Last Monday was the install date for my Speak EZ (without the speaking valve). I had this installed because I was not tolerating a standard trach. I was feeling like I was being suffocated and was getting recurrent infections because I couldn’t clear my lungs. My general care practitioner, pulmonologist, and infectious disease doctor all agreed the common thread was my trach.
When I first received the Speak EZ I looked at it and didn’t honestly believe that it would work and that I wouldn’t cough it out (you asked for honest). The initial insertion was done by my ENT in his office. It went as well as any other initial trach installation since I have a very sensitive and spontaneously closing stoma. However, within 5 minutes of insertion I could already tell a difference in my breathing. The following day infectious disease released me from care since my breathing had improved.
I no longer sleep with humidified air due to less secretions. My wife is very happy that there is no odor when I unplug at night. My voice also sounds closer to normal and I don’t cough nearly as much as I did with previous trachs.
Just a few side notes: Technical Products of Georgia does not deal with any medical insurance but they will provide a paper receipt that you can submit. It took two days for my trach to get to me after ordering (normal shipping to PA). Michelle LaBoon is very easy to deal with; when you ask her something she does not know she will get you the answers very promptly. It’s not like working with my standard DME supplier. The unit is low profile and clear in color so it does not attract as much attention as my previous trachs. Because of the low profile my shower bib fits better and it is easier to shower.
As of this time, the only word of caution I can give is when unplugging make sure you hold the sides of the trach so you don’t pull it out! Yes, the plug does seat that well.
5/10/2011