Something to add.
When I had to undergo my Trach I was unable to speak for four days. I used the notes app on my Iphone so that I could communicate. I used it A LOT! It saved my patience level from Tanking. I used it when I was nauseated. I used it to get assistance with turning over. I used it to indicate I was hurting. I used it to indicate my ventilator settings felt wrong. I used it to indicate I needed to eat. I used it when my Mom was there to indicate I needed my bed set up. I used it so much. I think if this app had in existence the ability to type something and maybe a play button to read out loud what the Patient wrote, it would be so wonderful. The worst thing about my recovery was my inability to speak. I could not have survived without my Iphone. That was my way of talking. When the swelling went down in my throat and the PMV Actually worked, to make up for my time without talking, I pushed myself to the limit. I talked myself into exhaustion and then I passed out in the radiology department. I didn't care. I was going to talk and I was going to do it a lot. They kept telling me to rest and to not overdo it. That was impossible. Talking is our way of communicating. It is our way of saying that we hurt or that we need to be suctioned. It was a long four days for me but when I could talk again, I did it. Thanks to my PMV!
