My husband's breathing is becoming more laboured and so on Tues next week they are sticking a camera down his windpipe to check to see if the tumour is putting any pressure on it.

If it is, he is most likely to have to have a tracheostomy fitted so make his breathing easier.

He had one before when he had the surgery in February, but it was only in for 4 days.

I know there are some of you out there who have lived with them for much longer, so I'm after your advice and hints please.

Do they rule out speech altogether?
How do they affect food intake? (He's on soups/smoothies etc orally at the mo, but does have a PEG already if needed)

Thanks

spouse

Hello Spouse

Hope you find these Tracheostomy Links useful. I am sure Vicki will have useful advice based on her personal experience.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks for this Dr Vinod.

Fortunately they've decided he doesn't need a trachy for the timebeing. The MRI scan showed the tumour is nowhere near the trachea for the timebeing and the sleep apneoa is probably due to pooling of phlegm in the throat, rather than pressure on the windpipe - doesn't make it any easier to listen to at night though!