Your RecoveryAfter surgery, your neck may be sore, and you may have trouble swallowing for a few days. It may take 2 to 3 days to get used to breathing through the tracheostomy (trach) tube. You can expect to feel better each day. But it may take at least 2 weeks to adjust to living with your trach (say "trayk"). Show At first, it may be hard to make sounds or to speak. Your doctor, nurses, respiratory therapists, and speech therapists can help you learn to talk with your trach tube or with other speaking devices. When you speak, your voice may sound deeper and scratchier than normal. Your trach tube may be sewn or tied to your skin. If you have stitches, the doctor will remove them about 1 week after your surgery. The doctor may also take out your original tube and put in a new tube 5 to 10 days after surgery. Taking good care of your trach is very important. It can prevent infections and help keep you breathing easily. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible. How can you care for yourself at home?Activity
Diet
Medicines
Incision, stoma, and tube careYour doctor or nurse will give you instructions on how to take care of your trach. This will include knowing the size of your trach, how to suction your trach, how to clean the opening in your neck (stoma), and how to clean and replace your trach's inner tube (inner cannula). Be sure to follow all of your doctor's instructions closely. And remember to have your emergency supplies such as your obturator ready and available wherever you are.
Other instructions
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. |