It is advisable that laryngectomees provide the Instructions below to the medical staff who cares for them:
INSTRUCTIONS: INPATIENT CARE OF LARYNGECTOMEE
GENERAL
- 100% neck breather. Breathe through neck stoma.
- Air, oxygen, suction and respiration resuscitation is through my stoma.
- Keep my trachea moist by inserting saline bullets every 3-4 hours.
- I do not have radial artery pulse on my left/right arm (in case you had a free flap)
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RESPIRATORY SUPPORT:
- To deliver respiratory support, or if I am unconscious, remove HME (heat moisture exchanger filter) if you wear one).
- Oxygen given to me should be humidified.
- Oxygen mask should be “child-mask” size over stoma.
- If I am not able to cough, I need to be frequently suctioned through the stoma.
COMMUNICATION:
- I am unable to speak without HME (if you wear one over my stoma.
- Without HME, I can communicate via lip reading or writing on a board or paper.
- I have a round 10 mm plastic voice prosthesis inside my trachea, visible through the stoma.
- Don’t remove, even if I need to be intubated.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Contact a speech pathologist for supplies & help.
Click to get the link to obtain the Instructions
