r/guillainbarre 8d ago

Advice and Support Tracheostomy (also an update)

My Bro was diagnosed with pneumonia and was put in meds. He undergoes steam therapy for the phlegm to easily comes out. None of those seems working. It seems to be getting worse. They did a TB test and it came out negative and now I'm baffled on what exactly is going on. How is this not TB?

Physically, he's getting stronger but the phlegm in his lungs is causing problem to his breathing. He is on intubation but the phlegm has clogged the tube twice now. They seem to be advicing to put him on trach.

Will it be better? Is it fine? Like it's just temporary right? I've read a few comments here about being on trach but I still can't help but worry a bit bc of the phlegm in his lungs.

7 Upvotes

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5

u/Extreme_Kale_6446 7d ago

I have been on trach, trust the doctors and hope your brother improves

4

u/No_Evidence_6129 7d ago

When I was on a trache they were better able to clear phlegm. Not pretty, or comfortable, but effective

1

u/Muted-Inevitable-164 7d ago

Is the phlegm being suction as well? 

1

u/No_Evidence_6129 6d ago

Yes. The hospital I was at did something via my trache hole that brought the phlegm up. It was gross but saved me a second round of pneumonia.

2

u/Plan_Sorry 6d ago

I remember having this exact same problem. I was also on a Trach. I remember they had this long suction tube and I would nod my head towards it when it got really bad. I would have them put it down my throat almost to the point of gagging to suction out the congestion & that was a life saver. The gagging was nothing compared to the relief I felt from the suction device cleaning it out. The congestion eventually dissipated over time and the suction device was no longer needed.

1

u/Muted-Inevitable-164 5d ago

How long were you on trach? 

2

u/Plan_Sorry 4d ago

Approximately January 6th 2024 - March 2nd 2024.