Hi @neetneet, I'm tagging fellow members like @jeffk @deborahe @evamarie0077 @calenbd @karlm @sepdvm @clevyjam @hrhwilliam and @thomason who have dealt with trach removal and/or thick mucus secretions. They can share their tips and experiences.

Should you wish to inquire about getting an appointment at Mayo Clinic to help with decannulation of the trach, start here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

I'm sorry to hear about the stroke. What is helping to thin the secretions?

@neetneet, I too suffer with a lot of mucus, but mine is from radiation treatment. Then, the vocal cords paralyzed which trapped the mucus. The mucus being trapped, was a nightmare of hospitalizations, and constant antibiotic use. This is because the mucus caused aspiration-type lung infections. So, a few years ago I received a Tracheotomy. At age 64, it is the best thing that has happened to me! I can either suction the mucus out or remove the Trach Tube several times per day for cleaning. The preferred method for me is to remove the tube, wash it under hot water while scrubbing it out with wire brush (which comes with trach-cleaning kits), then rinse with hydrogen peroxide, then a final sterile water rinse. This has proved the best way to remove the mucus and is recommended by my ENT. This method also greatly reduces Granulation Tissue from building up, because you are keeping the area under the Trach-Tube well cleaned.
While your mucus issue is a mystery to me, maybe the above tips can help you live with the Tracheotomy. Having the Tracheotomy enables you to remove the excess mucus, so you may want to look at it in a life-saving light instead of a burden. Also, I do not, and have not worn the Inner-Cannula for two years. This helps me breathe much better. That piece is only there to catch mucus. As long as you keep it clean, the Inner Cannula piece only inhibits breathing fully. My ENT knows I do not insert that piece, and he is fine with it. Cleaning it out about four or five times per day, only takes about two minutes each time. I hardly notice that I have a Tracheotomy anymore! Best of wishes to you.

I have not had a trach, but my father did at the age of 75. We managed his trach at home with some additional home care. Secretions will be thicker when you are poorly hydrated. Lots of water intake is needed. My dad had a stomach tube also so we gave him water along with his nutrient solutions. Running an ultrasonic cool mist vaporizer in the room may also help to keep the room air more humidified. Good luck to you on getting the trach removed.