Hi, I had my trach put in in Feb 2015. My vocal cords were pretty much closed so much I could barely breathe. The first few days were more horrible than I could have imagined but pushed forward and do a lot of the things I did before. I get some looks but I don't let it faze me. I'm sorry that it caused your depression to become worse. I joined this website just looking for other people that have a trach.

I understand. Maybe in time things get better. The first few days after surgery I didn't think I was going to make it either. Just seeing if anyone else experienced depression problems like me.
Thanks for the response.

Do you talk to anyone about the depression? I can't even say I went through depression. I was sad and angry. But after about two to three weeks I started to accept. There was still a chance it might come out. However I learned back in May that it will be permanent. Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do?

I love to fish. But my rheumatoid arthritis pain limits that. I am on depression medication prestiq and the doctor added valium to help because I also get anxiety. I also have a permanent trach. You would think after a year I would do better with everything. I guess with all my other health issues it doesn't help. You don't see many people out with trachs. I feel some comfort knowing I don't fight this battle alone. Thanks

I only got to go fishing twice this year. I was not happy about that. But I did get to go the local fair and a few demolition derbies. I try to shoot pool every Wednesday but that doesn't always get to happen. I have type 2 diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, have had coronary bypass (that's what damaged my vocal cords), and venous disease in my legs. Sometimes hard to keep all the different doctors straight. Can you talk? Most people are surprised that I can speak so clearly. If I get too nosy please tell me. I like communicating with someone that knows what a trach feels like. Others can have sympathy but just can't really know. I only seen one person in my local area with one.

I can talk. I have a Montgomery button trach it snaps into my trachea and not all the way down my throat.
Just kinda hard to change it. I guess we all have problems.

I don't even know what they call my trach. I use a passey muir valve to talk. I can say some words without it. I've never changed it by myself. I have to do that the first week of Dec; not looking forward to that. I guess one of the worst things about it is the cough. Didn't know it was humanly possible to cough so hard.

Me either. I cough so hard I can wet my pants. That's pleasant. I only open my trach at nights and use a humidifier to sleep. I have severe obstructive sleep apnea that I stopped breathing every minute. I'm 49 and my Dr stated the way I was going I would not see 60. Cpap had to be set on the max of 20 which takes your breath away. Had surgery which made it worse. I am taking day by day I know there are people worse then me. I just wish I could kick this depression. I was nervous the first trach change but you will be OK. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Hey, thank for the hugbook icon. I hadn't even noticed them. You are not alone when it comes to coughing to hard and the wet pants. Are you male or female? I ask cause I think that is just a female thing. :) After I had the trach put in they never said anything about the sleep apnea again. They tried to get me a humidifier to go with the trach and that proved impossible. I don't remember what my CPAP was set on but 20 does sound high. It's hard to stay positive when the bad days hit. I usually have a little crying fit and then move on. I need to get back to the gym. It helps with stress. Not that I have that much stress. Work gets annoying but that's everyone. I'm glad you are making things better. No one wants to think they only have 10 yrs left.

I am a 49 year old female. Let me know how your trach change goes.

What part of the country do you live in? I'm in VA so right now air is dry. But the humidity of the summer can be awful. So think you can't breathe it.

Sorry if I offended you