 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Make sure you specifically ask for a possey muir valve trach so if your father is able to speak he will be able to with that type of trach.
Someone should be with him at all times, especially if he cant speak. The patient who is unable to talk really needs an advocate with them. Even if it says he is unable to speak on the door, nurses and staff will still talk to him and expect a response. Too many patients and not enough one on one staff! A dry erase board or even cell texting will help him to communicate.
Best wishes!!!
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  | 
