Last post Thu, Feb 21 2008 3:34 PM by wheels4law. 4 replies.
Like most people with various forms of neuro-muscular condition, I have had a fair amount problems with my breathing. I have spinal muscular atrophy, but respiratory issues are probably common in the other types. In 1973 the doctors gave me a trach before spinal fusion surgery. Even or ahead in the fusion, my abdominal muscles are so weak that I cannot sit up without using an elastic support band around my stomach. If I tried to set up without this device, I would simply not be able to breathe as the diaphragm is not strong enough. Before I discovered that I could use the band, I had a hard plastic abdominal support that was very uncomfortable.
Occasionally when I have a cold or have aspirated a small piece of food, I have a great deal of congestion that is difficult to cough up. This afternoon I had such an event but I was able to overcome it with the routine that I have developed. It was a little scary having breathing difficulties because I was alone at that point as I waited for my next attendant to arrive. Since it worked so well, I thought that it might be of interest to others. My routine consists of a combination of physical activities and home medicine. My wheelchair has the "tilt" and I tip as far back as possible. This reduces the effect that gravity has upon the congestion in my lungs. I begin the process by having someone push on my stomach in coordination with my coughs. In effect it is like a modified Heimlich maneuver. This usually is sufficient when it is just a case of choking on something.
Sometimes however, when I have a cold or I have been exposed to someone with a cold, I use my own natural remedy. I start with a glass orange juice and add to it vitamin C powder and Echinacea/goldenseal liquid drops. On a plate I have a clove or two of garlic finely chopped or grated. The smaller you can get a better. On top of the garlic you can put a little honey. Basically you want about one or two spoons full. Take a mouthful of garlic and use the orange juice/vitamins as a way of washing the garlic down. It is definitely something that you will need to get used to. Your face will turn red and you will have an overall elevated temperature sensation for a minute or two. Somehow this combined remedy has the effect of opening the lungs and promoting congestion removal.
It has been more than three years since I have had a serious bronchitis/pneumonia more than 20 years since I have been hospitalized. If others have any unusual suggestions, I am sure that they would be beneficial to hear.
Having breathing,
T.K. Small, Brooklyn, New York
Interesting! I've been aspirating a lot in my sleep, lately. I have yet to find a good solution to that.
"I believe everything out of the common. The only thing to distrust is the normal."John Buchan
Hello,
Sorry for the typos in my earlier message, sometimes they make their way by me.
During the daytime I leave my trach unplugged and leave it open at night. It is much easier to breathe that way. Many people I know use a external facemask that provides pressure to push the air into their body. I forget the exact name, but most of them swear by it! As my diaphragm gets weaker, that may be an option for me in the future. I will try to track down the name of it and get back to you.
I'm never reading your typo'd posts again!
Are you thinking of a cpap machine?
Smart move on your part!
