banjo123
12-08-2004, 06:32 PM
I just had a C5 C6 discectomy and fusion two weeks ago. I am very grateful that all went well but I have noticed that my singing voice has suffered substantially. Prior to the surgery, I was a tenor that could sing up to an A with ease but now I am having trouble with any upper range.
The first week was difficult to just swallow so I have not even tried singing until just lately. Has anyone out there had similar experience with this surgery?
Any feedback is appreciated,
Banjo123
The first week was difficult to just swallow so I have not even tried singing until just lately. Has anyone out there had similar experience with this surgery?
Any feedback is appreciated,
Banjo123
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LEONDAS
12-08-2004, 09:53 PM
I noticed a difficulty in singing in church after my acdf, but didn't give much thought to it. I just thought that the songs had a range that I couldn't handle. But it was a strange sensation at the time even though I'm an amateur at singing. Tom
dennisgb
12-09-2004, 11:48 AM
Banjo,
How long has it been since your surgery?
I am a singer also. I sang professionally for many years, now I just run a karaoke/dj show.
I was told this could be a problem prior to surgery. I told my surgeon, that if he messed my voice up, to make me sound like Joe Cocker ;) He remembered this the day of the surgery, and said to me just prior to going under "Joe Cocker" and gave me a thumbs up.
Anyway, my voice was pretty bad for the first few weeks, and I didn't sing. My wife ran my shows for me. After about a month I tried to sing, but after a song could tell that things were still not right. I then started only doing "easy" songs for the next few weeks. My voice felt fine, but when I pressed, it wouldn't repond completely. After a song you could feel it wasn't right.
I think after about 8 weeks my voice came back and was normal.
Hope that helps.
Dennis
How long has it been since your surgery?
I am a singer also. I sang professionally for many years, now I just run a karaoke/dj show.
I was told this could be a problem prior to surgery. I told my surgeon, that if he messed my voice up, to make me sound like Joe Cocker ;) He remembered this the day of the surgery, and said to me just prior to going under "Joe Cocker" and gave me a thumbs up.
Anyway, my voice was pretty bad for the first few weeks, and I didn't sing. My wife ran my shows for me. After about a month I tried to sing, but after a song could tell that things were still not right. I then started only doing "easy" songs for the next few weeks. My voice felt fine, but when I pressed, it wouldn't repond completely. After a song you could feel it wasn't right.
I think after about 8 weeks my voice came back and was normal.
Hope that helps.
Dennis
banjo123
12-09-2004, 04:15 PM
It has been two weeks since my surgery. I have tried singing just a little and found that my upper range is very limited. I have sung professionally for a number of years and just started working with my familiy's bluegrass group.
I have been concerned that I may not be able to sing that way I used to.
I really appreciate your email. It gives me hope.
thank you,
Dan
I have been concerned that I may not be able to sing that way I used to.
I really appreciate your email. It gives me hope.
thank you,
Dan
dennisgb
12-09-2004, 04:50 PM
Banjo,
You do know that they move your throat out of the way during the surgery?
It will be aggravated for a while. I sounded like kermit the frog for about a week.
It was hard for me to hit upper range and falsetto. I had trouble also because the hard collar pressed on my throat when I tried to sing.
You will notice it get better in a few weeks.
Don't push it...you could damage your vocal cords.
Dennis
You do know that they move your throat out of the way during the surgery?
It will be aggravated for a while. I sounded like kermit the frog for about a week.
It was hard for me to hit upper range and falsetto. I had trouble also because the hard collar pressed on my throat when I tried to sing.
You will notice it get better in a few weeks.
Don't push it...you could damage your vocal cords.
Dennis
thecraw
12-09-2004, 05:18 PM
HI Banjo,
I am definetly not a singer but would love to be !
As Dennis said your vocal cords are moved to the side during surgery. Everyone appears to be different but some form of temporary disruption in the vocal cords is 100% normal.
In fact after about 2 weeks I thought I was the lucky one as I hadnt had any. Then out of the blue I woke up and could hardly talk for 4 days. The swelling seems to stay around for some time. I am 5 weeks post op and my voice now is ok but I do have a feeling of 'something in my throat' at the moment. This again appears totally normal.
