Navigating the Challenges of Self-Intubation
For several years, I have been plagued by repeated awakenings throughout the night. A persistent sensation of tightness in my throat often translates into significant yet sporadic trouble with breathing as I lie down or attempt to sleep. Previously, I would wake up feeling as though I were choking on my own throat, but ever since my tonsils were removed, the discomfort manifests more as an intense aching in my throat. I'm unsure of the exact mechanism causing my awakenings; lack of snoring suggests that something occasionally obstructs my airway enough to rouse me from sleep, albeit not to the point of snoring. A sleep study revealed that I fully awaken around 18 times over an average span of eight hours. The healthcare system has let me down. Over the past four to five years, I’ve consulted various doctors concerning this issue, two of which I have dedicated myself to seeking every possible treatment. My medical journey has included a tonsillectomy and styloidectomy, gastroscopy, and three nerve damping procedures targeting my laryngopharyngeal nerve. Additionally, I've undergone numerous tests, such as sleep studies, CT scans, MRIs, and have tried using a BiPAP machine and mouthguard, along with countless medications. I've seen specialists from ENT to gastroenterology, sleep medicine, allergy treatments, speech therapy, psychiatry, and possibly more that I can no longer recall in my sleepy state. Thousands of dollars and all my personal time have gone into seeking help, with little to show for it. It might not serve any purpose to critique the doctors or the healthcare system, but it’s fair to acknowledge that my hope for recovery has dwindled significantly. Unfortunately, the implications of my deteriorating condition could be dire. Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed a decline in my overall vitality. I am gradually losing the ability to create lasting memories, to engage in physical activities, to perform effectively in my career, and to nurture my friendships. At this point in my mid-20s, the loss of my physical autonomy is alarmingly painful. Given that I cannot rely on medical professionals to take necessary risks for my recovery, and considering I am facing a gradual, painful decline, I’ve resolved to find a solution on my own. In recent months, I have been exploring methods to facilitate air flow to my lungs even during sleep. One potential solution I've considered is self-intubation. The goal is to introduce a physical tube deep enough into my airway that my epiglottis cannot block airflow. Despite the risks associated with this approach, the reality of waking up multiple times each night has pushed me to take this calculated risk in search of relief. However, I wish to minimize potential harm as much as possible. My aim is recovery, not injury. While intubation carries inherent dangers, I believe there are ways to approach it more safely. If I go down this path, should I prefer nasal or oral intubation? What can I apply to a tube to ensure it causes less irritation to my larynx? How can I ensure proper insertion into the larynx instead of the esophagus? I have access to various sizes of non-toxic tubing, but is there a maximum size that guarantees it won’t fit? Regarding materials, is there a preferred composition for tubes? Additionally, what sets a nasal endoscope apart? I wonder if precise placement could allow a tube to navigate the vocal folds. Is there a significant risk of losing my voice should I need to insert a tube into my subglottis? What are the other potential damages that could occur either above or below the vocal folds?
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 9:01:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the immense challenges you've been facing with your health and the impact it's had on your life. It's understandable to feel frustrated and desperate for answers given your lengthy journey with persistent throat tightness and sleep disturbances. While I appreciate your resourcefulness in seeking solutions, self-intubation poses significant risks and is not advisable.
Main Points:
- Self-intubation is highly dangerous and carries risks of serious complications, including airway injury, infection, or improper placement leading to choking.
- Alternative non-invasive strategies may provide relief from your symptoms without incurring the risks associated with self-intubation.
- Continued consultation with specialists can be helpful, especially in finding potential underlying causes that may have been overlooked.
Explanation:
Self-intubation can lead to severe injuries, including physical damage to your throat, vocal cords, or airway. The risks involved far outweigh the potential benefits, especially when it comes to ensuring safe and effective breathing. Additionally, attempting to bypass your body’s natural defenses can lead to complications that could worsen your situation.
Given the experiences you've had with various treatments, it may feel disheartening, but there are key strategies to consider that can help improve your symptoms safely:
Priority Steps:
-
Seek Specialized Care: Find a specialist focused on sleep medicine and vocal physiology. A new perspective could offer insights into your breathing issues, especially since you've already tried many treatment avenues.
-
Consider Positional Therapy: Sleep positions can impact airway obstruction. Trying to sleep on your side or using specific pillows designed to support open airways could help.
-
Evaluate Environmental Factors: Allergies or irritants in your sleeping environment might be contributing to your throat tightness. Consider using air purifiers or hypoallergenic bedding to reduce irritants.
