Jeepster,

My husband Jack has many of the same problems as Don. He can't eat or talk and has not been able to get rid of the trach tube. That is his main complaint because of all the coughing the secretions cause. He has not suffered depression which has been so helpful to me. I hope Don can be given something to make him feel better mentally. This will sure make you better too.

The last time he had his feeding tube changed, they put in another valve that made it shorter. This made it a lot handier. He doesn't eat in the car often. When he does, he hangs the gravity bag around the visor. It probably looks wierd to people driving by...who cares. It is slow eating when it is hung so low, but there is no rush when you are just riding. I suppose he could use the syringe he uses for the meds if he was in a hurry to eat when on the road.

It's quite a coincidence that you live so close to us. We are from Wausau. Send me a private message if you want me to call and give you someone else to talk to.

Lowanne