Just like we are told to rest our neck and let our bodies heal I would say for you as a singer it would be important to rest your voice.
I should listen to my own advice sometime but rest rest rest, its one of the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Cheers, Paul
I am definetly not a singer but would love to be !
As Dennis said your vocal cords are moved to the side during surgery. Everyone appears to be different but some form of temporary disruption in the vocal cords is 100% normal.
In fact after about 2 weeks I thought I was the lucky one as I hadnt had any. Then out of the blue I woke up and could hardly talk for 4 days. The swelling seems to stay around for some time. I am 5 weeks post op and my voice now is ok but I do have a feeling of 'something in my throat' at the moment. This again appears totally normal.
Just like we are told to rest our neck and let our bodies heal I would say for you as a singer it would be important to rest your voice.
I should listen to my own advice sometime but rest rest rest, its one of the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Cheers, Paul
TropicalFox
12-12-2004, 06:06 PM
Banjo...
I had a 4 level ACDF with Corpectomy and donor bone 3/28/03, 20 months ago...
Prior to surgery I had a 3 1/2 octave range singing soprano in my church and at home for my children and grandchildren...
I still can't sing...
Investigating online about my post-op condition, I've come across several studies done on the subject with the end results beng that most patients recover their voices completely by the 15th month, but the recovery peirod is set at 24 months... after that you can assume you won't get it back naturally and medical or surgical interventions will have to be the way to go...
Vocal Cord Paralysis, according to these studies and the data on ACDF's, happens to between 1 and 2 percent of the patients... sometimes it's both sides, most of the time it's one side, and with time the other side will learn to compensate for the paralyzed side... that's why the 24 months is given for the patient to recover...
I have not lost hope for my singing or my faith that it will come back on its own... but I realize that if I don't, I will have several options to remedy it, even if it doesn't give me back my range...
There was a miracle in my life in March of this year... I automatically started singing along with a TV program when I finally realized that I was actually singing!!!
It hasn't happened again since, but I choose to look at this as a gift from God to tell me that it's possible, and not to lose hope...
My foghorn voice was terrible immediately after surgery and it is now much clearer... I can sing a little bit in a very low range but it's very hard to get my voice out... it feels like something is stuck in my throat that won't let the air get past the vocal cords right... my face gets red, and it wears me out just to sing a few lines... but it's major improvement from when I left the hospital!!!
The reality is that even though singing has been a part of my life from the time I was a toddler, an essential part of who I am, I would do it again in a heartbeat because I have recovered completely from my surgery with no pre-op symptoms at all...
I can caress my husband's face and my children & grandchildren's too... something I longed to do but couldn't because I had no feeling in my hands and couldn't even hold my youngest granddaughter unless sitting down and with someone close by to make sure I didn't drop her...
If I never get my voice back, I will sing in my mind and heart, and thank God for the life I still have left...
Hugs and God bless
Sandra
I had a 4 level ACDF with Corpectomy and donor bone 3/28/03, 20 months ago...
Prior to surgery I had a 3 1/2 octave range singing soprano in my church and at home for my children and grandchildren...
I still can't sing...
Investigating online about my post-op condition, I've come across several studies done on the subject with the end results beng that most patients recover their voices completely by the 15th month, but the recovery peirod is set at 24 months... after that you can assume you won't get it back naturally and medical or surgical interventions will have to be the way to go...
Vocal Cord Paralysis, according to these studies and the data on ACDF's, happens to between 1 and 2 percent of the patients... sometimes it's both sides, most of the time it's one side, and with time the other side will learn to compensate for the paralyzed side... that's why the 24 months is given for the patient to recover...
I have not lost hope for my singing or my faith that it will come back on its own... but I realize that if I don't, I will have several options to remedy it, even if it doesn't give me back my range...
There was a miracle in my life in March of this year... I automatically started singing along with a TV program when I finally realized that I was actually singing!!!
It hasn't happened again since, but I choose to look at this as a gift from God to tell me that it's possible, and not to lose hope...
My foghorn voice was terrible immediately after surgery and it is now much clearer... I can sing a little bit in a very low range but it's very hard to get my voice out... it feels like something is stuck in my throat that won't let the air get past the vocal cords right... my face gets red, and it wears me out just to sing a few lines... but it's major improvement from when I left the hospital!!!
