Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did you choose a tracheostomy over other surgeries?
A: I studied the surgeries available for the treatment
of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the trach seemed to have the highest
success rate. I also wanted to be free of the CPAP machine, and the only
surgery that can accomplish that goal (in my opinion) is the tracheostomy.
Q: How painful was the surgery?
A: I experienced very little pain immediately after the
surgery. I compare it to a moderate headache. Also, the pain medication
kept the pain in check.
Q: What kind of anesthesia did they use for the surgery?
A: The trach surgery is generally done under a general
anesthesia. My doctor had an anesthesiologist do the general. I requested
an anesthesiologist rather than a nurse anesthesist because I read that
surgery on people with sleep apnea can have additional concerns due to breath
stoppages.
Q: How long did it take for you to heal?
A: I was generally healed up by 7 days after the surgery.
I was still draining a bit, but it was almost stopped by 7 days.
Q: What do you have to do to care for the trach tube?
A: After the surgery I had to clean around the tube with
a Q-Tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide. I was told to suction the tube out
often, but it was clear, so I only suctioned it when it became clogged.
Q: Does your voice change in terms of clarity or
loudness? I usually have to speak a great deal and at times talk very loud.
Is there a change?
A: My voice has not changed. When I put the plug in the
tube during the day, my voice is normal. Regarding singing, I sang in church
last Sabbath and didn't have any problems. I have not really tested it with
yelling or anything like that. If I take the plug out I can still talk but
it sounds really airy and I can only speak 3 to 4 words on a good breath.
Q: What is the difference in sleep quality?
A: This is the reason for the surgery and there is no
comparison. I sleep like a rock now. I may wake up once to go to the
bathroom or adjust the humidifier I am using at this time, but other than
that I am out cold. I have also noticed a big difference in daytime
wakefulness and alertness. It is great to have my concentration back.
Q: Do you have a "significant other" that feels more
secure with the trach than the CPAP? My wife hates the idea of the machine
but cannot stand the idea of being without it and losing me.
A: Yes. My wife and I have been together for the past
three years. She has watched my OSA go from bad to worse. She was kept
awake by my snoring and fear when I stopped breathing. When I got the CPAP,
she woke up when I would tear off the mask, etc. My sleep apnea was
extremely severe at one point, waking up every hour, and at one point I was
having small bladder accidents.
Since my trach surgery that is all gone and my wife commented
that she is getting more sleep now. I have asked her to do a page on my
website for spouses. She has corresponded with other spouses, and if your
significant other would like to my wife's email is aniceprsn@aol.com.
Spouses need info and support too.
Q: Can you wear a suit with a tie during the day?
A: No ties. You don't want to push the tube back in. I
have purchased some of those shirts with the really small collar like a
priest's collar. I guess they are called a "collarless dress shirt." I know
some have told me that you can use bolo ties too. It also depends on where
the doctor puts the tube. Mine is very low, so it is partially hidden by
almost any normal shirts.
Q: Does it affect the outlook for promotion in your line
of work? ("We can't promote him, he has a hole in his throat!")
A: This one has two answers. I lost my first job after 8
years due to sleep apnea. I was so tired I couldn't keep up the standard.
My current job was on the edge. I was given the choice of go seek help and
find out why I was doing so poorly or be terminated. Now that I am awake
and alert I see more opportunity for promotion.
Whether there may be some prejudice against us "neck breathers,"
I have to say that while it would be illegal, it is still true that people
can be intolerant of others who are different than they are. I have not
experienced this and hope not to. I would also have to say that if I miss a
promotion, I can live with it better if it is lost due to my boss' attitude
rather than my inability to do the job because of sleep apnea.