Recovery from Laryngectomy: What to expect after discharge?

Hello Steve and welcome to Connect. When I typed laryngectomy into the search bubble at the top of the page I found several old and newer discussions about this. I am no help personally as I have not had that surgery. Try a search and see what others have posted in previous discussions. Have you asked your medical team about expectations for recovery and the various complications to watch out for? My experience with my surgery has been that I wished I had asked more questions.

Here are a few of the conversations that may be helpful:
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/complete-laryngectomy/

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/989968/

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lymphedema-in-the-neck/

@sepdvm Thank you for the tips. I followed up and found some useful information.

@steveeschack, thinking of you. I expect that you have had the laryngectomy and are still in hospital. I’m tagging fellow members like @roblem @skip0716 @hrhwilliam and others to share their tips upon returning home after discharge.

I look forward to hearing your update when you’re able.

Thanks Colleen. I am still in the ICU. The surgeon said the procedure went well. He had to take a part of my tongue but by no means all of it. So I should be able to make use of what’s left. He also rebuilt my esophagus, which had been completely closed off. I may be able to drink liquids again and perhaps even eat soft foods. This would be a relief after a year of complete dependence on a g-tube.

When I had a partial glossectomy, my medical team connected me with two other patients of theirs who had the same surgery as me and I got to speak with both of them personally before my surgery. See if your doctors can do this for you. It was very helpful and eased my fears substantially.