Speech Impairment

[FFVern]

Hi folks,
I had a Bryan's Disk replacement between C 6&7 a week and a half ago.  The pain that was in my shoulder, arm and hand is gone.  Presto, just like magic.  Pretty happy about that.I still have some tenderness in my neck but minimal for what was done inside.  After the first few days of not being able to swallow, I am now happy to say that I can eat pretty much anything.  Two problems, one minor, one I don't know.  First, I have what seems to be heart burn right up in the center of my chest under my neck.  Has anyone else out there felt this?  Is it normal?  Second issue, my voice.  I figure my Doctor has done a pretty good job so far.  Pretty happy.  I just can't talk right yet.  I am very hoarse and at the end of the day I can't seem to muster much sound at all.  Feels like I am trying to create sound out of a neck that feels wider then normal.  Kind of run out of air.  Has anyone else experianced this and if so how long did it last?  Getting a little worried as I am a firefighter who needs to be able to talk on a radio as part of my job. Thanks for any input.

[terri1234]

I had anterior fusion C-4 to C-7 and I felt the same way about my voice.  But before the operation I also felt weak there.  But I am happy to say I think at least that part is getting better.  My operation was Jan 31st of 2008, so its been about 5 months and I'm just noticing I can hum and talk a little louder.  

[FFVern]

Hope the statement, " Time heals all wound." is a true one.  I guess a person should be more patient and allow more time before thoughts of the worse case scenario creeps into one's mind.  I have a company as well and yesterday I had to meet with a bunch of clients.  They were certainly polite, but you could'nt help but notice their shock when they heard my raspy attempt at speech.  I've started using my blackberry a whole lot more to communicate.  I guess one should introduce as much humor as possible and stay positive.  God, it has only been a couple of weeks for me, you are definitely going to need some humor and positive thoughts.  Medicine is an amazing thing!  I used to rodeo so I've been down the surgery road before, and everything has turned out pretty good.  This time I am finding it a little different as we are not dealing with a leg or an arm.  Problems could tend to be a little more serious this time around.  Well Janny, thanks again for dropping me aline.  Take good care,
Vern

[janny21]

I can whisper but it is very light and strained.  I had anterior cervical fusion c5-6,c6-7.  Sometimes it feels as though I am strangling (sp?)  Good luck to you.  It is very hard to be patient isn't it?  I am a vp of a company and deal with people.  Very hard to do when you can't talk.  I have tried to return to work a few times but pain has been too much so have had to take vacation days. I hope things look upward for us very soon.
Take care

[FFVern]

Thanks for your kind words of wisdom.  I guess patience is in order.  Just out of curiosity, are you able to talk at all?  I can, just sound like wolf man jack.  I too seem to lose my voice near the end of the day.  I can talk with someone in close quarters at this point.  You take care, good luck and thanks for dropping me a line.

ps.
What disk did you have replaced?

[janny21]

I posted a comment regarding my vocal cord issues.  My surgery was March 19th and still cannot speak.  I had pulmonary testing today.  The neurosurgeon said it does take time.  My pain mgmt dr also said it can take a long time.  However, I am very concerned.  I think three months is way too long to be without a voice.  Since your surgery was only a week and a half ago I would give it a little more time.  Apparently they move your voice box and there is swelling from surgery so I would say you are probably right on schedule.  I spoke to a woman today who had neck surgery approx. one year ago and she said she still gets hoarse by the end of the day.  I do hope all goes wel for you.