Posted 5/24/2013 5:05 AM (GMT -5)
Hi
I've just found this site while searching for information following my surgery 5 weeks. I was supposed to be having a total thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy but an hour before theatre, the surgeon informed me that I was having a left hemi thyroidectomy and the removal of lymph nodes! Total confusion for me as I'd only researched the first supposed op.
I'm making a good recovery and received the results last week. Thankfully, the tumour was benign.
My questions are:
1) In any reader's experience, when can I expect full recovery of my voice? My throat is still a little sore and lumpy and my voice is very weak. The surgeon last week tested my vocal chords (left ones are not functioning and right ones trying to compensate) and he is arranging speech therapy.
2) I returned to work this week (I'm a teacher in FE) on a phased return. My GP stated on my sick note that I shouldn't strain my voice. Difficult in my job! I've been teaching one class a day, but after reading about vocal nodules, am wondering if I should be teaching at all?? Also I've been in work about 6 hours so obviously having to talk to colleagues when not actually teaching.
I'm very concerned as I've not been given any significant guidance regarding the care of my voice eg should I not have tried to speak at all during the weeks after my op?
I'd be grateful to hear from anyone with experience of this kind of surgery.
Thanks for reading this.