- post sugery voice problems

November 26, 2002

Hi, , and welcome to the group!

I don't know the numbers, but vocal cord injury is certainly not an uncommon

side effect from thyroid surgery. Based on what I've read on this list, it

seems to me that most people's voice

problems resolve themselves within a year or so, usually much sooner. There

are some members whose voices never quite returned to normal, and some have had

thyroplasty surgery, but it's WAY too

soon for you to be considering anything like that.

You should also be aware that being severely hypo also often effects the voice,

although what you describe definitely sounds like it's related to the surgery,

not being hypo. Hopefully by time

you're on meds, becoming increasingly less hypo, your vocal cords will have

returned to normal. It may also be helpful to consult with a voice

therapist, although I believe it's also too soon

for that, too. Unfortunately, patience is a most handy virtue when dealing

with the many aspects of thyroid surgery and cancer.

Good luck and please keep us posted -

-

NYC

if you want to read about other members' experiences, see

SURGICAL VOICE PROBLEMS

" Balogh, L " wrote:

> Hi,

>

> My name is I am new to the group. I had a TT on November 4th, the

> pathology was positive for papillary and there was papillary spinkled in the

> lymph nodes. I am scheduled for my first body scan on December 16th and

> will go off Cytomel on November 30th. I have read everyone's helpful input

> on what to expect from the scan. My question relates however to the

> surgery. My vocal chords traumatized in the surgery and are barely moving

> now, my voice sounds kinda like Betty Boop and I have trouble breathing

> when I exert myself. My surgeon at NYU did not mention any of this as a

> possible side effect to me but through talking to people I have learned that

> it is not that uncommon. Did this happen to any of you, how long did it

> take to get better? I am very distraught over this and need some hope from

> you all.

>

> Thanks,

>

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