Kimberly
TrachKid Profile
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Hello everyone! I have been very fond of this website but didn't have a use for it until recently, researching information about crichoidtrachael resection's (CTR). I was born at 24 weeks gestation, February 20, 1984, weighing 1lb 12oz. I had open heart surgery (PDA Ligation) at 7 days old, and was trached at 3 months old. After many doctor visits for lasering, scoping, medication, etc. my Mom found an article written by Dr. Robin T. Cotton about airway reconstruction. She contacted him, he was prompt in getting back to us, and we flew up to see him in Cincinnati, OH. Consultation end with surgery scheduled for a 2 stage LTP. Posterior was done first and then 6 months later the anterior was done. Had multiple follow ups to have dilations done, the last one ending around age 10. Successfully decanulated in 1986!<!--break-->
Fastforward 15 years, age 26, married, a life of my own. October 2009 had gotten sick with a common cold and cough, which turned into bronchitis. I had noticed my breathing had gotten louder but had thought 1) it was how my airway was and 2) it could be asthma. One doctor put me on an inhaler but never ran any other test. Got a 2nd opinion and he had me do a Pulmonary Function Test. Ended up not being asthma at all, it was all my airway and from the test, it was VERY small. He suggested we immediately go to Shands in Gainsville or Dr. Cotton in Cincinnati, OH. He called Dr. Cotton for me, informing what was going on and to expect a call from me. We got everything booked and flew up there (we live in Orland, FL). They were very shocked I wasn't already in an emergency trach. It's amazing how much you can adapt to something! <!--break-->
Diagnosis was Stage IV subglottic stenosis and a CTR was scheduled Jan.25, 2010. It was unknown of which stage it would be, single or double, but they'd see once they started surgery. End result was a 6 week stay in Cincinnati, OH with virtually no complications from the single stage CTR. I have had 4 microlaryngoscopy and boncoscopy's for follow ups, with the last one being October 2010 and a 6.5mm airway. Yay!<--break-->
I am so thankful for my mother finding Dr. Cotton and him still being in practice to this day. His medical staff are wonderful and very caring.<!--break-->
I just wanted to share my story, as I've been down this road almost all my life.
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- 2 years 22 weeks
Location
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- United States
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- Florida
