I will answer your questions here and also on your previous post as well. The suction machines you are talking about are used on patients that do not have a trach. Its something several members have used during their recovery from radiation treatments. After going thru radiation first a patient will experience extreme amounts of mucous in their mouths. This mucous is very thick and difficult to get out of your mouth. Ive felt like I was choking to death on a few occasions! I could actually pull the mucous out of my mouth with both of my hands, it was thick and like a rope. Then one day the mucous secretions disappear and turn into dry mouth.

When I had a trach, my nurses would use a suction machine to clean my trach and get all the gunk out of my throat. I have had radiation so it could be different for someone who has not had radiation. I would think that a suction machine could be used at home as well as in a facility. I havent seen any posts by people who have done this themselves. I know of one member who would do his own care and he would have probably used a suction machine. Sadly he has passed away so we cant check with him. He is one who had a permanent trach, there arent many others with one. Try a search by typing the word trach in the box, many posts come up.

In my opinion since your mother is having issues with her oxygen, would she be well enough to be at home? I know the operation was a difficult one and recovery can be very long with this type of surgery. Best wishes for her continued recovery!