@roblem,
A Journey of Resilience
It is no problem! I should use the therapy, but I do not. Some days I have trouble swallowing more than others, and it might still help. My vocal cords were paralyzed from radiation and having severe Covid twice—once specifically during my head-mask radiation treatments.

Trying to hold back coughs and remain still during those sessions was an exercise in doing the impossible. Although my functions returned after approximately one year, air intake became increasingly difficult. As that progressed, it felt as if I were drowning. Just bending over to pick a dandelion (which are nutritious and tasty!) would send me near death's door. The tracheotomy surgery couldn’t have come soon enough.

The Swallowing Incident
Even with the surgery, swallowing remains difficult. A few months ago, I was eating oatmeal when it became completely stuck. Usually, a big gulp of water helps, or I have to bring a bit of the food back up to try a smaller bite.

This time, the food was further down and hit a "wall"—even water would not pass. I remember thinking, "How can I be choking on food, yet still breathe?" It took many head turns and deliberate gagging to finally dislodge it.

An Unexpected Discovery
After that incident, I researched how it’s possible to choke while still breathing. The answer was shocking: Because of the tracheotomy, it is almost impossible to choke to death. At 66 years old, I am still learning! While I was fascinated, the incident gave my husband a severe panic attack; I felt so bad for him.

The Power of Red-Light Therapy
I still firmly believe the red-light therapy helped a great deal. My ENT always remarks during my periodic scopings that it is a miracle my voice has not changed at all. You would think that paralyzed vocal cords would prevent a person from eating, drinking, or speaking entirely!

A Call for Research
As the moderator wrote, doctors need to do more research on this therapy, especially for people like us. Although our lives were gratefully spared, the treatments leave behind residual damage. If there is a way to lessen that damage, it needs to be promoted.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions, and please document your own journey! As for me, I can't wait for Spring to get back into my huge garden and start push-mowing the lawn again! The tracheotomy is the best thing that ever happened to me.