Re: Speaking valves and life in general

Scalper (scalper(AT)ior.com)
Sun, 27 Apr 1997 11:01:19 -0700

> Karen JW: Recently I heard, that
> it's better not to use a speaking valve, as they are the source of other
> problems, and it is better if one can completely deflate the cuff and
speak
> that way. Do you agree? and how well can you speak with a deflated
cuff?

I think I'm unusual in that I can speak quite normally with the cuff
deflated. To solve the problem of waiting for the vent to give me a breath
so I can speak, I just stick a cork in the exhale (obviously, respiratory
therapists and I don't get along). I only do this when talking on the
telephone or having a conversation.

> One of them told me it would be easier for family if the injured were
dead,
> because then there would be "closure." Perhaps what non vent users think
> is irrelevant, but I am wondering how any of you would respond to such
> notions.

I once had a nurse who told me if her daughter broke her neck like I did
and ended up in the same condition (vent-dependant C-1 quad), she would
pull the plug. The neurologist who first treated me asked my parents if
they wanted him to pull the plug, even though I was fully conscious and
aware of my situation at all times and my mind and brain were never
affected. I feel pulling the plug on a fully conscious and aware person
with absolutely no brain damage, despite the injury and prognosis, is
murder.

Dal Vordahl
scalper(AT)ior.com