vocal chord paralysis

[allanna]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto`s  Thyroiditis last year and one month ago had a Thyroidectomy.

All polyps and my thyroids were removed and my biopsy was negative for cancer.

I have now severe problems with breathing and my vocal chords are so inflammed I have difficulty even walking upstairs.

Two specialists have suggested that due to the surgery ( 6 hours)  my vocal chords may be paralised but it is too early to tell at the moment.

If I stop breathing due to the closing of the chords I can be in serious trouble..

Has anybody been there and come through this???

Very worried, and scared at times.

Please help

Anna

[mimi02100]

A related discussion, Numerous vocal chord surgeries was started.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

the laryngoscopy should have shown movement abnormalities of the VCs that would have lead an ENT to be concerned about paralysis

[Morse1]

I had my vocal chords damaged during intubation (2.5 hr. surgery).  They kept telling me wait, it might be GERD, try this and that.  Well, almost 2 years of suffering with a voice that sometimes was there and sometimes wasn't.  It was very hoarse and I had trouble being heard.  Next week I undergo "Direct Laryngoscopy" to remove vocal chord lesions.  I have been told that I should have a 50% improvement in my voice and the lesions can come back.  I'm not a happy camper and I really don't enjoy the idea of having another surgery.  But I suggest the sooner you get it taken care of the better.

Morse

[allanna]

Many thanks for your reply .

The two specialists I have seen were both ENT and say I must wait at least three months to see if the nerve endings repair themselves.

BUT how do I know if my chords are paralyzed now?

Anna

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I would see an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist - particularly one with a subspecialty in voice.  If the vocal cords were paralyzed, you would know it by now - but there may have been some damage to the cords or the nerve leading to the cords.