder and believe what they are feeling. I too almost lost my life post labor because a nurse would not listen. After the chaos of staff running, popping tubes, drawing blood, doctor yelling orders, etc.. I spoke with the nurse and forgave her, but only under one condition. The next time a patient is in distress believe them.❤

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much for sharing some of your story with me. I am so sorry you had such a traumatic experience. I am glad you pulled through. I hope the experience has helped the nurse become a better caregiver.

[@sophielmd1615]

I’m a vent and trach nurse and have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. May God continue to bless and strengthen you in Jesus’ name 🙏❤️

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much.

[@sunnylife7203]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating this channel and sharing your wealth of knowledge. My Mechanical Ventilation instructor (I’m a 2nd year RT student) used one of your videos (where you described home ventilation in detail). I have since gone through many of your videos. I just want to say that your videos are an incredible source of information for students in the medical field and other folks who live with a permanent trach. I learned so much from you through your stories. Thank you for sharing. Just know that you’re helping patients all over the world either by helping people like me provide better care to my patients or by making others with similar conditions have a more positive outlook on life. You’re a true inspiration and ray of sunshine. Keep them coming! It’s beyond me how your calls for help went ignored so many times. Many people in these rolls that shouldn’t be. I’m glad you’re ok and doing well. Keep

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much for all your kind words. I really appreciate them. Thank you for all your support.

[@kimspring8275]

Girl I’ve been there! Covid 19 delta variant -was put on vent for 60 days. I woke up gasping for air! Thank God for the two nurses that came!

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. I cannot imagine everything you went through.

[@justinem9215]

Yeah....RRT and follower of Christ here. This story horrified me, but praise our Father in heaven for Marco!!! 🙌🙏 I'm also glad you can share your experiences with us. It will definitely educate someone unfamiliar with airway complications!

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. Thank you for sharing your insight. Yes, what a blessing Marco was. All my best to you.

[@vijayakakumani613]

Thank you for sharing!

[@azzamjaber7014]

My heart almost STOPPED when I was listening to your words describing your suffering. THANKS GOD you were saved. We adore you..

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@florencekp9979]

I am in tears

[@mayzee268]

Thank you for giving those people in need positivity and help for sharing your experiences and knowledge.❤

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@Nursejohncarr]

Thank you for sharing your story. Former sub acute nurse here and I’m always seeking more education. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for watching. Happy New Year!

[@jn-wk8bq]

You are an inspiration! God bless you

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@angeladottaviornmsn8889]

Wow. What an ordeal you went through. So sorry you went through that. What a lesson for health care providers to really listen to the patient and to their symptoms and expressions if they are non verbaland assess assess and assess them. Also to constantly update our own knowledge and skills.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you. What wonderful insight. Thanks for sharing.

[@rheabrummell5893]

My dear just listening to your story brought tears to my eyes. I could only imagine what a horrible experience that must have been. You could not finish the ordeal fast enough for me to hear your happy ending. Thank you God.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your support.

[@elizabethdavila7235]

What a terrible experience. How scary. Your very brave.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@alexgarcia2k]

I admire you for being able to talk about this with a smile. I have a daughter with CCHS, she has a trache, vent and G-Tube. My wife spent months in the hospital with her, I can't say this situation surprises me. While I admire nurses and RTs for their hard work, I've got to say not everyone is very good just on like any job. We had many bad experiences and at least my daughter had us to fight her battles, sounds like you went through this on your own . I felt sometimes there is not much accountability in the US in healthcare system. It's good that you share you story, people should not place blind faith on their doctors and caretakers, it's always good to get second opinions or just ask for staff change.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. That is excellent advice. I am sorry you and your family have been through so much. All my best to you and your family.

[@iamhappy_peach]

Thank you for this video. We were advised by my dad's doctors that he will be possibly shifted to tracheostomy if his breathing wont improve. I now know what to watch out for.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. I hope everything goes well for your dad. I am glad the video was helpful.

