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Welcome to my Vent & Trach Page! I have put together the best list of resources on the net dealing with vents and trachs. It's my hope you will find this page to be an informative place and I plan to update it as often as I can.
I was born with a condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a progressive neuromuscular disease that affects the major muscle groups. It eventually causes respiratory failure in the latter stages. If you want more information on DMD visit the Duchenne Parent Project
In the winter of 2003, I developed respiratory failure after a surgical procedure. My lungs were getting too weak to breathe on their own and my only real choice for long-term survival was to go on a ventilator. Before I could go on the ventilator, I had to undergo a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy is a surgical incision made into the trachea (windpipe). Then a trach tube is inserted and the ventilator is connected by a hose (circuit). The trach tube can also be used to suction secretions keeping the airway clear. To get more information on tracheostomies please visit the Aaron's Tracheostomy Page I have two ventilators that I use. One of the ventilators is mounted on my wheelchair allowing me to travel where I want to go. The other ventilator is at my bedside and I use it when I'm not in my chair.
Click here to view my bedside ventilator setup.
Looking back I'm so glad I chose to go on the ventilator. It's giving me the chance to spend more time with the people I care about. Also I'm able to educate and show people that life on a vent can be a good experience.
Currently I'm fighting for community based attendant care for folks with special medical needs. The only choice for many of us is a nursing home or other institutional setting. People with disabilities need a REAL choice on where we can live and receive our care. For more information on community based attendant care please visit the ADAPT site.
I also own and moderate an online ventilator support group. Started in the spring of 2005, The Northern Plains Ventilator Support Network provides a place for ventilator users, their families, and caregivers to discuss the issues and concerns that affect our lives. In addition, I'm also a member of the International Ventilator Users Network (IVUN) Consumer Advisory Committee.
You can reach me by e-mail @ [email protected]
Picture of my ventilator
Ventilator Resources & Equipment
Vent Users E-mail Group - bringing ventilator users together from around the world.
Vent Users Support Page - a good resource
International Ventilator Users Network (IVUN)
Northern Plains Ventilator Support Network
Doctor Bach.com - great site dealing with muscular dystrophy and ventilation options
The Center for Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation Alternatives and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
VentWorld
NIV Network.com
Citizens for Independence in Living and Breathing (CILB)
Mechanical Ventilation: Beyond the ICU - great article
Ventilator Manufacturers
Puritan Bennett - they manufacture the ventilators I use
Pulmonetic Systems, Inc.
Newport Medical Instruments
Respironics, Inc.
VersaMed
Ventilator Related Accessories
JH Emerson - manufacturer of the Cough Assist I use
The Vest Airway Clearance System
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare - manufacturer of the humidifier I use
Ambu USA - manufacturer of manual resuscitators
DeVilbiss Suction Therapy
Medela Suction Technology
Aeros Instruments
Laerdal Compact Suction
Trach Resources
Aaron's Tracheostomy Page - best resource on the net! Trach Tubes & Accessories Nellcor - manufacturer of Shiley trach tubes Other Vent Users Web Sites John Herrmann's Page This site is maintained by the Nodak Wheeler and was last updated in some way on Dec. 8, 2005
Trachties Listserv
Trachteotomy.info
CPR and Rescue Breathing for Adults with Tracheostomy
Antique Trach Tubes
Smiths Medical - manufacturer of Portex & Bivona trach tubes
trachs.com
Passy Muir Inc. - manufacturer of speaking valves for tracheostomy users
Dale Tracheostomy Tube Holder
Posey Foam Trach Ties
Marpac Trach Collar
Lifestream Medical's Trach Chain
Lee Kramer's Page
Deshae Lott's Page
Jim Lubin's Page
Joe Malone's Page
Bob Mauro's Page
John McKee's Page
John Prestwich's Page
Kevin Rudolph's Page
Maureen's Page
Tufty Sue's Nuttree
Vent Kids of Alabama
