My Experience with Vocal Cord Paralysis and Tracheotomy
Dear @perfectpitch,
Hello. I’m writing to share my journey, as it might offer some perspective on your situation.
Due to both radiation and COVID, I developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. I suffered severely from constant trapped mucus and, after a year on antibiotics and many hospital admissions, I ultimately chose to have a tracheotomy. I barely made it to the surgery date, but I am now living a full life.
I know the idea of a trach tube sounds scary, but I no longer even realize mine is there. The tube allows the mucus to be readily coughed out, which is a major benefit. Mucus or other substances entering the lungs can lead to serious lung infections and worse.
Important Note on Treatment
If you have not had radiation exposure, please know that there are many new techniques available to help people with paralyzed vocal cords. Unfortunately, these corrective procedures often cannot be performed on radiated tissue.
Best wishes for finding a solution that works for you!