Yikes! A Tracheostomy Tube Shortage!

Let’s be honest, these last few years have been extremely crazy. It’s like watching an Apocalypse Movie! Ha! Everyday, there is something new going on around the world. In the United States, there has been an inflation, coin shortage, the highest increase in gas prices, lumber shortage, formula shortage, increase of homelessness, mass school shootings, political wars, racial tensions, shortage of workers, and you name it. 

Special Needs Parents understands that “normal” does not exist in our Universe! However, add the craziness from the last few years, life is the equivalent to riding on a “neverending” rollercoaster! You try to get off. Yet, there is another loop to go around, over-and-over again! Whoop-di-do! 

So, last month I called my child’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company and tried to order new tracheostomy tubes (trachs). I was informed that the pediatric Bivona trachs are on back-order. Bummer!

 I do have extras of the Bivona Flextend Tracheostomy Tubes.

However, the last several weeks my “little human”, Malachi, has made a game out of pulling on and throwing his trach!

Attention! All “little humans” games are supposed to be fun for all parties involved! Not just you! Ha!

Anyways, I began using the regular or classic style tracheostomy tube. It’s definitely not as comfortable for him. It does not extend. However, it’s slightly more difficult to pull out. So, I visited my number one resource online, to see if other parents had issues with ordering new trachs. “Moms of Trach Babies Group” on Facebook has been a blessing!

 I found out that other parents were having the same issues, apparently there is a silicone shortage Nationwide. One mom had success with the DME by ordering from Portex, a Manufacturer that makes Bivona Tracheostomy Tubes. Another Parent, had success by contacting her child’s ENT, who sent a script for a custom-order to the DME. In addition, parents and caregivers have contacted their Pulmonary Provider for help. I personally have contacted my Nurse Case Manager and delegated this situation for her to handle. Having a Nurse Case Manager, is a blessing! My child’s Nurse Case Manager will contact the doctor’s office and DME on our behalf. It definitely takes a load off, cause daily life can be hectic. 

Although it is a minor inconvenience, life still goes on.  

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