The reality is that even though singing has been a part of my life from the time I was a toddler, an essential part of who I am, I would do it again in a heartbeat because I have recovered completely from my surgery with no pre-op symptoms at all...
I can caress my husband's face and my children & grandchildren's too... something I longed to do but couldn't because I had no feeling in my hands and couldn't even hold my youngest granddaughter unless sitting down and with someone close by to make sure I didn't drop her...
If I never get my voice back, I will sing in my mind and heart, and thank God for the life I still have left...
Hugs and God bless
Sandra
guyzag
12-12-2004, 10:35 PM
Sometimes in the process of the surgery, the nerves that control your voice can get nicked. I know someone who also had a nerve cut which resulting in a loss of feeling on the left side of her face.
Hopefully this doesn't happen to anyone of our readers. The sore throat is generally a result of the clamps used to distend your esophagus during surgery.
I never lost my voice post surgery, but did have a sore throat like you. Give it some time to heal and and you should be back to tenor form in no time!
Hopefully this doesn't happen to anyone of our readers. The sore throat is generally a result of the clamps used to distend your esophagus during surgery.
I never lost my voice post surgery, but did have a sore throat like you. Give it some time to heal and and you should be back to tenor form in no time!
Sam43
12-14-2004, 11:07 PM
Thanks to everyone who has posted here on this topic. I am very likely to have a c6-c7 fusion in the near future. I have been a singer-songwriter for 20 years and one of the things that I fear most is having some kind of permanent damage to my vocal cords. The discussion here is helpful.
I would encourage Sandra and Dan to keep us posted on their recoveries. I would guess a multi-level fusion would have a bigger impact and take longer to heal. (Just a guess. I am still learning a lot about this)
I would encourage Sandra and Dan to keep us posted on their recoveries. I would guess a multi-level fusion would have a bigger impact and take longer to heal. (Just a guess. I am still learning a lot about this)
dennisgb
12-15-2004, 04:04 PM
Sandra,
I hope you get your voice back.
I know going in that this was one of my primary concerns, as I love to sing and it's also a second job for me.
I was lucky, as my voice came back to normal in a very short time.
Dennis
I hope you get your voice back.
I know going in that this was one of my primary concerns, as I love to sing and it's also a second job for me.
I was lucky, as my voice came back to normal in a very short time.
Dennis
banjo123
12-15-2004, 06:24 PM
It has been about three weeks and I have made some improvement. Two weeks after surgery, I could barely screach out a Bb and now I have a solid D above that. Sadly, I used to be able to soar to an A above that.
I used to do a Beatles set singing alot of Paul McCartney and John Lennon in the original keys. Now I sound more like Ringo on a rough day.
I have a follow up appointment with my Neurosurgeon on Jan 3rd. I will ask more then and also see if he might recommend a specialist in this area. A big concern for me is if practicing singing is helpful or not. I am noticing that after singing for a short time my range improves but I do not want to make things worse.
Other than my singing voice (which I pray will come back) my surgery was a great success!
I will send an update later. God Bless you all for your emails.
Dan
I used to do a Beatles set singing alot of Paul McCartney and John Lennon in the original keys. Now I sound more like Ringo on a rough day.
I have a follow up appointment with my Neurosurgeon on Jan 3rd. I will ask more then and also see if he might recommend a specialist in this area. A big concern for me is if practicing singing is helpful or not. I am noticing that after singing for a short time my range improves but I do not want to make things worse.
Other than my singing voice (which I pray will come back) my surgery was a great success!
I will send an update later. God Bless you all for your emails.
Dan
Sam43
12-15-2004, 06:55 PM
Dan,
I've been doing a little more research (mostly googling) and getting some pretty mixed info. It does seem there are a lot of options out there as far as vocal therapy. I'm inclined to think it is still pretty soon after your operation and it may take a while. I would recommend caution and rest. Glad to hear everything else is going well.
I've been doing a little more research (mostly googling) and getting some pretty mixed info. It does seem there are a lot of options out there as far as vocal therapy. I'm inclined to think it is still pretty soon after your operation and it may take a while. I would recommend caution and rest. Glad to hear everything else is going well.
dennisgb
12-16-2004, 11:15 AM
Banjo,
It sounds to me like your making about the same progress that I did. I wouldn't push the high stuff for a while.
