Post Trach Surgery Update

Wow, what an eventful two weeks. Woke up early May 5th, had two caregivers to be sure we didn’t miss anything and then mom and I drove to USC for my surgery. Surgery went fine, I woke up nauseous and a little freaked out. I couldn't breathe or talk through my mouth. I’ll be honest, two weeks later it still does, but everyday becomes less weird and more normal.
 
I encountered a few trials and tribulations on this journey:

1. Not being able to eat or drink is a bummer.
2. Communication is frustrating, even if you have an eye gaze pc there will be times you can’t use it. I wish we’d have practiced with a letter board.
3. I needed 24 hour care in the hospital above my nurses, so I utilized some of my caregivers and my Mom to cover the shifts. They probably had it harder than me, lack of sleep and constant worrying about me.

Everything about this procedure, for me, has been extremely challenging. I had a scare one afternoon when an artery close to my trache ruptured. I had blood filling my lungs, stomach, coming out my trach stoma and my mouth, but guess what, I’m still here.
 
While in the hospital I developed a urinary tract infection, and another blood infection. UTI is simple, pop a few antibiotics and it will clear up. The blood infection is similar, but since I have a port catheter, it became compromised, so I will go under surgery again to remove it from my chest.
 
The good news:

1. Breathing is simple 
2. Clearing mucus from my lungs is way less stressful.
3. I can still speak, albeit you have to deflate the trach cuff and attach a passy muir valve. WHATEVER, I can still talk.

 
And most importantly I am still alive to do my best keeping Ashton in line.