Advice on VENTILATOR-bound COPD patient PLEASE????

Question

Have family member in ICU at moment intubated (for a third time in less than two years). Will be sent home apparently with some form of breathing machine. Have gotten much more information from nurse than from doctor, but still there are dozens of questions I need to ask.

Have been told by doctor that at seventh day of intubation patient will have tracheotomy done. Nurse also briefly explained how patient can eat if indeed she's oriented and aware enough to do so. If not a tube would be connected to her stomach.

PLEASE, I would appreciate as much information as possible from either a medical professional or persons having had experience w/ this situation.

Answer 1

it is possible to eat after a tracheotomy, there are many factors that will effect this, things like how well the patient is awake, sometimes nurses give meds that make a patient sleepy/sedated the patient will be evaluated most likely by a speech therapist, who can see with a simple food dye if the patient is swallowing and not risking it getting into their lungs. which could cause problems.the trach willl have a special cap for when they eat. the tube if placed sounds like it would be temporarily. which isnt uncommon , patients need nutrition in order to heal. Hope this helps

Answer 2

I don't have much info for you, but I do suggest you write down all your questions before you see the doctor or nurse again so you make sure you get them all answered. Also, I bet they will send out a home care nurse who will be available to show you how to take care of your patient and answer any new questions that come up. Good Luck!