Quote from: Renate on June 14, 2010, 04:53:27 AM
I've never heard of anybody getting an epidural, but spinal anesthetic is common.
(Spinal is a one-time shot, epidural they leave a tube in.)

Yes, they can just give you a local for a trach.

I'd recommend the spinal/local route.

It's not very arduous at all. Depending on the surgeon and your age they will either use
a scalpel, rongeurs (hand-held "nippers") or a burr (grinder).
Presuming that they don't attack it very aggressively you will probably forget that
they did it at all during your convalescent period.

Thanks Reynate--that's what I meant a spinal.  I kind of thought that they were one of the same.  I intend to go that route.  Did you have yours done?  Do you know how Dr Brassard performs his prcedure--with a burr or a scalpal?

Thanks

It depends somewhat on age.  At 20 that cartilege is like refrigerated butter.  It hardens as you age getting to be almost the same as bone.  (Mine should be like granite at this point. )  Dr. Bowers described it as using a chisel to shave it down.

- Kate