[@nataliesimon852]

Thank you for sharing! I am a nurse learning more about trachs and I will definitely learn from your experience. Jesus bless you

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@gilrose12345]

Thank You for these video! And I thought I had it bad!

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for watching.

[@florencekp9979]

I am so sorry that you had to go through that.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@lindawolffkashmir2768]

Humidity is so necessary! My bf was instructed to keep his humidifier hooked up at least eight hours a day. He fell asleep without it on, and woke up barely able to breathe. You can’t be stubborn or lazy when it comes to humidity. I know having a tube of any kind attached to your throat seems like an annoyance, especially when you first get a trach, but this is critical for you. Humidity keeps the mucus from drying up and blocking the tube, and keeps the mucus in the lungs able to flow.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@elizabethdavila7235]

Your experiences are very encouraging to any who are living with these types of devices. My daughter just got a PICC LINE and is at emergency right now getting it checked.

[@LifewithaVent]

I am sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope she is ok.

[@elizabethdavila7235]

Your tough and a survivor and an example to others to be strong and God Bless you got sharing your knowledge and experiences cuz they do help us that have sick loved ones and are scared and many others who are sick . I do like watching all your stories. I learn alot! Thank you sweety!

[@LifewithaVent]

@@elizabethdavila7235 Thank you for your kind words.

[@yamsanecaduigilacrn9256]

Thank You so much Miss for your video. Godbless You always ❤❤

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@karissahatter2997]

I'm an RN. I love your videos.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much.

[@sajidasworld2919]

More power to you girl.I have been watching you for a while and secretly prayed for you.May you always shine and rise and be healthy. You are such an inspiration to all of us and especially to those who are struggling with health issues. My sister also has breathing difficulty and uses bipap for that. I know how it feels but what matters the most is the courage and contentment which you have.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you so much for your kindness. It really means a lot to me.

[@shaki6858]

@@LifewithaVent Hi there! My dad underwent a tracheostomy surgery almost 2 months ago. Every time that the nurses clean the phlegm, it is immensely painful for my father. I wanted to know if it is possible that they can put anesthesia on that part of his body before they clean the phlegm. Many years ago, I had a tumor on one of my legs. It was removed, and before the doctor would clean the wound he would anesthetize it, so that It wouldn't hurt me. I know that it is safe to anesthetize limbs, but I'm not sure in my dad's case since the wound is in the neck area. Please get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you!

[@LifewithaVent]

@@shaki6858 Hello. What exactly are the nurses doing when they are cleaning his phlegm? I am not sure what is painful. Are they changing his inner cannula? Are they suctioning him? Both changing the inner cannula and suctioning should NOT be painful. If either one of these are painful, the nurses may be doing the procedure wrong. It is possible to squirt lidocaine down his trachea to help lessen the pain, but there should be no pain. If he is experiencing pain, my best guess is that the nurses may be inserting the suction catheter too far into his airway. For more information on how to suction, please see the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWOTeIernahksK8

[@shaki6858]

​@@LifewithaVent Hello. My dad left to Mexico approximately 2 months ago to run an errand when he was assaulted. We don't know who did it, but he sustained really bad cranial injuries and ended up in a coma for two weeks. The tracheostomy was performed while he was in coma. Fortunately, he woke up from the coma, but he still can't talk, sit or walk . When my sister heard of the incident she took a plane to Mexico City to take care of my dad. My sister has told my mom on the phone a couple of times that my dad is experiencing unbearable pain when the nurses clean his phlegm. I'm not exactly sure what my sister means by this since I'm not in Mexico with them, and therefore, I cannot see what the nurses are doing to him. I think you're quite right though. The nurses may be doing the procedure wrong or they may be inserting the suction catheter too far into his airway. I'm going to ask my sister tomorrow to explain to me what the nurses are doing to him. Anyway, I'm going to watch the link that you provided in your comment and maybe that will answer my question. In addition, I wanted to know what is lidocaine? (I also wanted to let you know that after reading your comment, I realized that cleaning a regular wound and cleaning phlegm from a tracheostomy are very different. I should have never compared both of them.)

