Anybody use a ventilator out there??

I need advice for a friend.

Please don't make multiple postings of the same question.

I have Myasthenia Gravis and have been on a ventilator 3 times in 10 years. It is also referred to as intubated. It has saved my life and allows the doctors to do the adjustments in my meds that I need to increase my wellness. I got to the point I went into respitory arrest and really welcomed being on it for it breathed for me which was a break. Your friend does need to watch for infections more so just from being on the vent. I don't know your reason your friend needs the ventilator but I highly suggest your friend get a consult from an infection control doctor.

Hope this helps.

My daughter has stage 4 chronic lung disease had to undergo a tracheotomy last may and is now vent dependent but all her breaths are on her own (though she does have a back up rate that the machine makes sure she gets). The vent just gives her extra pressure to open up her lower lobes which due to her disease progression collapse upon themselves through normal breathing. This was discovered after having been intabated over a dozen times in her life. Anyhow she's on a vent 24/7 and she lives at home w us it doesnt slow our family down we just needed to make adjustments in how we do things. Its easier to maintain her when she becomes sick which luckily she's been healthy since december of 06.

Spinal cord injury, C2-C3 Complete, Ventilator dependent 24/7, Have been vented for 17 years.