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Fundoplication operation and voice changes?

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Posted 1/25/2015 4:09 PM (GMT -5)
Hi There!
This is a question for all you people who have had a fundoplication operation - which I am having in a few weeks time. Does it change your voice in any way? The reason I ask - I sing a lot - and wondered if this would be affected. As it is at the moment - the hiatus hernia/ reflux have made it less easy for me to hold notes - and if I eat trigger foods - my throat would go hoarse in any case - so I will still go ahead with op - but just wonder if things will get better?
Posted 1/25/2015 10:33 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Sweetie.

Not as a doctor, but you might expect some temporary voice change from post-surgical swelling, anesthesia, pain meds, lots of little things. But they should all clear up.

What sort of trigger foods give you problems? I have sensitivities, sometimes termed allergies, to certain foods, but my reaction is usually tachycardia. Reactions to trigger foods won't change. There are tons of old threads about food sensitivities, keeping a food journal, etc. check the search box at the top of the page.

Best wishes!
Posted 1/26/2015 9:58 AM (GMT -5)

Sweetie UK said...
Hi There!
This is a question for all you people who have had a fundoplication operation - which I am having in a few weeks time. Does it change your voice in any way? The reason I ask - I sing a lot - and wondered if this would be affected. As it is at the moment - the hiatus hernia/ reflux have made it less easy for me to hold notes - and if I eat trigger foods - my throat would go hoarse in any case - so I will still go ahead with op - but just wonder if things will get better?

Mine didn't change my voice, except possibly to make me sound more tired and depressed :), but it hit my breathing hard.

There was no difference day to day, but I could not inhale deeply for well over 10 months and the moment I got out of breath my chest would go into spasm. Even now (14 months) I still have problems but at least I can run again.
Posted 1/26/2015 3:01 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for your replies
Alcie -I had an op a few years ago - so I know it takes a couple of months to get over the anesthetics / throat issues. I was just worried due to the location of the work they are doing this time!
I don't seem to have any food allergies, and My triggers are wide and varied - I have cut out all the known triggers for reflux - but some of my favourtie foods are off limits - lamb, olives, tomatoes, red wine - all super acid makers!. I remember doing my 24 hour ph test - and being told to eat trigger foods - one lamb dinner later with one glass of red wine = a night of hell!
Funnily enough a couple of years ago at a works do, with alcohol flowing, and music playing - my voice just got more sore as the night went on. I thought I was starting with a cold! I had no idea it was my reflux at the time. Without any medication I reflux on just about everything!

Idrunner I will be patient! I know the road won't be easy - but it is a relief to know that with time things should be better. If it takes a year /14 months before I get a good breath again - then that's OK. I just love singing :-)
Posted 1/26/2015 7:23 PM (GMT -5)
Sweetie UK

I'm a singer also and was wondering about this myself. I can tell you my voice is the same after I healed. Yeah the breathing tube and such irritates things for a while, but it goes away.

I even asked people who heard me before surgery if it had changed they said nope. I've had 3 fundos and also a torn esophagus that required an esophagus stent for over a month and no change.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 1/27/2015 2:26 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks a lot Bill! You have put my mind at ease! I can't imagine a life without music and singing. I think I love it more than eating and drinking :-)
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