[@LifewithaVent]

@@shaki6858 Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. I cannot imagine how challenging this has been for you and your father. Lidocaine is a numbing agent. Any tissue the lidocaine touches becomes numb. Lidocaine can be squirted down the tracheostomy tube to numb the airway. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to ask. I wish you and your family all the best.

[@ShaiEliyahu1818]

Hello, as a person ventilated 24/7 with muscular dystrophy, in a situation like you described, the inner cannula should have been replaced as already mentioned, and avoided letting the inner cannula reach such a state by doing some more suction during the day. or simply pull out the inner cannula and stay without it until resolved. Another option is to put 2 ml of saline or sterile water into the syringe and inject into the cannula and use breathing by Ambo to release the blockage and repeat the procedure even several times until the blockage is completely released and the breathing is stable and good. Another solution is a cough device that will remove the phlegm plug quite easily. Or simply replace the entire canola quickly and gently. May we all be healthy with God's help, thanks you for the great videos and helpful information.

[@LifewithaVent]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this very thorough explanation. I really appreciate it.

[@sinclair657]

You are superb

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@OO-fm3sw]

My baby was born at 23 weeks so she has a trach and a vent. She is 4 years old now and a ball of energy!! When we first came home we had a mucus plug emergency and a trach change was necessary. it was very scary but glad we were able to resolve the issue quickly. One thing to nitpick...with technology advancing, you'd think they would create something to make the tubing not so heavy and dangling. Wish I could invent something. the clips don't really seem to work much. Thank you for your videos, helps me not to feel so alone and spread the knowledge and the light (:

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your kind words. All my best to you and your family.

[@winebilderivalmartial2987]

God bless you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you.

[@winebilderivalmartial2987]

@@LifewithaVent of course

[@pahitztv3253]

Thanks for sharing My mother is in TRACHEOSTOMY at this moment from almost 8 months I feel Pity on her situation becoz she's paralized

[@LifewithaVent]

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. All my best to you and your family.

[@janetkofie8310]

Yay Marco🎉

[@mommaria1968]

I have 11 months left of nursing school and am currently studying intubation. Thank you for your courage, faith and willingness to educate through your experience. I praise God for your determination! How absolutely frightening. Forgive my ignorance, I am learning, can you describe in a few words how exactly Marco disconnecting the vent tube allowed the mucous to come up? I do understand the mucous came out of the surgical opening through your powerful coughing? from watching your previous video am I accurate in understanding you had an 'uncuffed' trach? Thank you so much and may this video help save many lives.

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. Thank you for your questions. Marco just disconnected the ventilator tubing from the tracheostomy tube. I used all my strength to take a breath in. This caused me to choke on the mucus which in turn caused me to have a coughing spell. The coughing spell was extremely violent and forced the mucus out of the tracheostomy tube. I use a cuffed tracheostomy tube. The cuff was inflated during this entire event. All the air was entering and leaving my lungs via the tracheostomy tube. Thank you for all your kind words. I hope everything goes well for you.

[@xokizza]

That’s awful! They should have attempted to instil into your Trach, monitor your O2 sats, if not effective completed a complete tracheostomy change.. sorry you had to go through that. You should have been a 1:1 care being trached and ventilated. How could they even leave you like that! Major neglect here!! You also needed some Ventolin and oxygen. There was no need for the charge nurse to come in had the RT and that current nurse followed proper protocols. I’ve been able to stabilize Trach and vented kids with my partner (a 2nd nurse) and even on my own.

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. Thank you so much for all the information.

[@James-Prinsep]

Thsnks💙

[@LifewithaVent]

Thanks for watching.

