Tiffany-
I briefly researched the trach plug when my daughter was diagnosed. I remember reading one blog where it did seem to help expand the lungs, however, I can't remember the website. I will post it if I find it again. My daughter was not really a candidate for it so I didn't research it too in depth. My daughter was treated successfully by Dr. Kays in
Gainesville, Florida at Shands Hospital and at the same time we were there, there was another baby who was missing 85% of her diaphragm (her whole left side plus most of her right side!)! She survived and went home around the same time as us a healthy baby! Her blog is at www.oliviashope.org. If you are interested, you can e-mail Dr. Kays from the website realhopeforcdh.com (the link is on the left side of the page). Dr. Kays has a 92% survival rate for babies born at Shands and I cannot say enough good things about him and the care we received at Shands! I believe there are also great surgeons at USCF, Children's Hospital Cincinnati, Children's Hopsital of Boston, Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, and Duke. Just don't give up hope and find the best care you can in the place where you are most comfortable with the program!