 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Ask for a Possey Muir valve trach. I am not sure who the right person would be to ask. Make sure you tell your doctor and also their nurse plus every single person you meet at the hospital tell them about it too.
A Possey Muir valve trach will allow you to talk. I know you will struggle due to having your tongue operated on but if its at all possible for you to talk with this type of trach you will be able to. I had one when I had my mandibulectomy and I was able to speak while I was in the hospital. i didnt have any of my tongue worked on but I had 1/2 of my lower jaw removed. I felt much more relaxed knowing I could speak up when I needed to instead of having to write things down. I think this would be helpful to you also.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