[@cheftommy]

RT understaff and double the work loads, but dam they didnt catch the humified water empty though=[

[@Samri3344]

Yes, RT's are always under stuffed and had to float every floor.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Thank God nurse marco saved your life.the other nurses and respiratory therapist should have been strongly reprimanded or fired for not acting quickly. May you have a happy chanukah and a very merry christmas❤🤗

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you. Happy Chanukah!

[@shoshannafachima1306]

@@LifewithaVent thank you hugs 🤗🤗 and strength

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Hugs 🤗🤗 and strength 💪💪 and love 💜💜 Praying 🙏🙏🙏 for you always

[@dnfree]

WOW, I can relate so much to your story. It is very tough because it is not something the nurse staff see all the time. but I in a similar situation used the yankaur suction device to assist me in coughing up and out flem. I was told not to put the yankaur tube near the cannular opening but I could cough and cough hard. so without any assistance i began to use the coughing and assisting the coughing with the power of the suction device to the hole opening in the tube. Yes, not the most sanitary but i would use the sterile water provided in the bottle and suction some water and go back for a big cough. what happened was the cough would loosen up the flem then with the help of the suction pull it out. some of the suction sticks are stronger than others and I had a very strong one. Your videos helped me through my entire time and I am finally out of the Rehab facility. breathing on my own and hope you all the best. Daniel

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You are quite resourceful! That was great thinking on your part. I am glad to hear you are out of the rehab facility and are breathing on your own. All my best to you!

[@dnfree]

@@LifewithaVent i want to start a place and i do not know if this was different for you but my first days out of the ER i could not talk. and was heavy medicated making my hands very unstable. and could not write. communication was lost. I knew what i needed, and they my providers did not understand and would walk away. How can you and I get changes made fr future patients to have say cue cards or something for the beginning days of the operation?

[@dnfree]

i was asked to write down what i needed. only to be told I do not understand and I will come back in 30 minutes

[@dnfree]

all of my first part of treatment was a fight. for understanding communication and compation. I trust what you say and I now by going through this need to fight for the voice of others about to go through this. It is not something anyone can think is coming but when it does I want to have it be known others have thought of you and the care we needed and were neglected. I needed : cards of yes/no i needed cards of suction or medication. I was in a bed with aides learning on the job three four five times atempting to put in a IV. I once allowed a IV to go into my hand after that all IV's were put in my hand. resulting in my hands twice the size and could no longer be touched because of all the pain it produced.

[@dnfree]

I fought for many of my residents as I stayed in each place. a total of 60 days. I know that is nothing for this community who live with this every day. I understand many of the issues we have had to go thru, I want to know do we collectivly have a place online to organize? we are without speech without reprisentation. I fought more within those walls for myself and other residents ever before. what i found is a loud voice can make a few change but a paper will move a building. lets get some paper together sista. let me know

[@andreaalbert858]

My son who was born premature, he was struggling to breathe on his own. The doctors told me that he needed a treahe, you are totally right if I notice that if it's to dry in the house his treahe becomes clogged.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. I hope everything goes well for you and your son.

[@GageSaint]

When I was in the hospital for coughing really bad and not being able to breath with my trach we changed the trach at least 3 times with no luck. You aren't supposed to change it more than 1 time a week but nothing was working. It stopped up a 4th time and the respiratory therapist said it didn't need changed. Me and my dad were so frustrated that my dad had raised his voice at the respiratory therapist because she wasn't doing anything. He shouldn't have raised his voice but me freaking out because I can't breathe kept him from staying calm

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. I am sorry you went through so much. How were they able to resolve your coughing and not being able to breathe?

[@GageSaint]

​@@LifewithaVent It just started working like a miracle had just happened.

[@LifewithaVent]

That is wonderful to hear!

