Meet Dorenda

Dorenda is an energetic young woman who volunteers for FC Twente, a Dutch football club. She is a patient educator and provides lectures to medical staff. Dorenda also has a tracheostomy tube. In 2006, while she was a student, she underwent surgery for thyroid cancer at the Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam and required a tracheostomy.

What was the initial period after surgery like?

Mentally, it was a challenging time. I felt ’damaged’ with the tracheostomy and was worried about how people would react. Directly after the procedure, I was still in pain and unable to speak, which was very intense. Looking back, I believe the tracheostomy has brought many good things: I breathe better, get more oxygen, have more energy and my voice has improved.

What was the biggest challenge postsurgery?

I’m a very ’down-to-earth’ person and have a good sense of humor. I decided to be the first person in the room to comment on my situation and address it with humor. Nevertheless, I also experienced moments where I was on my own and struck by the situation. The mental acceptance of what happened was a challenge. All in all, it’s a roller coaster with ups and downs.

What advice would you give to someone with a new tracheostomy?

It’s okay to be shocked by what happened but do realize that good things will come. You’ll be able to breathe better, have more energy and be able to get more out of life. I use myself as an example: I became much more energetic after my recovery – I can climb the stairs without feeling out of breath and can go for bike rides.

If someone is hesitant to use HMEs, what would you say?

I’m the best and worst example for such people. I refused to use an HME for a long period. I thought it was too visible and couldn’t believe it would be better to use one.

But during the COVID pandemic, my Atos Medical Product Specialist convinced me to protect myself better by using an HME. Now I have experienced the difference myself. When I don’t use my HME I cough more, and the air feels dry and irritates my lungs. This has convinced me that HMEs have a good effect. Now, I feel confident in advising people who are hesitant to use them to give it a try so they can experience the benefits themselves.

How does Atos Medical support you?

I feel very supported by Atos Medical. When you are a patient for such a long time, it is generally expected that you take the initiative yourself to arrange things such as ordering products. But that’s not the way I function because I don’t want to have to think about everything myself. The regular contact with people from Atos Medical, the genuine interest and support in my situation with ordering and maintaining products works very well for me.

How would you describe your life now?

I’m happy I had the procedure because it changed my life. At that time, I was still a student. I finished my education but was not able to work. That did not stop me from taking up voluntary work at FC Twente, which is very rewarding. I also help my parents in their tattoo-shop. I can be myself and don’t feel the tracheostomy holds me back in achieving what I want to achieve.