Light!

     We've tried hard over the past weeks to try to adjust to our new life with a trach, it's been tough on both of us.  We're both grateful for just the simple act of taking a breath, but his stay in the hospital gave us a huge mountain to climb.   It however has given us a greater appreciation for how amazing the human body is.  Man's attempt to try and create a new airway (a trach) is far inferior to the original thing.   When we were in the hospital and reached the point where he needed a trach, they told us that it was very likely going to be for life.  We didn't think at the time it would be a huge adjustment, we were wrong.  It's also likely been difficult as well because not being able to breath for so long has really worn out and weakened him.   Even basic things that a normal person takes for granted have been a challenge.


     Today however, we had another appointment with Dr. Smith today.   Something that we've both been worried about for the past week or so. Luckily the news was worth venturing out into the record 105 degree heat.   The main thing they do is a bronchosopy.  After making sure he was adequately numbed the use a bronchoscope (the device to the right)  to take a look.  It's got a moving piece and light at the end so they can get a good view inside.  The numbing Chris says is by far the worst part, it tastes horrible!  First they threaded it down inside his trach made sure everything at the end looked fine.   Then the removed the trach and looked at his airway both above and below.  Last time they only pulled it out slightly and took a look around, so having it removed felt strange.  After that they thread it up is nose and then down to look from above.  Dr. Smith was pretty happy with how well he has healed and even though there is still narrowing (stenosis) his airway is much better.  He covered the stoma (the hole) and asked Chris to try breathing.   Chris took a full deep breath.  Later he said to me "It was the best breath of air I've had in years!".   They put the trach back in and then talked about what was next.


      They want Chris to see a sleep specialist to help us... transition back to life without a trach!  
When they remove the trach (called Decannulation) they let the hole close on it's own.   Having a hole in your throat can make using a CPAP machine difficult so they want someone to help determine the best way to proceed.    Then likely sometime in the fall, he'll be admitted to the hospital.  They will treat the stenosis again and then remove the trach.  We are both cautiously optimistic and very grateful that this is next step.   Finally, light at the end of a tough and rugged tunnel.  We'll still be working with Dr Smith for some time and are praying that the stenosis doesn't return, but for now we've been given a bit of what we needed.  Hope!

     So take a moment and celebrate with us!   Take a deep long breath (or two or three...) and feel how amazing it is to fill your lungs with air.  Something you do every moment of your life, is such a gift.