Sqad Question!

[Scarlett]

I had the operation mentioned yesterday which was a microlaryngoscopy and biopsy on my left vocal cord which could have been a cyst but afterwards the surgeon said it was fatty deposit and nothing to be concerned with. It was only yesterday I had it done but am concerned at how hoarse and whispery my voice is. I need it to come back, and I am resting it by not speaking etc. But what do you think is a reasonable time to wait before being concerned? I thought the lumpy things were right at the base of my cords, not the bits that vibrate together, so it has surprised me how I have no voice other than a whisper. I also phlegm when I cough and my jaw hurts when I open it, I guess from the camera and tube etc. Thanks!

[Sqad]

The jaw hurts because the laryngoscope is held in by a clamp which keeps the jaw open and this is usually in place for about 45mins at least.
Take ibuprofen if the pain is that bad, but it will go within a week.

As far as the voice is concerned, the hoarseness is quite normal and may take up to 3 months to return to normal.
Some surgeons say, do not speak for a week but other surgeons say speak normally but don't shout or whisper. I favour the latter.

Good news about the biopsy.

[Scarlett]

Three months! Wow, long time. I have no singing to do until the middle of January so hope it will come back for then. It's a big worry when your voice is your job :/ But yes, hope the biopsy is okay, but won't know for sure until the results come back I guess?

[Sqad]

Singing?..Middle of January? That is pushing it.

[Mamyalynne]

Don't they give Post - Op advice on discharge any more ?? It would surely cut back of the number of patients returning with further problems ( across all departments).

[Scarlett]

No they have not really advised me. I asked the surgeon when my voice would come back and he said within a few days. Online wherever I look it says NO speaking for 7 days at all, very quiet and infrequent after that etc. I could really do with some proper advice!!

[Mamyalynne]

Contact the Hospital and ask then to double check for you. I must add I am not calling Sqad's expertise into question as this is his field.