I know it took a while before I could get the resonance back in my singing voice. I could hit the notes, but couldn't get the sound. Vibrato was difficult too.
Just make sure you "feel" what's happening and don't push it. I know I would never have been able to do a full set for a couple of months.
Dennis
It sounds to me like your making about the same progress that I did. I wouldn't push the high stuff for a while.
I know it took a while before I could get the resonance back in my singing voice. I could hit the notes, but couldn't get the sound. Vibrato was difficult too.
Just make sure you "feel" what's happening and don't push it. I know I would never have been able to do a full set for a couple of months.
Dennis
banjo123
01-03-2005, 11:29 PM
Well, I had my follow up appointment with my neurosurgeon and everything looked great.
I asked him about the reduced range in my singing voice and he recommended waiting another month before seeing a specialist. He said the the operation moves the trachea over which hold the vocal chords. His past patients who had this surgery and were singers recovered in about 2 months.
I am a bit concerned since I still would like to sing in the meantime. My doctor was not clear if this was good or bad. He just said to not push thing s for a while.
My range still tops out at a D with a struggle(used to hit G and A above) and is still weak. In church I can only make it through a verse or two before I can not continue.
I have gotten better at reading bass clef....I'm still praying for a break through.
Dan
I asked him about the reduced range in my singing voice and he recommended waiting another month before seeing a specialist. He said the the operation moves the trachea over which hold the vocal chords. His past patients who had this surgery and were singers recovered in about 2 months.
I am a bit concerned since I still would like to sing in the meantime. My doctor was not clear if this was good or bad. He just said to not push thing s for a while.
My range still tops out at a D with a struggle(used to hit G and A above) and is still weak. In church I can only make it through a verse or two before I can not continue.
I have gotten better at reading bass clef....I'm still praying for a break through.
Dan
rob_zzz
01-04-2005, 12:12 AM
Does anyone know whether plating vs no plating has any impact on the effect on the voice - is one better than the other in relation to getting a singing voice back etc.?
Dan and Dennis - did you have plating or no-plating? Good to hear that your surgeries sound like they were succesful btw - hope the singing voices are back to full form soon.
rob
Dan and Dennis - did you have plating or no-plating? Good to hear that your surgeries sound like they were succesful btw - hope the singing voices are back to full form soon.
rob
rob_zzz
01-04-2005, 02:26 AM
If anyone is interested, I found a paper posted on the cervical spine research society site in their 2003 annual meetings area (follow link to papers) about swallowing and voice difficulties following surgery (paper by Wai Mun Yue et al):
http://www.csrs.org/meetings/pastannualmtgs.htm
The rough summary (if I've interpreted all the numbers correctly) is that 81% had no voice problems after surgery and an additional 6.8% had only mild problems where mild meant you noticed your voice problems but no-one else (including family) noticed it.
In relation to singing, 21% reported problems with singing.
Note - this study included a mixture of people, including quite a few people (over half) with multiple level fusions and some up to four levels, and also some patients that had had multiple surgeries.
They didn't find any correlation between vocal problems and the number of levels, but they did find that c3/c4 being included in the surgery increased the incidence of vocal problems and that multiple surgeries also had an increased incidence.
There were also a few people that reported problems earlier on that improved later.
(all this is assuming I've interpreted the paper correctly - see the original before relying on any of the above ... ;) )
http://www.csrs.org/meetings/pastannualmtgs.htm
The rough summary (if I've interpreted all the numbers correctly) is that 81% had no voice problems after surgery and an additional 6.8% had only mild problems where mild meant you noticed your voice problems but no-one else (including family) noticed it.
In relation to singing, 21% reported problems with singing.
Note - this study included a mixture of people, including quite a few people (over half) with multiple level fusions and some up to four levels, and also some patients that had had multiple surgeries.
They didn't find any correlation between vocal problems and the number of levels, but they did find that c3/c4 being included in the surgery increased the incidence of vocal problems and that multiple surgeries also had an increased incidence.
There were also a few people that reported problems earlier on that improved later.
