After Tracheostomy ….

[Darkshades]

Hi

Has anyone had a tracheostomy and once extubated and all healed, months and months later been left with a phlegmy cough

[Hidden]

For me, the question has to be why did you have it?

I had one during my OHS and the dressings stayed on for about 8-10 weeks.

As part of my post op medication, I was diuretics to help remove fluid/ phlegm from my lungs. Although I have now stopped taking them regularly, I have them in case my legs/ ankles swell, but also In case I get something more serious than a cold.

I don’t have a regular cough as such, but on occasions I’ve been known to need to cough to clear the phlegm…

In your case, I would speak to your Gp or Cardio Clinic if you are still seeing them.

[Darkshades in reply to Hidden]

Why did I have a tracheostomy or why did I have a phlegmy cough?

I believe it’s normal practice procedure that if you are on a ventilator for 10 days they perform a tracheostomy… I was put into an induced coma (held sedation) and in ICU for 6-7 weeks (total stay in hospital 3 months)

From my records I see I also contracted hospital pneumonia (among other complications)

I don’t have a cough as such … but get a need to cough which is phlegmy… it feels like the phlegm is coming from behind where the scar line position is

[Hidden in reply to Darkshades]

Did not know it is normal procedure to do a tracheostomy when you are in a coma. I was told mine had been performed as a matter of urgency during post op complications. Like you I was out for the count with a coma etc for 6 weeks and only had it removed prior to bringing out of the coma (according to my wife).

I do have to cough to clear the phlegm sometimes, but I don't feel anything in the area of the scar, but then I don't feel anything on the lower jaw - both courtesy of post op complications - but I appear to have been blessed with the diuretics to help manage the phlegm situation, even if it is still easier for food and drink to go down the 'wrong hatch' post op.

I would still advise a check with your GP in case they can offer either an explaination or some form of remedy.

[Darkshades in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Brand I’ll try and contact someone 👍

When I joined this group last year I was absolutely petrified of being intubated 🙄 ha! (If I knew then what I know now lol… ) … but one thing that stuck with me was I was told that they tell you to cough as you are being extubated !!

I don’t know where I was, in ICU or my own room or when … but remember someone whispering into my ear … “cough” - that was my first memory and knew exactly what was happening then and thinking to myself they told me this on Health Unlocked 😊 …. I did how ever think it was 2 days later rather than nearly 6/7 weeks from my operation

[Hidden in reply to Darkshades]

Completely understand - went down for op in July, woke up in September and I have no memory of being asked to cough. Apparently I had visitors whilst in ICU, and pictures to show I had my eyes open at some point, but I remember none of it.

I have concluded the thing with this forum is: it is almost essential reading because no one seems to get told the full picture, they only find out during and after the event 👍

[Bert1957]

My husband has a similar history to yours having been intubated and then weaned by tracheotomy. He too has a phlegmy cough and needs to clear his throat frequently. He also gets breathless on exertion. He has been diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. He has seen an ENT specialist who has said hopefully this should correct itself, but can take up to 18 months.

[Darkshades in reply to Bert1957]

Thank you so much for your reply …. Perhaps I have something similar… I remember when eventually I did come round though was only awake for minutes etc and gradually built up my time I was actually awake took over 5-6 months I couldn’t speak easily and took a lot of effort and the sound of my voice had changed. Foods and drink were slowly introduced afters weeks and had a specialist diet of only minced and moist foods and they would sit with me and watch …

Mine was a year ago October…

Thank you