Oh Christine! What a fantastic job you are doing as your husband's advocate! That business about the asthma just scares me to read it. Good for you for intervening on his behalf. I had some mouth surgery with some teeth removed and a graft, though not as extensive as what your husband endured. I had the trach and the scars and the swelling and it was truly amazing how quickly I healed, given how awful I looked. When he gets up and around he will feel much more in control, I guarantee. Pretty soon he will be able to talk in bursts by covering the trach. That, too, will lift your spirits and his. Be sure that you get enough rest, eat properly, and drink enough liquids. Your job as care giver is just beginning and is a very hard one. Please know, however, that whatever you enounter along the way, there will surely be someone here who has been in the same situation and can advise you. Be strong, Christine! This is a tough time, but I'll bet you will see progress every day from now on.