[@handrail48]

Excellent video. The very same thing happened to me while in the hospital. The respiratory therapist would come in twice a day to suction the mucus and replace the inner canula of my tube. The problem was that the opening in thin suction tube was only maybe 2mm, way too tiny to suction the thick, sticky mucus. Invariable the therapist would retrieve a tiny amount mucus, replace the inner canula, and leave. Within minutes I would be gurgling again, and within a few more minutes I would be plugged. I doubted that the brand new canula filled up within that short of time. I would remove and inspect the inner canula and it would not be plugged. I would re-insert it and couldn't breathe. What gives? The only logical answer was that there was a mucus glob just OUTSIDE the tip of the tube. When I reinserted the canula, it would again make contact with the glob and the tip would plug. What I figured out is that the mucus was draining down from higher in the trachea alongside the tube, a location that could not be reached by the suction tube, and collecting right at the tip of the tube. So I took it upon myself to do what your nurse angel did. I would forcefully cough through the tube into a tissue, and voila, would produce a glob of thick, sticky mucus. I needed to repeat this operation once every half hour or so. It was so much more productive than the feeble attempts at suctioning. Occasionally the canula would be so tightly plugged that no amount of forceful coughing would unplug it. In that case I would remove the inner canula and would invariably be able to cough it up. I figured out (using the formula "pi r squared" from geometry class) that the 6.5mm diameter of inner canula equates to a volume opening area of 33 square mm, while the 9.5mm diameter of the outer canula equates to an opening of 70 square mm. Volume-wise that is over twice as much of an opening. It has been 6 weeks now and the mucus has improved somewhat, but I still need to do it perhaps 15 times per 24 hours.

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. Thank you for sharing some of your story with me. Please make sure you share your concerns with your medical provider. There are things which can be do to help mitigate mucus production and mucus plugging--for example running saline through a nebuilzer and using a suction catheter with a larger opening (The suction catheters are usually red.). Also, using a heated humidifier as much as possible will help decrease mucus plugging.

[@andrewlee5948]

How are you able to speak SO wonderfully now? I have much worse horror stories than this 😢. But again, please tell me how you are able to speak like that now!

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. If you would like to know how I learned to speak, please see the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fISvZmqdbM58hJo

[@heyhihello9677]

As a respiratory therapist, I’m sorry you went through this :/ I’m wondering if the RT set proper alarms on the ventilator. This would indicate if there’s any resistance in the delivery of inhaled gases.

[@LifewithaVent]

I am not sure. Thanks for the information. That is good to know.

[@ogun3378]

Yes, normally, they should set a high-pressure alarm on the vent. If the vent is not alarming with excessive secretions, it means the alarm was not set or the alarm limit was set too high to detect high pressure.

[@shebby0204]

hello, just wanted to clarify if marco removed the inner tube before you inhaled and coughed? or was the outer tube also removed?

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. The inner cannula was not removed. The outer cannula was not removed. I had to use all my strength and energy to inhale through a clogged trach tube and cough out the mucus which was clogging both the inner cannula and outer cannula.

[@cathepar]

wow, what a story! hi, can you please explain why is it necessary to disconnect the air? that is something that is always scary to do in class, it seems like I was killing the patient. and why not just change the cath tube right away? for how long can be disconnected, and how long is coughing id ok? maybe it can't be done with little SatO2? can you explain how to read the alarms of vent machines?

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. It is necessary to disconnect from the ventilator any time the tracheostomy tube needs to be cleaned or changed. You can disconnect the patient for 30 seconds without harming the patient. If you are concerned the patient may go into respiratory distress, use a pulse oximeter to monitor the patient's oxygen levels and heart rate. If the oxygen levels drop or the heart starts beating very quickly, please re-connect to the person to the ventilator as soon as possible. I have a video about ventilator alarms. Here is a link to the video if you use to view it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2OYeGt9j9OqmZo

[@meganpotter289]

Because the vent is essentially pushing your breath in and pulling it back out so the force of that while attempting to change out a persons trach could injure the airway. The vent is connected to the trach which is covering the artificial airway you are attempting to clear so you disconnect and suction a few passes then reconnect allowing for the person to breath for a minute, it’s kinda like having them hold their breath then taking a deep breath after. There are some patients who are stable without the vent for hours but require it when they sleep bc their brain isn’t signally properly to still take in adequate amounts each breath. The vent takes over so the body can fully rest. So disconnecting it isn’t going to cause an instant dramatic death like in a movie if that makes sense. You have minutes to perform tasks that take seconds, IF you know what you are doing.

