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vocal cord problems after anterior cervical fusion

I had an anterior cervical fusion two level c5-c7 on March 19th 2008.  I still cannot speak.  I understood I might have problems the first few weeks but this seems to be going on a long time and getting worse.  Now I am having difficulty breathing.  I am scheduled to have pulmonary function testing tomorrow.  I am really scared.  It's not bad enough living in constant pain (have lumbar issues also) neurologist will not even look at lower back issues until cervical fusion surgery is further along in the healing process.  Not only am I scared but I feel so alone.  My husband is very supportive but I had no idea how not talking affects your life.  I can't even pick up a phone to call my father or children.  Sounds like I am having a pity party.  I don't want to sound that way and apologize if thats how it sounds.  If anyone has suffered similar problems please let me know.  I just thought about joining a support group online yesterday.  Wish I had done so a long time ago.  I know there are so many of us suffering with constant pain.
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Avatar universal
Hello Janny21.  I had the neck surgery in November.  I was doing very well, and seemed to be progressing right along.  I am 10 weeks post op.  Last week, I noticed my voice was changing.  It sounded very horse.  As the week has progressed, I can barely get a full sentence out.  It's very strained.  I have called my surgeon to see if it could be related to my surgery, or do I need to go to my regular Doctor.  I am waiting for a call back.
I would like to know what you found out about your situation.  I am growing more concerned as time goes on and I am not getting better in fact it's getting worse.
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My husband had a cervical fusion in 2011 has a hard time breathing has paralyzed vocal chords and when he takes his pills they often get stuck and he try's to cough them up.  He actually died the day after the surgery and they paddled him back.  Email me anytime at ***@****
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Avatar universal
I had a cervical fusion to my neck in 2004. I lost my voice and my doctor kept telling me that it would come back. It never came back and I got worse. I had difficulty talking and breathing. I went to see a Otolaryngology and found out that my vocal cord was paralyzed. I had surgery in 2006 to repair the vocal cord and I was fine. On 5/11/09 my voice went out again and I'm back where I started. I have an appointment on 5/22/09 to see the Otolaryngology and I hope he have good news to tell me. Don't worry about the pity party. It's only human of you and you have the right to be concerned. You don't owe an apology to anyone. It's not something that you did to someone. It's about what has been done to you. When people call me on the phone they ask, are you sleep? That is because of my voice. My advice is to seek legal advice while you are working on healing yourself. I waited to late and if I can help someone else along the way, I will do that.
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Avatar universal
Maggie, thank you so much for responding to my post.  I too am very concerned at this point about my voice.  One of my dr's said it can take up to six months.  But when I saw him last week he sent me for a pulmonary function test today to check for airway obstruction.  He said I may have scarring which may have to be surgically removed.  I have to see an ENT dr.  I do not see my neurosurgeon again until August.  He seemed somewhat concerned when I saw him the end of May but he more concerned about my slow healing from surgery and the fact that I can barely walk.  I also have lumbar issues.  I will post the outcome of my test today when I find out.
I have definately learned something from this and I must say my heart goes out to those who cannot speak or hear.  It becomea  very lonely.  It is almost like no one wants to talk to you because they don't want you to try to talk.  I can whisper somewhat but as you mentioned Maggie my throat starts to feel as though it is closing up and no one can hear me anyway.  Thank you for your prayers Maggie.  I will include you in mine also.
Jan
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Avatar universal
I had a C5-6 fusion last summer. I still get hoarse if I'm talking too much. And I used to love to sing, did a lot of C& W Karoke. And I was told I was good at it I loved it and it was a lot of fun. Now when I try to sing, I'm in a lower range, way lower than most women, and if I sing more than 3-4 verses of a song, my throat starts feeling like it's closing up, and hurts.  That said, If you can't talk this long time later, it's time to see a Specialist NOW. What has your surgeon said? This is not normal, and should be addressed immediately. Please  take this seriously. Your surgeon may have cut through a vocal cord or damaged it in some way. You need to find out the cause, and if it can be helped.

I too still suffer from pain. The problems at C5-6 where the fusion was done is fine, but have lots of other spinal issues.  Please let us know what you find out. Good luck and prayers.

Maggie
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Avatar universal
So sorry you are dealing with constant pain also.  Angel remember when deciding whether to have your surgery or not each case is very individual.  It was so very nice hearing from you.  I just hope any comments I made do not negatively affect your decision.  Although it does sound like you have done much research as I did before having my cervical fusion.  I think one must be realistic when dealing with problems such as ours and know that we may not ever be pain free.  At least that is what my pain mgmt dr has told me.  I wish you the best and hope whatever you decide works out for you.  I thought my lower back problems were bad but when you have neck issues I am not sure which one is worse.  Hoping we may all have pain free days
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Avatar universal
So sorry to hear of your problem. I have read however, that this should be temporary and if it does not resolve you should seek specialist help. I am in constant pain with prolapse at C6/7 and have been offered surgery. Your comments will undoubtedly help me with my descision  on whether to proceed with the surgery and I thank you for that. Good luck and dont give up, all sorts of problems can be sorted as long as you dont give up.
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