(all this is assuming I've interpreted the paper correctly - see the original before relying on any of the above ... ;) )
dennisgb
01-04-2005, 12:21 PM
Banjo,
I am hoping things improve for you. I would think by now, you would be seeing an improvement. It doesn't sound like that is happening. I had the same problem with sustaining, but I think it was more do to overall weakness from surgery, rather than my voice.
Rob,
I had plating. It made me sound like a frog at first, as I could feel a vibration on my vocal cords at the plate. You could press on it an make your voice change. I kinda hoped that I would be able to do that after recovery, because it sounded like Willie Nelson :) It was just do to swelling, and after that went away, I couldn't feel anything there anymore. My voice is exactly the same now as it was before surgery.
I am hoping things improve for you. I would think by now, you would be seeing an improvement. It doesn't sound like that is happening. I had the same problem with sustaining, but I think it was more do to overall weakness from surgery, rather than my voice.
Rob,
I had plating. It made me sound like a frog at first, as I could feel a vibration on my vocal cords at the plate. You could press on it an make your voice change. I kinda hoped that I would be able to do that after recovery, because it sounded like Willie Nelson :) It was just do to swelling, and after that went away, I couldn't feel anything there anymore. My voice is exactly the same now as it was before surgery.
EA_Sully
01-04-2005, 03:16 PM
I just had a C5 C6 discectomy and fusion two weeks ago. I am very grateful that all went well but I have noticed that my singing voice has suffered substantially. Prior to the surgery, I was a tenor that could sing up to an A with ease but now I am having trouble with any upper range.
The first week was difficult to just swallow so I have not even tried singing until just lately. Has anyone out there had similar experience with this surgery?
Any feedback is appreciated,
Banjo123
no but i am having the same surgery you did in about 4 weeks and im freaking out, i dont even like shots let alone getting cut open. i'm wondering if its worth it or should i just deal with the pain? also DR said i need a bone graft or a donor any suggestions? this is really tripping me out ty :eek:
The first week was difficult to just swallow so I have not even tried singing until just lately. Has anyone out there had similar experience with this surgery?
Any feedback is appreciated,
Banjo123
no but i am having the same surgery you did in about 4 weeks and im freaking out, i dont even like shots let alone getting cut open. i'm wondering if its worth it or should i just deal with the pain? also DR said i need a bone graft or a donor any suggestions? this is really tripping me out ty :eek:
banjo123
01-05-2005, 07:49 PM
Dennis:
I actually am making improvement. I can now sing a D clean and strong and can push to an E without too much problem. I just got over a bad chest cold that did not help things much. I will wait another few weeks before seeing an specialist to see if there is any action I can take to help things along.
Ty:
I saw your email post and it brought back memories.
About 2 years ago, I had some serious neck/back pain and serious loss of strength in my right arm. I had an MRI done and met with a good doctor who told me I could have surgery or try physical therapy. After I found out that the surgery involved cutting into the front of my neck, moving my tracea & esophgas over, removing my discs and then fusing the bone with a titanium plate...the physical therapy looked damn good.
I went to PT for about a year and got my arm strength back but always there was the pressure in the neck. About 6 months ago I started developing numbness in my left hand fingertips and sometimes in my right as well. Overall, I felt a bit more clumbsy and sometimes experienced some leg spasms. I returned to my doctor and he suggested the surgery since the herianted discs were putting pressure on my spinal cord.
I have never had surgery before either. It really scared the hell out of me but the alternative is worth considering as well. While getting training for the bone stimulator (electronic contraption you wear post-surgery) I met one guy who had my same symptoms and put off the operation for another year. He could barely walk and unfortunately since he put it off so long there was no guarantee that things would improve. He was very eager to have the operation to prevent things from worsening.
My opinion:
If you and your doctor have discussed your options and the operation makes the best sense, go forward with a good attitude. There is a price for action and there is a price for inaction. Consider the consequences of letting things go too long. My doctor walked through the whole process of the operation and assured me it was considered a routine procedure with a very high success rate. He also suggested the bone donor and said when people use their own bone (usually from the hip) there is more complaint about the hip recovery than the neck. I chose the donor bone.
I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and other than some issues with my singing voice, I believe it was a great success. My neck pain is gone, I can feel in both hands, my arms and legs are stronger.
