Assisted cough

[Lynne]

I am trying to find out if anybody out there has experience of having to give assisted coughs.  Because of his high level of injury my son needs this done as he has no cough. He has had his "hours out" curtailed because anybody who he would be out with has not been trained in this technique, myself, his father, brother, his p.a. etc.  He was to go back to school today but this has been put on the long finger at the moment.  Obviously the hospital is covering themselves and the legal people have been brought into it now.  We are trying to find a way around this.  Obviously his health is of the utmost importance but is he confined forever because obviously he cannot have a physio with him 24/7.  Your thoughts on this would be appreciated.  Maybe Gary might find out something for me!!

[Jilly]

No he cant have a physio with him all the time, but as far as I am concerned the physio should be able to teach you how to do this. I would ask them. If they cant show you how, they should be at least able to refer you to someone who can.

[Gary Anderson]

Total bullshit Lynne. Tell your hospital that they have an obligation to train you, Dad, brother, PA and anyone else who wants to take David out.

If he suffered from cystic fybrosis this would be done so I dont see why they cannot do it for David due to his high level of injury.

I have checked with  a chappie I know and he says what you have to do is press your physio to teach you - once this is done you can then pass the technique on. Alternatively, lobby the physio yourselves and get him to show you.

I cannot stand the bullshit these folks spout at times. What do other high quads do? They dont live in hospital all the time because they cannot cough. What you could do is try emailing Simon from Portugal who is on the Apparelyzed board. He is a high quad and may have an answer.

Hope this helped.

[Lynne]

Hi Gary,

Thanks a bunch. I have said that he is not the only one that needs this done but they have not come across this situation before - as in somebody leaving an acute hospital for "hours out" in this type of situation that we find ourselves in.  Basically I think they want to get rid of him out of their hospital and this is their way of dealing with it.  They have been in touch with Rehab to see how this has been got around.  I will get in touch with Simon from Portugal and see how he manages - never thought of that, I am glad somebody has their head together today!! Will keep you informed of developments as they say in the legal world!!

Cheers.

Lynne

[Gary Anderson]

Nae worries - it's not about having your head screwed on. I have now approached the forums in a capacity of not needing advice so can use my medical head to reply to them.

[Andy]

at Stanmore, relatives were taught assisted cough techniques as a matter of course, I'm really suprised they haven't taught you yet 

[RedRowan]

Hi Lynne

I have my PA or husband to do assisted coughing but there are machines out there that can help. Personally it maybe worth having a look at a site about Spinal Muscular Atrophy http://www.jtsma.org.uk becuase many of my friends there use assisted cough techniques.

Hope this helps you out Vivien

[Lynne]

Thanks to all who replied to me.  At last something is being done about this. I am going to the hospital on Wednesday to see the physio who will train me so maybe we can get a few more "hours out", he has now been given a total of four hours out at a time, which is not great but it is better that no hours out I suppose.   

[Gary Anderson]

Great news Lynne. Hope you get all the help you need. If not, post back and I shall see what I can do for you at this end with advice from our physio.

[Lynne]

Thanks Gary and will definitely keep you in mind for advice. 

Lynne

[Gary Anderson]

Nice to know I have my uses!