to hear her voice come through the ventilater. does this mean that her lungs are getting stronger? The reason she went in the hospital was not her lungs
2006-11-05 14:54:07 · 6 answers · asked by Terri L 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
she is on a trach ventilater
2006-11-05 15:03:12 · update #1
I am sorry to hear that your mom is still on the vent. If your mom has had a tracheotomy done, is awake and alert and has a leak in the trach cuff then yes, it is very possible for her to talk around the vent. Although, it is not an indication of her lung strength. I will keep praying for the both of you.
2006-11-06 01:22:41 · answer #1 · answered by CJBig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your mother is truly on the ventilator all of the time then you should not hear her talking. She may have an uninflated or underinflated cuff on the tube in her throat in which case she would be able to make noises if she tried. Ask the nurse or Respiratory Therapist on duty if they have been deflating her cuff to let her talk, or if she is getting time off of the ventilator. When she comes off the ventilator indefinately she will most likely have a speaking valve that will help her communicate with you. Time off of the actual ventilator, breathing on her own, even with the trach still in is a good indicator that her lungs are improving, or her condition is improving. However, you should discuss all of the details with the doctor. Remember, this is your mother and she is important to you, ask everyting you can and don't give up until you understand.
2006-11-05 17:27:16 · answer #2 · answered by jl7803 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not necessarily a sign of lung strength. Since she is on a trach, it IS possible that you can hear her talk. A small leak around the cuff (which is fine, and is done purposely to avoid too much pressure on the tissue and causing permanent damage), will allow her to force air around it. This air going around the cuff causes the vocal cords to vibrate, and that is how she can talk. Many people that are on ventilators for an extended amount of time can teach themselves how to do this.
2006-11-06 15:19:59 · answer #3 · answered by twirlersmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your mom has a respiratory therapist, this would be the best person to ask. They specialize in ventilators and would be glad to explain things to you.
2006-11-05 15:28:22 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is on a ventilator,then she has an endotracheal tube in. Unless it has a speaking valve you cannot hear here talk because her vocal cords are fixed. Please check your info.
Feel more open to ask her doctor how she is doing.
2006-11-05 14:57:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to make sure you are with her next time her doctor makes rounds so he/she can clearly explain to you about what you are hearing. There is absolutely no stupid question you can ask a doctor, it is their job to treat your mom and educate you of her condition.
2006-11-05 15:20:00 · answer #6 · answered by catywhumpass 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