Best of luck to you. Post and email and let us know how you are doing.
Banjo123
I actually am making improvement. I can now sing a D clean and strong and can push to an E without too much problem. I just got over a bad chest cold that did not help things much. I will wait another few weeks before seeing an specialist to see if there is any action I can take to help things along.
Ty:
I saw your email post and it brought back memories.
About 2 years ago, I had some serious neck/back pain and serious loss of strength in my right arm. I had an MRI done and met with a good doctor who told me I could have surgery or try physical therapy. After I found out that the surgery involved cutting into the front of my neck, moving my tracea & esophgas over, removing my discs and then fusing the bone with a titanium plate...the physical therapy looked damn good.
I went to PT for about a year and got my arm strength back but always there was the pressure in the neck. About 6 months ago I started developing numbness in my left hand fingertips and sometimes in my right as well. Overall, I felt a bit more clumbsy and sometimes experienced some leg spasms. I returned to my doctor and he suggested the surgery since the herianted discs were putting pressure on my spinal cord.
I have never had surgery before either. It really scared the hell out of me but the alternative is worth considering as well. While getting training for the bone stimulator (electronic contraption you wear post-surgery) I met one guy who had my same symptoms and put off the operation for another year. He could barely walk and unfortunately since he put it off so long there was no guarantee that things would improve. He was very eager to have the operation to prevent things from worsening.
My opinion:
If you and your doctor have discussed your options and the operation makes the best sense, go forward with a good attitude. There is a price for action and there is a price for inaction. Consider the consequences of letting things go too long. My doctor walked through the whole process of the operation and assured me it was considered a routine procedure with a very high success rate. He also suggested the bone donor and said when people use their own bone (usually from the hip) there is more complaint about the hip recovery than the neck. I chose the donor bone.
I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and other than some issues with my singing voice, I believe it was a great success. My neck pain is gone, I can feel in both hands, my arms and legs are stronger.
Best of luck to you. Post and email and let us know how you are doing.
Banjo123
Sam43
01-05-2005, 08:11 PM
Banjo, just out of curiousity, how quickly did your symptoms improve? I had surgery for disc herniation last Thursday, which my Doc says went very well, but my symptoms have not changed significantly. I know it can take some time, but I'm just trying to get a feel for how quickly things like numbness and weakness have improved for other people following surgery.
Thanks
Thanks
banjo123
01-06-2005, 08:16 PM
For me, the first week my body was pretty much in shock of the change. I only really noticed a problem with swallowing. My doctor told me that the finger numbness would subside depending upon how long the symptoms were before surgery. This meaning that the longer the numbness was prior to surgery the longer it would take to go away and if it was a great deal of time, perhaps the numbness would not go away entirely. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst numbness I experienced before surgery, I have between 0 and 1 now. I noticed a dramatic change about 2-3 weeks after surgery.
The big thing for me was my arms and legs felt stronger and there was no more neck pressure. This was probably due to removing the discs pressuring my spinal cord. I noticed this in the first 2 weeks and it continues to improve.
Since you are in the first week of recovery, you will probably notice the most in the next 2 - 3 weeks as far as improvement. It's interesting that people ask me if I am in pain (walking around in the neck collar) but actually my neck & body feel the best in years.
Best of luck with your recovery.
Banjo123
The big thing for me was my arms and legs felt stronger and there was no more neck pressure. This was probably due to removing the discs pressuring my spinal cord. I noticed this in the first 2 weeks and it continues to improve.
Since you are in the first week of recovery, you will probably notice the most in the next 2 - 3 weeks as far as improvement. It's interesting that people ask me if I am in pain (walking around in the neck collar) but actually my neck & body feel the best in years.
Best of luck with your recovery.
Banjo123
banjo123
03-06-2005, 02:35 PM
Dear Friends and Singers who may consider this surgery:
This operation could cause you to lose your singing voice.
Today is March 6, 2005. It is about three months and a week since my surgery. Prior to my surgery, I discussed my concern about my voice with my doctor and he assured me that I would experience weakness but should be able to sing as before after a month or 2. At my month follow-up appointment, he said "singers usually take 2 months" to get back to where they were. At least in my case....he was very wrong. I went to an ear, eye nose and throat specialist a month ago and he told me that he saw no reason why I would not make a full recovery in a month. I have still not improved in a month's time.
