Did my 3rd and final trach change for Colby today. Well, the final one until we go home, then I'll have to change it out every 2 weeks. Without extra nurses and RTs around, gasp! It went smoothly, uneventful you might say! I just kept smiling at Colby, saying hey no problem, Mama's got this. Dancing around like I was all pumped up to do it. On the inside I was not dancing around, more like having a nervous meltdown. I had all the confidence in the world until the 2nd trach change, then my trach-changing confidence went in the toilet. So thankful it went ok today. ENT decided Colby has a bit of a "keyhole" deformity around his trach, an area at the bottom that is much smaller than the stoma. Basically that means "aim high and back" when doing the trach change. Just what I need, more instructions and complications on a process I'm not totally comfortable doing in the 1st place. Oh well, I'm sure I'll get better as time goes by.
In other exciting TCC news, oh wait, there isn't any exciting news to report. The PT gals that come to see Colby FINALLY convinced me to try the lift system they have here in the hospital. They kept blabbering on about how easy it was to use, yeah yeah. Hate to admit it, but they were right. Of course it's like 100x nicer than that crap lift we have at home. Wrapped Colby up in that sling and bing, bang, boom, glided him right into his power chair. Easy to get him out, too. They're like, you really have to start using a lift at home. He's too big, he's too tall. You'll hurt yourself. You'll drop and hurt him. Oh gee gals, guess I've never heard that blah blah before. I know they're right. I also know I don't like to admit I need one more piece of equipment to help me care for Colby. I'm at least strongly considering dragging out that lift when we get home. Puts strain on my neck and shoulders when I pick Colby up, especially when he's wearing his back brace. Can't imagine why, he only weighs somewhere around 70 pounds I bet. Yeah, stubborn mama, time to shift gears on that issue.
I tried beets for the 1st time in my life. That's thrilling to hear, huh? I just could never get past the look of them. Dad had some of his salad so I tried a bite. My exact words, "Tastes like dirt." Then he tasted them and said, "Yeah, these aren't very good beets." Ha! Guess most of the time they're pickled, but these were just plain. I'm eating supper here at Ronnie Donnie, then sending Dad over to eat.
Colby has done 2 windows today, 45 minutes and 30 minutes. When I get back over to Ronnie Donnie, we'll try another. I asked him this morning if he was getting used to his trach yet, he answered no. Fantastic. I'm hoping he was just pulling my chain. I know it's easier for him to breathe, and sit up. I know it has to feel better not having a cap on his head or mask on his face. Right? Is he mad at me for doing this? Does he not fully understand how this is helping him? Is he just tired of being in the hospital and having strangers up in his face all the time? Is it none of the above? I'm not sure. Going to talk to him some more about it. I know this trach is best for Colby. I hope one day he understands why he has it.
Well, they just made the announcement supper is ready. I'd better go get in line. You wouldn't believe how a free meal brings people out of the woodwork! Got to get it while the gettin's good! Bye all.
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