Meet "the bag"

If you've met us, you've probably met "the bag".  Some call it a "go bag" or an "emergency bag", but we call it the red bag.  Don't worry, we realize our lack of creativity.  :) It's chronic.
This goes everywhere Micah goes, because.. it has to.

By the numbers.
9.5- The number of pounds it weighs (it weighs the same as Micah weighed when we brought him (and the bag) home from the hospital.
1- Suction machine, could be easily confused for a small airplane when turned on.
2- Trachs, one regular sized, one smaller  in case the trach comes out. 
3- Suction kits. to suction with
5- Saline bullets- used to drop saline into his trach to thin out his secretions
2- HME's- the humidifying "nose" that covers his trach.
1- extra G tube and medicine syringe.
1- emergency resuscitation bag in case he stops breathing

Our bag can house more, but we usually have most of his other necessary supplies in another container, which goes in his diaper bag.  Eventually the bag gets too full and we can't shut it.

So, when you complain your diaper bag is too heavy....  you won't get a lot of pity from me.  :)

Trachs, trachs, trachs!

Here are a few Q & A's about trached life.  Sorry for not personalizing it... it's not on my to do list today... it's quite lengthy. 

GTTAW Educational Question 5: Can people with trachs talk, sing, or make any sounds?

There are many ways to Achieve Vocalization with a Tracheostomy

One way involves covering the tube. Having the patient cover the tube by holding a finger or placing a cap over the tube for short periods of time can be considered a solution. This may, however, cause increased resistance to breathing that is intolerable to some patients.  Some patients may get enough air for speech without blocking the tube, but may not have the awareness, muscle movement or muscle tone to make a good occlusion.

Other ways include Talking/Speaking/Speech Valves as an alternative, a variety of valves are available that can be attached to the tracheostomy tube. These valves allow air to enter via the tube, and exit through the mouth and nose.

GTTAW Educational Question 4: Can people with trachs eat?

Having a tracheostomy usually will not affect the eating or swallowing patterns. Sometimes there are changes in swallowing dynamics that require adjusting to, but it is rare that this cannot be overcome in a short time. If swallowing problems do occur, it is usually due to limited elevation of the larynx or poor closure of the epiglottis and vocal cords, which allows food or fluids into the trachea.

Due to the varying conditions that require tracheostomy tubes, many patients (especially infants and children) will have feeding tubes placed as a supportive/supplemental means of nutrition and hydration to minimize the risk of aspiration.

GTTAW Educational Question 6: What about baths and swimming, doesn't water get in the trach?

Specialized equipment is available that can be used to stop water from going into the stoma for swimming and even baths. Once a tracheostomy has been performed, it is not possible to swim without using specialized equipment unless the stoma (hole in the neck) site has healed completely.

Baths and swimmi ng can be done without specialized equipment as long as the water level is kept below the chest with no risk of splashing into the trach. It is considered irresponsible to swim or bathe without speciailized protective equipment, however more experienced trach patients and caregivers have the experience and knowledge to handle these situations safely.

Global Trach Awareness Week!

Not only did this year bring the 2nd Annual Feeding Tube Awareness Week, it brings us the 1st Annual Global Trach Awareness Week! 

Unfortunately this week things are a little crazy, but i hope to bring you some tidbits on the trached life!

Love the slogan :) Trachin' it one day at a time!
 

Look at my cute cheeks!

Micah has nothing on his face! His surgery went really well which was a huge relief. It was delayed 3 1/2 hours which was no fun... no fun at all. Once he got downstairs, it was 4:45pm. They got him under anesthesia and surgery started about 5:05. They called us back to talk to the doctor at 5:5O. It went SO fast, way faster than the 2 + hours we were told. It went well and the doctor was pleased.

There's a lot of information we'll pass along in the next few days, but what's important is that he's doing well.

We have a few cell phone camera pictures to pass along. He's pretty snockered (I think that's what a nurse called it)... either way, he's completely sedated in these pictures because it was when he just got back... You can see the trach and g tube in one picture. He's got a lot on him in the picture, don't worry most of it's harmless.