[@LifewithaVent]

@@meganpotter289 Thank you for sharing. Great insight.

[@michaellaviola3125]

Did they change the inner cannula? Sometimes that helps

[@LifewithaVent]

Changing the inner cannula would probably have been the easiest solution. Unfortunately, no one changed out my inner cannula for the 9 days I was in the hospital.

[@michelleblaza2043]

Hi Ms. , may I know how do you feed with trach? My dad just went out with trach and doesn't want to feed through NGT?

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. I eat by mouth. Here is a short video about trach tubes and feeding tubes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGLFnpRpotx5q8k

[@michellekaiser3269]

Oh. My. Word. I would've done an emergency trach change immediately. This hurts me for you.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your support.

[@carolinacd2299]

I hope you reported the other nurse who didn’t do anything for you!

[@LifewithaVent]

No, I did not. In general, the medical staff at this hospital did not have a lot of experience with tracheostomy tubes. It is a low level trauma center. Any challenging medical cases are transferred to a level 1 or 2 trauma center hospital. I have learned my lesson. I only go to level 1 and level 2 trauma center hospitals.

[@shaimarashid]

That must have been terrible my mother went into respiratory arrest because her trach blocked and the nurse did not know what to do the anaesthesiologist came and changed the trach and she was transfered back to the icu

[@LifewithaVent]

I am so sorry to hear this. That must have been quite a traumatic experience. I am glad the anesthesiologist was able to help.

[@twist3d537]

trachs need to go to icu where i live , that's so unfortunate

[@kiesasmith2544]

What about all the respiratory therapist that kept you alive

[@xluluxlollipopsx67]

My father has dysphagia and copd, he doesn't have strength enough to cough up his secretions, right now he just swallows. Dr recommends a trach, I am nervous if he is outside of the home going on errands if he has a mucus plug what can be done? We have at home suction but what if he is outside the home? Please share your experience I would appreciate it. My father is in ICU and doctors are recommending his procedure. Thanks.

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. Thank you for sharing some of your concerns with me. Most tracheostomy tubes have an inner cannula. This is part of the tracheostomy tube which can be removed. If your father develops a mucus plug, the inner cannula can be taken out and a new (clean) inner cannula can be inserted. This will get rid of most mucus plugs. For more information about inner cannulas, please see the video "What is a trach tube inner cannula". Here is the link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJy8ZJ-Vq5yWeac Inquire with your father's medical team if the tracheostomy tube they plan on using has an inner cannula. If they are not planning on using a trach tube with an inner cannula, ask that a trach tube with an inner cannula be used. Next, there are portable suction machines. These machines can operate on batteries or AC power. My home suction machine is a portable suction machine. I made a video about sucitioning. If you go to 3 minutes and 44 seconds in the video "Suctioning 101" you can see what a portable suction machine looks like and all the attachments it has included with it. Here is the link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWOTeIernahksK8 Most medical equipment companies have portable suction machines available for rental. Inquire with your father's medical equipment company if they will be able to provide your father with a portable suction machine. Lastly, if removing the inner cannula does not clear the mucus plug and suctioning does not clear the mucus plug, the tracheostomy tube can be removed and replaced with a new tracheostomy tube. For information on how to do an emergency tracheostomy tube exchange, please see the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHO4gn6Mgcp-fK8 I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have any other concerns, please feel free to contact me. I wish you and your father all the very best.

[@xluluxlollipopsx67]

@@LifewithaVent Thank you so much for your quick response and well wishes. I really appreciate it, you were more in depth than the doctors. Bless you and happy holidays.

[@LifewithaVent]

@@xluluxlollipopsx67 Thank you. I am glad it was helpful.

