I had my oesophagectomy 18 months ago, and have lost the strength to my voice only in the last 2 months or so. Anyone else had this problem?

[Stan]

[Biggles]

I have the same problem I had my op two years ago, its raspy or sometimes squeaky, I have to talk to people alot and sometimes it goes altogether which i find quite embarrasing.

[Hidden]

Yes, I had a similar problem (but I have not had an oesophagectomy as such). In the end I went to a voice coach / speech therapist person who pointed out that I was not breathing properly. When you breathe in, your stomach should move out, and vice versa. I think with various bouts of lung trouble connected to the ruptured oesophagus / surgery I was only breathing from the top of my lungs, and not using my chest/stomach fully (because it made me cough). So that results in straining the voice, and then the vocal cords get strained, and sometimes give out. You are meant to use your diaphragm normally, and this is going to me more difficult.

Speaking loudly (eg in the pub) using just your voice box puts a lot of strain in to the system. I remember one person telling me that she thought that there was an 'oesopaghectomy buzz' with some people's voices.

There are exercises you can do (like calling out the months of the year whilst yawning) that actors might do to warm their voice up. This sort of thing tends to exercise the lower part of the throat / voice box, and if this can be exercised and used fully, your voice becomes stronger and you don't have to strain so much. For some this will mean it starts to get near the site of the operation, so it might be a bit more difficult.

Sip water, and try not to cough to clear your throat. Try swallowing instead. I think lack of saliva might also contribute. Try and make sure there is no undue tension in your neck muscles.

I did have a booklet about it at one stage, passed it on to somebody else and have now lost it. This is as much as I can remember, but there are voice strengthening tips around.

I do not think you are alone!

[Hidden]

Hi Biggles, after the op my voice was very weak & talking maid me tired, but as time goes on it does get stronger, im almost 4 years post op & every now & again i still suffer from a weak voice,

All the best Peter.

[Stan]

Thanks all so much, will definitely try the exercises, will let you know if things improve.

Many thanks Stan

[VerenaSmith]

Hi, I lost my voice completely after surgery for a while and I lost a vocal chord during the process. I find that my voice fades when I get physically tired and it doesn't get much excercise as I live alone, my GP recommended only this week that I should sing along to the radio, especially as there is no one to hear me! I think it is a question of making a concerted effort to excercise your voice at every opportunity and give in to it when you are physically tired. Hope this helps. Verena.

[racy]

following my oesophagectony and the tubes in my neck my voice has become husky. iquite like it.