Anyone had a tracheotomy?

[bernhund]

I had one 11 years ago and wondered whether it could be the reason I now feel like I've got to clear my throat a lot. I will see my GP about it soon, but thought I'd just see if anyone else has had one and the long tern effect.

[gasman712]

It's quite common to have some degree of scarring with narrowing after a tracheostomy which may contribute to the sensations you describe.
I regularly anaesthetise patients for tracheal surgery and it is something that can be treated although you may never get full resolution of symptoms. You also need to think about whether you are getting breathless during routine simple tasks.

[bernhund]

gasman712 said:

It's quite common to have some degree of scarring with narrowing after a tracheostomy which may contribute to the sensations you describe.
I regularly anaesthetise patients for tracheal surgery and it is something that can be treated although you may never get full resolution of symptoms. You also need to think about whether you are getting breathless during routine simple tasks.

Thank you. I don't particularly get out of breathe, just feels like perhaps phlegm might build up quickly in the area and naturally it feels like there's something to clear. I also ended up with mandibular advancement surgery a few years later and think perhaps the two combined, as well as age creeping up, might be the cause.
It's one of those things you can cope with once you know what it is!

[E65Ross]

I had one 2.5 years ago (just before I turned 25), now removed I get a frequent "tickly" cough over/around the scar site but it's not too bad and definitely a lot better than in the first few months after having it removed.