Thank you both, Gabe and Karen. What Gabe describes is exactly what Chip described so it doesn't frighten me. Rather, everyone's replies help me tremendously.

Fortunately, Chip had a reasonably quiet night last night with no more problems with the trach. And I was able to sleep knowing that someone was watching him every minute. I am bringing a bell to the hospital today and will ask about an alarm (thanks Karen for the idea). And, I would imagine that they will be showing Chip how to suction his trach in a a few days, probably when the splint and bandages on his leg come off and he is entirely weaned off the morphine.

Today is another day and let's just hope it's a good one. The aide told me that he's stronger this morning than he was last night. Thank you again for taking the time to write me.

Karen