Today I was at the hospital for an examination and a trach change by the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. Usually I have been having a trach change about every 6 weeks by a Respiratory Therapist. But I had an examination by the ENT specialist about 4 months ago, and he wanted to check how I am doing.
On my previous examination, the ENT specialist said I had some pseudomonas around the opening in my neck for the trach tube. This is a type of bacteria that naturally occurs in the soil, in water, and on plants, and is normal to have on your skin. But it is a very nasty bug if it gets into your lungs because it is very resistant to antibiotics. And the risk with a trach is the direct opening into the lungs where it could get in.
At my examination 4 months ago the ENT specialist prescribed that I use 3% acetic acid drops (vinegar is 5% acetic acid) on the neck area around my trach tube. This is supposed to get rid of the pseudomonas. This is not pleasant but preferable to the nasty bugs deciding to move down into my lungs.
Elaine has been using drops of oil in her ears. Janny told me not to get my vinegar mixed up with the oil or I will end up with salad dressing on my trach. I get no sympathy.
But the good news is that today the ENT specialist said that the area around the neck opening for the trach tube looks very good. No sign of nasty bugs. However I will still use the acetic acid drops once in a while to prevent any deciding to take up residence again.
2 comments:
Janice can be really clever at times. Mostly when she's being mean to you! Salad dressing. Ha!
Tell 'em you are just dressing the wound.
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