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Paralyzed Left Vocal Cord
Last November 2024, imaging prior to cervical spine surgery showed that I had a paralyzed left vocal cord. Unfortunately, this required my orthopedic surgeon to go in back of neck posterior instead of anterior front of neck. Very painful recovery. Still not fully recovered 9 months later.
I had an ENT Throat specialist do the filler injection in the paralyzed left vocal cord in January 2025. Voice was okay in about 2 days and improved over the next few days. When I had a follow-up in March 2025, the ENT Throat specialist recommended an additional injection. I consented, but unfortunately, I do not think my throat was adequately numbed and I had a really bad gag reflex while all the instruments were in my throat. I never followed up with this ENT specialist, but I was unable to speak for a few weeks, and I have been experiencing a sore raw feeling with my right vocal cord.
Has anyone experienced a paralyzed vocal cord? Was there a reason that caused it? If yes, how has your remaining good vocal cord felt over time?
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Hello, @dstone501957
After radiation for a cancerous throat tumor, plus having severe coughing with COVID during that radiation, both my VCs paralyzed. Not being able to breathe fully was the first symptom. As it worsened, it felt like I was drowning. I could not even bend down to pick a dandelion without feeling as if I was dying. This went on for approximately one year. The only thing that got me through until tracheotomy surgery was a Primatene Mist OTC inhaler, and a high concentration saline nebulizer.
Although two doctors suggested a tracheotomy, I was hesitant and defiant! In my mind, how could I eat, drink, and talk if my VCs were paralyzed? Obviously, being in denial was just a way to put off the inevitable—having a trach tube installed! Thankfully, the severe mucus from radiation treatment is now easily coughed/suctioned out. Before the surgery, it was trapped, which caused me to have one lung infection after another. That resulted in antibiotic use for a full year!
Our situations are different because you have the ability for surgical procedures in an attempt to get the paralyzed VC or VCs working again. Unfortunately, radiated tissue can necrose if it is disturbed...at least that is what they say. Before knowing this, I had examined all the different methods utilized to help a person with paralyzed VCs. Fortunately, the tracheotomy is the best thing to ever happen for me. I can breathe easily—thank God—and yell loudly if needed, like calling our dog BooBoo to get in the house!
My trusted ENT told me that after one year, if the VCs did not start moving, they probably never would. Every six months to a year now, I get scoped. Usually, I would ask him if the VCs were moving any better. That is a question no longer asked because I have accepted that the cords will be frozen for the remainder of my life. I am a 66-year-old woman now, so...Please get several opinions and go to several different doctors if it is possible. Most importantly, advocate for yourself. Google everything and ask AI questions. As for me, I believe that prayer guided me through this treacherous journey by directing me to a trusted ENT and diagnosis. Best wishes to you.