Vocal Chord Paralysis

[paula4057]

I have had left Vocal Chord Paralysis for 16 months now and have just been told by my speech therapist it is highly unlikely to come back.  I am now waiting to see the specialist in June where she said he will discuss surgery...
Does anyone know what surgery it would be or have had it done and how effective it is?
I am desperate to be able to talk again ~ thanks  

[lukesmom653]

Paula, there is a surgery your ENT can perform where they put a small silicone implant into the cord, making the cords meet in the middle. It also helps prevent strangling on liquids. I am wanting to have it done, but have a teenager in the house with problems, and this has taken all my time and energy. I want my voice back, too!!!!! Desperately! I was hoping to have it done this summer, but my teen has had his own problems. I'll let you know if/when I have it. Btw, I had collagen injections which did very little to help, and it was temporary. A big let down.

[lukesmom653]

My right vocal cord is paralyzed since May, and I am very unhappy about it. It happened after a thyroidectomy. I cannot talk without a rasp, and not very loudly at all. I lost my job because I had to be on the phone a lot. Anyway, I had one of the surgeries that is supposed to help, however, IT DID NOT HELP ME MUCH. I was put to sleep, and the dr injected a collagen like material into the paralyzed cord to try to get them to meet. Well, it helped my swallowing but did not help my speech at all. In fact, it is probably worse. I have experienced a lot of depression over this. It has changed my life for the worse. I hate to sound like a baby, but my voice was a big part of my life. I am going to see another doctor soon. I cannot go on like this. But, that is probably the first surgery they will discuss, because it is the easiest. It DID NOT HELP ME! And I was so hopeful. Feel free to get back to me. I really need this support groups.