-
Hydration and Humidification: Staying well-hydrated may alleviate throat discomfort. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help ensure moisture in the air, which is beneficial for your throat.
-
Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate your throat tightness. Stress-reduction practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, or breathing exercises might be helpful.
-
Vocal Care Strategies: If you haven't already, consult a speech therapist who specializes in voice care. They may help with techniques to reduce strain on the vocal cords and improve your overall vocal function.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting occurrences, triggers, and intensity of your symptoms could help track progress and inform your healthcare provider about your situation.
It's essential to continue exploring possible underlying conditions clearly and methodically with healthcare professionals you trust. Your safety and well-being should be the priority, and there are ways to manage your symptoms without resorting to dangerous self-intervention techniques. If you have further questions, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Unexpected Tingling Sensation in My Left Hand and Mouth
Today was quite unusual for me, and I’m still trying to figure it all out (23F). While I was unloading groceries from my garage, I suddenly noticed an odd feeling in my left index finger—it almost felt numb. Initially confused, I began tapping my finger because this sensation was entirely new to me. I then moved to the sink to run warm water over it, hoping it might help. To my surprise, the tingling sensation spread throughout my entire left hand and into my forearm, although it didn't fully extend to my whole arm. I’m certainly no expert in medical conditions, but it seems like it might be related to some kind of nerve issue? Perhaps I twisted my wrist awkwardly while carrying one of the bags, and it decided to respond dramatically, haha. Additionally, I’m on birth control, and I have heard that blood clots can be a concern, with side effects varying from person to person. My physician once mentioned that tingling could also be a symptom and recommended that I keep active instead of being sedentary all day. I have previously felt tingling in my feet when I first started the medication, and recently, it seems to manifest more in my arms if I’ve been resting on them for extended periods. While I didn’t want to jump to conclusions and think it could be a stroke—since I didn’t experience the majority of the typical symptoms—I did find the sensation in my teeth to be peculiar and rather intriguing 😭.
Experiencing Full-Body Numbness
At just 14 years old and standing at 173 cm tall with a weight of 89 kg, I find myself without any ongoing health problems or medication. Despite this, I frequently encounter a disconcerting numbness throughout my body. This sensation, notably felt in areas such as my scalp and legs, leaves me feeling detached, as if the typical pleasant tingling or sensory feedback I usually experience is absent. It’s as though my body is not responding as it should, leading to a perplexing and unsettling feeling.
Worries About Laboratory Results
Hello all. I'm a 32-year-old male weighing approximately 210 pounds and standing at 5 feet 11 inches with a muscular physique. Lately, I've been experiencing severe constipation. On the same day I performed a colon cleanse, I also underwent some blood tests. The results were mostly normal, but my AST level was reported at 38, and my Ferritin level was at 391. In addition to the constipation issues, I’ve been dealing with migraines, nausea, and a lightheaded sensation. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this or what I should do next?
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to share something that occurred during my early teenage years, specifically when I was approximately 12 to 14 years old. I’m currently 25. (Female) To give you a brief overview, there was an incident when I was leaning down at my locker, and all of a sudden, my neck locked to one side. I was completely unable to move it back into its normal position, which caused me significant discomfort. My father decided it would be best to take me to a chiropractor, and while that did help somewhat, the pain was still quite severe. Additionally, I noticed a peculiar smell lingering for about a week post-visit. This episode repeated itself a few months later, with the same painful experience and that odd smell following the chiropractic adjustment. Since those occurrences, I've only encountered similar issues twice. On those occasions, instead of seeing a chiropractor, I opted for hospital treatment, where I received muscle relaxants that didn’t leave me with the strange odor or intense pain. However, I’ve been dealing with ongoing soreness in my right shoulder, and it seems to easily get strained. My head also tends to lean to one side quite noticeably. I’m curious to know what might have caused the neck stiffening, the severe pain, and that unusual smell following my chiropractic visits as a child. Could choosing chiropractic care over medical attention have led to any long-term repercussions?
Are Comprehensive Physical Examinations on the Decline?
Recently, I visited my primary care physician for my annual check-up. Upon arrival, the doctor briefly inquired about my health and conducted a quick assessment by listening to my heart and breathing. To my surprise, he concluded with a simple, "Everything looks good, see you next year!" What happened to the thorough physical examinations that once included a complete assessment, like the traditional checks of reflexes and other vital signs? This experience left me questioning the purpose of my primary care doctor. At 37 years of age, standing at 6 feet tall and residing in the United States, I find myself wondering if such brief consultations are becoming the norm. Why do we even maintain relationships with primary care physicians if such abbreviated visits are standard?