my husband had a mandibulectomy last Wed. Day two was really rough. He was moved from ICU late last night and today was much better. We were told today that he will have to go home with his trach. They tried to take the cuff out and it didn't go well. Any advice on home care of the trach. I'm a little bit intimidated being responsible for it.

Hi Missyp, sorry to hear about the rough time you and your husband are enduring. I don't know how to care for a trach, but there are some folks here who definitely do. I hope it's getting easier for you both!

Lynn

Thank you. Today was much better but he has a small hole in his flap that is causing an infection. Tomorrow am the dr will decide if they need to Re open the wound and wash it out.

Missy, Im sorry but I dont know much about trachs. I did have one but only for 2 months. This was while I was in the hospital for the mandibulectomy and ended up stuck there for 2 whole months. I never was part of any trach care. So, I know very little about them. What I do know is very important, the trach and trach site must be thoroughly cleaned and kept clean to avoid infections.

I suggest you check with the hospital about them sending out a visiting nurse. I cant believe the hospital would send your husband home without having anyone trained in his trach care. Ive found that in many situations you have to ask for things in order to get them.

Best wishes!!!

Hi, Missy,

The nurses should teach you how to perform trach care. It will seem scary at first but you will be helping your husband and that will feel good. Trach care involves removing part of the trach, suctioning the airway with sterile water and the suction machine, cleaning the trach with a special kit and sterile water, and then placing the clean trach back into the opening.

It will take some practice but the nurses will make sure you are comfortable doing it before your husband is discharged. You will receive all the necessary equipment to do this at home. Just relax and know that you are helping your husband get well.

I found it very empowering to be able to assist my husband with his care. You will very likely be doing other things for him once you get home. So while he is in the hospital, learn all you can. I created a daily chart to help me stay organized. It helped me know when to give meds, do trach care, feeding, and wound care. The visiting nurse will help, but in our case, she only came twice a week. The rest of the time, I did everything.

If you want any more help, please ask. I'd be happy to email you my chart as a sample. Just PM me with your email.

Best,
Anita

Traches aren't too hard to care for - you'll need a suction machine (so not fun) and mostly swabs to clean the area around the hole and possible dressings. They may have a nurse visit for this or teach you .hopefully it comes out soon. Hugs and blessings to you.

he transitioned to a smaller trach in hopes of going home without it but he had to go back to surgery for a neck wash due to an infection. While in there it was discovered that his "native tissue" is dying (back of the tongue). The way it was explained to me was it will be like an open sore and they hope it heals over time. So he got a larger trach and will go home with it. Has anyone had any experience with this? The flap itself is doing well. I feel much more comfortable with the trach now...I guess the difference a few days can make. My husband is supposed to be discharged Monday...hope it happens..

I hope it happens too. I also hope his native tongue gets what it needs to survive. Did they tell you what would improve the possibility of that happening? Usually something like that is related to blood flow. Hopefully they did something to improve this. Hugs and have a good day.

We are finally home. His native tissue is still dying but they hope it heals itself. They sent him home with portable suction but he is not at all happy with it. It is very weak compares to the one at the hospital. I think I underestimated the amount I will need to be involved in his care. Now I know it's not even day 1 but wondering when I'll be able to go back to work.

Is the suction machine adjustable? Mine was initially set at 80 mm HG and it did nothing. I cranked it up to 400 and it works great. I have a DeVilbiss. To adjust my pressure I just turn the actual dial.

Try what uptown said. And yes re the work... he may need a little nursing care to come in - do they have that available for you?
It will get easier once you settle into a routine and things heal a bit more. hugs and good luck.

It was switched out for the home model and my husband is very satisfied with it. He's still struggling with getting secretions out. We go for check up with surgeon tomorrow. Poor guy hasn't really been sleeping at all. He will only try in his recliner. Willing to order and adjustable bed. Any suggestions are most appreciated. I did buy him a wedge pillow