[@lindawolffkashmir2768]

That’s what we were given, a portable suction machine. As for taking it with you everywhere, that is another story. Right now, if we’re away from the house for more than an hour, we take the machine. His trach is still new, and you never know when he’s going to go into a coughing fit that could block his airway. It’s better to be safe.

[@thisperson6655]

How did it feel the first time breathing different?

[@LifewithaVent]

After getting a tracheostomy tube and being started on invasive ventilation, it was the first time in many months I did not have to use all my energy to breathe. It was such a relief to have a machine breathe for me.

[@2230Pcvines]

How are you talking on with your trach. My husband is on one for a year and can’t talk b

[@LifewithaVent]

Hello. Being able to talk with a trach depends on several factors such as the type of tracheosotmy tube used and if there are any other underlying health conditions which may impede a person's ability to talk. Next week Sunday (December 12) I hope to release a video on the topic of how to talk with a tracheostomy tube.

[@LifewithaVent]

I released a video today discussing how to talk with a tracheostomy tube. Perhaps it may be of use to you and/or your husband. Here is the link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fISvZmqdbM58hJo

[@JeepGeneral1]

Sorry to revive this vid, but... We are caring for my father in law. He came down with an issue of not being able to expel CO2 after getting the Corona virus booster. He is 73. He complains of not being able to breath when we move him around, but he is on a portable ventilator which monitors everything. It all looks normal, but he complains when we move him... I think it is anxiety. Any insight? We love your videos.

[@JeepGeneral1]

There is way more to his situation, we are being pointed to a neuro surgeon at vanderbuilt in Nashville. Before we moved from AZ he was thought to have myasthenia gravis, but all results came back negative.. it has been a complete nightmare.

[@JeepGeneral1]

We have a pulse oximeter we monitor him with as well.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for all the information. There are many differential diagnoses to Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Here is just a short list: Neurological conditions in which nerve inflammation, demyelination, or lesions cause symptoms that mimic those of MG include motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive bulbar palsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS); Guillain-Barré syndrome; Miller-Fisher syndrome; pseudobulbar palsy caused by lesions of the corticobulbar tract; brainstem gliomas; other space-occupying lesions that compress neurological structures; osmotic demyelination; bilateral Horner syndrome; encephalopathies; and neurosarcoidosis. Your father-in-law needs a good neuro work-up. Vanderbilt should be able to get to the bottom of his underlying medical issue. Mention this issue to them. They should be able to do a work-up to figure out what is causing him to feel short of breath. Lastly, if the shortness of breath is new and is an abrupt onset, please seek medical care urgently. It could indicate a serious medical issue. Thank you for all your kind words. All my best to you and your family.

[@cherylfauth9543]

It's sad that nurses and respiratory therapists are not very knowledgeable in trach/ventilator patients. It's very frustrating while trying to care for my husband.

[@LifewithaVent]

I am sorry it is so frustrating. Your husband is very fortunate to have you.

[@tonyharris3306]

Why does your voice sound robotic? I noticed that it doesn't sound like that in your early videos. 😊

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing. I have a progressive medical condition. My ability to breathe on my own has greatly decreased. I speak the way I do because I have to wait for the ventilator to give me a breath. I used to be able to speak over the ventilator (i.e., speak when the ventilator was not giving me a breath), but now it is extremely hard to do so. Some days, I am very weak and can only speak a few words.

[@tonyharris3306]

@@LifewithaVent thank you for sharing

[@tesla845]

Why nurse din't change trach? Great you were ok.

[@LifewithaVent]

That is a good question. I do not know why no one changed out my trach.

[@amaliasafaryan4256]

wow im a nursing student and i even know better than this!

[@LifewithaVent]

I hope everything goes well for you as a nursing student.

