Connect
Vocal cord paralysis post total Thyroidectomy
Hello, I had a total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection on April 13. My thyroid was stuck to everything so I ended up with nerve damage and right vocal cord paralysis. Has anyone else had this problem? How long did it take to heal? I did have it injected with prolaryn gel a couple of days ago but I am still having difficulty breathing and feel like there is something in my throat all of the time. My voice is louder and I think my swallowing is better but I can’t stand the need to constantly try and swallow something in my throat and the difficulty breathing especially with talking, with all the complications I have had I am just about at my wits end and I feel myself getting depressed again, thanks for your help
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Thyroid Cancer Support Group.
Connect
You’re very very welcome I hope you feel better and better each and every day!!!
@kmlnj me too . Iv had 3 surgical procedures to correct my dead vocal cord but none have corrected it
@joseph1952
Have you been evaluated by a Speech and Language Pathologist? They can evaluate your vocal folds and might be able to help come up with a plan that will help….this is what they do!! You should definitely get a referral to an SLP who specializes in voice disorders…..in my opinion, an SLP who works with cancer patients at the hospital might be a good place to look; or a therapist who specializes in voice therapy for people with Parkinson’s might also be a good place to go. The field of Speech Pathology is very broad, so you might want to look for a therapist who has their primary focus on voice disorders for head and neck cancer, in stead of a therapist who has the occasional voice patient.
The SLP might be able to recommend exercises and non invasive strategies to build your voice. If one of your vocal folds is paralyzed, the SLP might suggest injections to “plump up” the other vocal fold so it will meet the paralyzed one to enable you to produce a voice.
Please don’t lose hope! But, please consider going to a Speech and Language Pathologist who specializes in voice disorders for an assessment…..this is their specialty!! The surgical procedures that you had could also be causing additional swelling, which could make the voice issue temporary….the SLP could help determine if that is also a factor.
Good luck!!
@joseph1952 After my cancer surgery many many years ago I had one vocal cord that was paralyzed. My ENT said if it doesn’t come back in six months it will never come back. Well six months later my vocal cord just got better you never now don’t give up hope all of the comments people have made were absolutely excellent .each case is so so different try them you never know what is gonna work for you because we are all completely different!!! The best of luck to you going forward!!! don’t give up hope.
@joseph1952
Yes iv been to vanderbuilt in nashville . Its been awhile th e y sent me to Baton Rouge whaere one of their doctors had set up shop . He is the one who did the 3 surgeries . Iv had botox treatments they dont last
The first surgery was 3 hours still awake just sedated so i could talk during it to get the best sound , but i was too swollen to get ot tied down correctly . The next 2 times affected chord was beefed up but still no volumn .