emergency trachy problem : I was rushed into... - ICUsteps

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emergency trachy problem

kathy20 profile image
5 Replies

I was rushed into hospital on new years day with what they thought was asthma attack after running a load of tests it turned out to be community acquired pneumonia, which lead to asthma attack and stage 2 respiratory failure. had to be intubated which didn't work I was deteriorating fast so they had to put in an emergency trachy then icu for 7 days in induced coma for 4 then on a ward for a week after. I'm back on my feet now which has took a lot of perseverance and on 2 lots of tablets and 3 inhalers a day. ive been diagnosed with ptsd also which I'm having cognitive behavioural therapy weekly my head is in a mess more when on my own but what I want to know is has anyone had an emergency trachy (I don't have it now it was removed when I came off the ventilator) and your neck feels tight now and again and been left with a husky voice in which I cannot shout which pleases my 2 kids and when I laugh no sounded comes out when I belly laugh, the trach scar isnt where it should be and its not a scar which looks like a hole healed up more like a slit in my neck because they had to quickly do it to save me x

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kathy20
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Sepsur profile image
Sepsur

I don’t know if there is a surgical difference between a ‘normal’ tracheostomy and an emergency tracheostomy - I had one after being intubated for 7/8 weeks. I am left with an increasingly less intense feeling of having a hand around my throat after 2 yrs. when I have seen other people’s scars - they all look different and are in slightly different places, I’m guessing because of the physiology of the individual patient. My laugh is ok as is my shout - singing? I don’t know. Hopefully all will improve for you over time. Maybe a speech or singing coach could help?

kathy20 profile image
kathy20 in reply to Sepsur

thank you for your reply I'm waiting for an appointment with consultant so Il see what she can sort fir me

LoriB5 profile image
LoriB5

I had a tracheostomy in 2016 for a couple months. I was in a coma for 54 days with lots of issues. My trach scar is no big deal to me, but it's a slit, not a hole, maybe 3/4" long. My voice has never come back 100%. It's still raspy and low, but after 2 years it's much better. I still can't yell or sing (which no one minds!!) and have no range at all with my voice.

I'm not sure there is a "normal" trach. I would think any time a Dr. has to cut into your neck to breathe, it's an energency, no? My slit is obvious, if you look at it, but I consider it one of my badges of courage. 54 day coma, septic shock, collapsed lung, kidney failure, pulminary embolisms, grand mal seizures, PRES, etc. etc. I wear my "badge" proudly!

Hope you get through this as positively as I have been able to. Makes a huge difference!

Good luck!

Lori

stevet11753 profile image
stevet11753

I'm with Lori, for me my trach scar is the visible sign of my survival. No-one has ever commented on it, but it's hidden by clothing most of the time.

I do feel that my voice is more husky and throaty and less strong than it was, tho it never was strong anyway! 😁

kathy20 profile image
kathy20

thank you put my mind at ease a little I know my scar isn't where it should be its not centre its to the left but I know they had to put it in quickly to basically save me which I'm still trying to get my head around but I'm getting there thanks for reply's

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