Hi Helen
Welcome, but am sorry that it had to be so..
Most that I was going to post was covered by the previous posts.
After I came home and the trachie was out someone came up with what I thought was an ideal supplement to the wipe board. They made up cards with phrases that you use a lot..
i.e: Yes, No, thanks, I need my inhaler.
You get the idea? and because you don't have to keep writing I think it would work.
Have you a laptop you could take with you? If so www.readplease.com is a free download of text to speech, easy to use. Didn't work for me as I had a graft to my arm and couldn't use the keyboard.
When you have the trachie out try to remember to place gentle pressure on the dressing when you talk, or you will blow the hole open, as Aimee says they heal well with no intervention.
With regard to your COPD have a good talk with the anesthetist, he should be able to put your mind at rest..
Anything else you think of please come back to us.
Sunshine.. love and hugs
Helen