June 1, 200917 yr My ear, nose & throat doctor called today. He is ready for the trach removal; however, he wants the pulmonologist to sign off on it. Once that's done, I go into the ENT and out comes the trach! The bad part is that my appointment with the pulmonologist isn't until June 15. So I may have to wait at least that long...if I can stand it! I asked the nurse if I should call the other doctor, or if there was something else I could do to expedite things. She was like, "Just take it easy, be patient, it's going to happen. So try to relax." Or something to that effect. In any case, it's another step forward, and it's tantalizingly close to being a reality now -- nine long years in the waiting. :popcorn: Awesome! :dancingpa
June 1, 200917 yr I passed!! The doctor said I do still have very mild sleep apnea. I stopped breathing, momentarily, about eight times an hour; and the lowest my oxygen level reached was 83. But he does not reccomend any surgery. He thinks another 20 lbs. or so of weight loss (lost 2 more today) ought to take care of it. Until then, I might use a c-pap machine. The important thing is that he's going to recommend proceeding with the trach removal! :ylsuper: Thank you Lord, and thank you to all of you! Now, on to the finale. :dancingpa :dancingpa :dancingpa My husband use to use a c-pap machine, he has now lost 45 lb and does not even breath heavy Yea :dancingpa:dancingpa:dancingpa so keep on losing and the noise will stop.. good luck.
June 2, 200917 yr Author My husband use to use a c-pap machine, he has now lost 45 lb and does not even breath heavy. So keep on losing and the noise will stop.. good luck.Thanks. I'm really close as it is. I'm down 82 at last count, and he said a few more pounds ought to do it.
June 2, 200917 yr Author It's been a long road, and you all have been there for every inch of it. Looks like this will happen (if it does) on or after the 15th. I was going to try to move up the appointment, or try to get in on a cancellation or something. But I've decided to just relax and let it happen when it happens. Stressing out, and making myself sick over it, isn't working.
June 2, 200917 yr How I missed this whole follow up is beyond me, CONGRATS! What a great time for you. Very exciting. Keep us posted.
June 8, 200917 yr Author I just got some fantastic news! My appointment for the pulmonologist has been moved from next Monday to this Wednesday! This is kind of complicated, but here's what happened. Several months ago, the lung doctor scheduled me for a June 10 appointment. Well, because of all that's happening, I needed to see him sooner. One of my respiratory therapists got to him and told him the story. He quickly scheduled me, and I saw him in early May, instead of June 10. At that visit, he asked me to schedule an appointment for a month out -- so the sleep study could be done and all that. I went out to the desk and did just that. The earliest June appt. they had was the 15th. So I assumed that was when I was scheduled. I got a call this morning to confirm my appointment for...the 10th!! :eek: I told her what had happened and asked if I could keep the earlier of the two appointments. She was fine with it. So, here I am. Instead of being a week away from the day I've been waiting nine years for, I might be as little as 48 hours out from it. :dancingpa:dancingpa:dancingpa
June 8, 200917 yr Fingers crossed.......prayers are being said and heart is pounding with excitement for you. I know that you have waited so long for this moment and I do understand the fear that goes with it. Everything is falling into line for a reason - and we've talked about this - so just keep on knowing that it will be just fine!!!! Oh yea before I forget...It is what it is:D
June 10, 200917 yr Author After nine long years of aggravation, and six months of preparation, my trach tube is finally out!!! :dancingpa:dancingpa:dancingpa I'm having trouble talking right now, because of the air leak. I have to put the back of my hand over my neck to say a few words. But he said that should be better in several days. And it's a small sacrifice to have this over with. This is a day I never dreamed could even happen. Then, in January, when it became a possibility, it couldn't come fast enough. And now it's over. I don't know how I feel right now...sort of in shock I guess. I was thinking he wouldn't do it today. The pulmonologist did it because (as I found out yesterday) my ear, nose & throat doc is out of the country until the 26th. Thankfully, this doctor agreed to do it. I have to sleep with a little oxygen for a while, but that shouldn't last too long either. Oh, and to top off the good news...I lost another seven pounds. That was almost as awesome as getting the trach out. Not. I thank God for making this happen, and all of you for your prayers, support and friendship. :thumb:
June 10, 200917 yr AMEN BIRDSFAN!!!!! Best news I've heard all day!!!!:dancingpa:dancingpa:dancingpa:dancingpa
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