HE's for laryngectomees

Braunda
Braunda Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

My tracheostomy was performed July 22, 2016. I've been trying various HME's, and I find them very uncomfortable. I also know they are very important for a number of reasons, chief among them in my priorities is using the voice prosthesis effectively.

Has anyone here had experience with this situation? Can you recommend a brand or any kind of methods of installation that could help? I feel like I'm being strangled, especially when lying (or sitting) in bed trying to sleep.

All input is welcome. This is my first post here, so hello everyone!

Comments

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #2
    Supplies

    There is another web site that deals with laryngectomees.  www.webwhispers.com  My husband used HME's and never had much trouble with them although all he ever used to speak with was an electric larynx.  I am assuming that you had your voicebox removed and have a whole in your neck that goes directly into your lungs that is a laryngectomy.  When you talk about a trach that is different.  ATOS and In-health supply HME's.  All HME's do is filter the air that is going directly into your lungs they don't effect your breathing.  If you have a lary tube maybe it is not fitting properly and your doctor or his nurse should be able to help you and even tell you where to get supplies.  You could also use a scarf around your neck to help filter the air.   Look up webwhispers and join you can find a lot about supplies and suppliers for someone who has had a laryngectomy.

    There are not too many on this site that have had a laryngectomy. 

    Wishing you peace and comfort.

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    edited September 2016 #3
    i use provox HMEs and I've

    i use provox HMEs and I've never had a problem.  I would contact your doctor to make sure nothing else is going on.  I also use a prosthese to talk.  My surgery was 2/28/12.  Good luck and God bless you,

    Debbie

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    edited September 2016 #4
    HMEs

    The first few weeks using an HME are very hard.  I started about 3 or 4 weeks after my laryngectomy. It took a lot of dedication to get through the first couple of weeks - and very well worth it. I think during that time I slept in my recliner.  It took a couple of months to transition to the bed.  And you really do need to sleep inclined - and lay on your left side.  It makes such a difference.

    That first couple of months, I think every single breath was a consious (sp) decision.  Or, at least it felt like it.

    It DOES get better! 

    Lorna 2007 & 2014

    PS.  Definitely - check out Webwhispers.org

     

     

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
    Hi Braunda

     

    Sorry I can’t help you on this one, but there are a lot of others who can, so for now I will just say Welcome to CSN H&N.

     

    Tim

     

  • Braunda
    Braunda Member Posts: 2
    #6
    Ladylacy said:

    Supplies

    There is another web site that deals with laryngectomees.  www.webwhispers.com  My husband used HME's and never had much trouble with them although all he ever used to speak with was an electric larynx.  I am assuming that you had your voicebox removed and have a whole in your neck that goes directly into your lungs that is a laryngectomy.  When you talk about a trach that is different.  ATOS and In-health supply HME's.  All HME's do is filter the air that is going directly into your lungs they don't effect your breathing.  If you have a lary tube maybe it is not fitting properly and your doctor or his nurse should be able to help you and even tell you where to get supplies.  You could also use a scarf around your neck to help filter the air.   Look up webwhispers and join you can find a lot about supplies and suppliers for someone who has had a laryngectomy.

    There are not too many on this site that have had a laryngectomy. 

    Wishing you peace and comfort.

    HMEs

    Yes, I belong to WebWhispers but find it less user friendly than this site. Thanks for your answer.

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #7
    Braunda said:

    HMEs

    Yes, I belong to WebWhispers but find it less user friendly than this site. Thanks for your answer.

    webwhispers

    There is a facebook group (secret) that is easier to manuever. 

    Send a friend request to the FB page of John Isler or William Cross at william.cross.752 Send a message with the friend request so we know if you are a lary, cancer survivor or caregiver.

    Lots of question, answers, friends, fun.  And as easy as FB is.  HOpe to see you over there!

    Lorna

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