Hi all, has anyone had experience with speach therapist, my surgeon has recommended that i see one

[Tatty10]

its 4 weeks after my tt and no improvement with my very weak hoarse voice just dont know what to expect

[sorrel89]

Hi Tatty, yes.... but I have not worked in the area of 'voice' for many years. It is great that you have been referred on. Quite often, after neck and particularly thyroid surgery there is significant swelling around the larynx and recurrent laryngeal nerve due to bruising/trauma. On rare occasions there may be damage to the nerve owing directly to the surgery. A Speech and Language therapist will assess your vocal range and quality, tone etc and diagnose a voice problem and will advise on strategies how to improve vocal quality and will help you to look after your voice, she may give you a block of voice therapy. However you must ensure that you are optimally medicated as this can also cause issues with voice quality. Quite often with bruising, it takes a while for everything to settle down and in the mean time, in order to 'protect' your voice you start using it in a different way this can also cause issues around misuse. Keep yourself hydrated with water, cut out mucous producing foods, use a bell to gain attention and have periods of total voice rest, avoid repetitive throat clearing...Do not strain your voice in order to be heard.....write things down instead...hoping that this appointment will come through soon as I am no expert in voice....take care

[Tatty10 in reply to sorrel89]

Hi sorrel89 thank you so much for your reply, and explaining everything, i am using my voice differently and it feels like i am straining to speak its very tempting to whisper will let you know how i get on.

linda x

[sorrel89]

You are very welcome....try not to whisper too as it can put a strain on other parts of the vocal mechanism...Try to relax and rest as much as possible with deep breathing and visualisation too...Good Luck Linda, yes please let me know how you get on X