Happy Trachiversary! This week I celebrate my third anniversary of getting a tracheostomy and being started on a ventilator. It was a journey which started with shortness of breath and ended with respiratory failure. I have a condition called Mitochondrial Disease which causes muscle weakness in many of my muscles including the muscles used to breathe. I was started on a machine called BiPAP to help me breathe. Soon, though, the BiPAP machine was not enough. I had to have an urgent tracheostomy placed and was started on invasive ventilation. I praise God over and over again for this second chance at life. I greatly appreciate everyone who has helped along the way. For three precious years, a ventilator has helped sustain my life and has allowed me to keep on keeping on. #lifewithavent #tracheostomy #ventilator

(Side note: In Nov 2016, my force vital capacity (FVC) was 20%. I have since learned, most hospitals will immediately insert a breathing tube and start the person on a ventilator when his FVC drops below 30%. My doctor at the time was just out of med school and in her first year of residency. She was not sure what to make of my lung function tests. She assured me my breathing was fine--it was just asthma. For this, I am very grateful. It was only after I tried everything else (BiPAP and fighting until I was on death's doorstep) was I then ready to give up and get a trach. God knows our hearts. He knew I would not have been happy with my decision to get a trach and live on life support for the rest of my life unless I knew this was my only option. And when it was time to make the final leap, God cleared the way and brought me through.)

For more exciting fun and adventures, please visit my blog: https://mitowarrior.blogspot.com/

Instagram:   / lifewithavent  
MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lifewithaventil...

Facebook:   / life-with-a-vent-113121960609175  
Email: [email protected]
Affiliated YouTube Channel:    / godismystrength