[@leeallen3202]

I just want to know how to sleep without the trach feeling like it's stabbing me in the damn throat. 😩

[@LifewithaVent]

I am sorry to hear this. Have you tried sleeping flat without a pillow? Or have you tried sleeping with a pillow wedge? The wedge pillow provides support for your entire upper body. If you sleep on a pillow, the pillow is probably causing your neck to bend, which in turn is causing the trach to dig into your trachea. Also using a bed which can elevate the bed of the bed may be useful. Another option is to try to find a trach tube which has a shorter length than the trach tube you are using now. With a shorter length trach tube, the trach tube should be less likely to dig into your trachea.

[@leeallen3202]

@LifewithaVent You're probably right. Unfortunately, the doctor won't change it. I'm stuck with it longer than expected. I don't have a wedge. I should probably get one. I hurt even when I'm up and awake. I'm just tired of being in pain 24/7.

[@christinebonebright8703]

It's so sad how many people are u trained and unaware. I don't understand why thye didn't change your trach? I have a child wit a trach and vent and that's what we are taught to do

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your comment. A tracheostomy tube exchange is a great solution for a fully healed tracheostomy site. However, this incident occurred a few days after getting a tracheostomy tube. At the time, the tracheostomy tract had not completely formed. If the tracheostomy tube would have been removed, when inserting a new tracheostomy tube, the tube would have most likely gone into the space between the skin and the trachea. This would have created a medical emergency. The easy solution to this situation would have been to remove the inner cannula. (The inner cannula should be changed at least once a day.) I was in the hospital for nine days. No one during the nine days ever changed the inner cannula.

[@christinebonebright8703]

@LifewithaVent ohhhh ok. I didn't realize it was a fresh tracheostomy. Sheesh how scary. I'm so sorry you had to go through that

[@LifewithaVent]

Thanks.

[@tanschi8449]

I feel upset that you have so low quality care at your hospital in general. This is not the first time you have problems. Is there any way you can switch hospitals? i hace health challenges as well and every time I feel I have to beg for what must be the most basic care in a hospital I get angry and frustrated, but your hospital takes the cake in being careless and inhumane. Maybe should say the name of what hospital you go to, so we can be careful to never go there. You don't have to suffer like that.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for sharing some of your experiences. I am sorry you were treated poorly. Thank you for your concern. This was a different hospital. I only went to this hospital when I got my tracheostomy tube placed and a few times immediately thereafter. I stopped going to the hospital after a very traumatic situation occurred. I have since found a different hospital which tries to provide good care.

[@tanschi8449]

@@LifewithaVent I am very happy for you getting better care. Getting the best care possible is very important in these situations, nobody's perfect, but it's really nice when they try.

[@kiesasmith2544]

Don't ever blame respiratory it's the facility

[@Piefacebully]

Nah blame respiratory.

[@emeka62]

I’m absolutely baffled by some of the stories you tell here. Why were the staff being so nonchalant about your respiratory distress?? You had a call bell, right? Were they not able to see you in physical distress? I’m a male Nurse, too. Usually, after suctioning someone, I ask them how they are feeling and do a quick post-suctioning assessment just to make sure they are good. That respiratory therapist didn’t do a good job at all.

[@LifewithaVent]

You sound like you are an excellent nurse. My situation could have been avoided if anyone would have changed out my inner cannula. Before being released home, I had to be trained on how to care for my trach tube. The respiratory therapist pulled out my inner cannula. He could not believe how dirty it was or how I was able to breathe. It was completely clogged with mucus. He asked when it was last changed. I responded no one had ever taken it out. No one in nine days had changed out my inner cannula.

[@emeka62]

@@LifewithaVent WOW! 9 days?! That’s insane! You would think that with a new trach, they would be extra attentive. Well, I’m glad you got through that ordeal. Keep up the videos! They are epic! I constantly recheck KZbin to see if you’ve uploaded. Your mom was definitely right about starting a KZbin channel lol.

[@LifewithaVent]

@@emeka62 Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for your support.

[@allisonm6622]

Wow what a terrible experience 🫢. Thankfully you finally got help.

[@LifewithaVent]

Thank you for your support.