Hi Vicki,

Oh how I wish I had answers for you but I'm afraid I'm not much help. I was fortunate that my trach (which I had for 8 1/2 months) fit well and actually was very comfortable (as comfortable as trachs can be). I too had mucus problems (still do) but none as severe as yours. Although I too have no tongue, I can relate to the problems of trying to "bring it up" but in my case I'm able to wipe out my mouth of the mucus using a lot of tissues. The last 6 1/2 months of having my trach I had it capped 24/7. It was when I didn't have it capped that I felt like I couldn't breathe - go figure! So maybe you're right in having problems now because maybe air was still seeping in around your trach hole even though you had it capped. Unfortunately I just don't know but you mentioned in your post to me that your husband was going to call the doc tomorrow to see if all of this is "normal." I think that's a very smart move and hopefully he'll have better answers for you than I can obviously offer and put your mind at rest.

Hang in there, Vicki - you know we're all pulling for you!

Hugs, Nancy