The facts are, before my surgery, I had a beautiful, rich first tenor singing voice. I could sing to an A with ease and had a full falsetto. Today I can barely hit an E and spending any time in my higher register is very taxing. I have not seen improvement for a month and I am trying to adjust to the idea that I will never get my singing voice back.
I feel musically amputated and very angry that I was not made aware of this tragic side-effect. A beautiful part of my life has been taken from me.
If there are any singers reading this now, be aware that this surgery can cause you to lose your singing voice - permanantly! You may want to reasearch endoscopic or any other option you have if you want to continue singing. I wish I had...
Goodbye and good luck
This operation could cause you to lose your singing voice.
Today is March 6, 2005. It is about three months and a week since my surgery. Prior to my surgery, I discussed my concern about my voice with my doctor and he assured me that I would experience weakness but should be able to sing as before after a month or 2. At my month follow-up appointment, he said "singers usually take 2 months" to get back to where they were. At least in my case....he was very wrong. I went to an ear, eye nose and throat specialist a month ago and he told me that he saw no reason why I would not make a full recovery in a month. I have still not improved in a month's time.
The facts are, before my surgery, I had a beautiful, rich first tenor singing voice. I could sing to an A with ease and had a full falsetto. Today I can barely hit an E and spending any time in my higher register is very taxing. I have not seen improvement for a month and I am trying to adjust to the idea that I will never get my singing voice back.
I feel musically amputated and very angry that I was not made aware of this tragic side-effect. A beautiful part of my life has been taken from me.
If there are any singers reading this now, be aware that this surgery can cause you to lose your singing voice - permanantly! You may want to reasearch endoscopic or any other option you have if you want to continue singing. I wish I had...
Goodbye and good luck
DonnaKay
03-06-2005, 06:11 PM
Have you been to see a voice specialist?
A girlfriend of mine goes to one because of her acid reflux ... she has sounded hoarse for years not knowing it was because of acid reflux. Anyway ... she goes to the best here in Houston (treats the opera performers). Gave her a lot of exercises to do. I think it wouldn't hurt to find one in your area to get their opinion. Don't give up yet!!
D
A girlfriend of mine goes to one because of her acid reflux ... she has sounded hoarse for years not knowing it was because of acid reflux. Anyway ... she goes to the best here in Houston (treats the opera performers). Gave her a lot of exercises to do. I think it wouldn't hurt to find one in your area to get their opinion. Don't give up yet!!
D
rob_zzz
03-06-2005, 08:51 PM
banjo,
thanks for posting the information - singing is something I worry about as well if I end up needing surgery. I'm sorry to hear that your singing range hasn't returned fully.
I can only offer the following hopefully positive thoughts in relation to your situation.
Firstly - three months is still a very short period of time in the grand scheme of things - when I look back at injuries I've had in the past I can recall many that have taken over 12 months to fully heal even though the bulk of improvement has happened in the first 3 to 5 months. You've had major surgery so I would be hoping you could still see improvement over time - three months is still very early days.
Secondly - as well as recovering from the 'wound' of the surgery, there is also general recovery of fitness and cardio vascular stamina etc. which are all big factors in singing (I know my singing strength and range appears to improve when I'm fit). You'd probably find that because you've been restricted in the amount of physical exercise you can do after the surgery that your fitness has dropped off, so you may find that as you commence on improving your general fitness that your voice also starts to improve more.
Thirdly - I'd be careful about trying to push your vocal range too early and straining your voice - concentrate on the range that you can comfortably work within and combine it with good breathing and general cardio-vascular exercise and hopefull the range will slowly come back.
Just suggestions from a layman but hopefully some food for optimisim - good luck with it and please keep us informed.
Rob.
thanks for posting the information - singing is something I worry about as well if I end up needing surgery. I'm sorry to hear that your singing range hasn't returned fully.
I can only offer the following hopefully positive thoughts in relation to your situation.
Firstly - three months is still a very short period of time in the grand scheme of things - when I look back at injuries I've had in the past I can recall many that have taken over 12 months to fully heal even though the bulk of improvement has happened in the first 3 to 5 months. You've had major surgery so I would be hoping you could still see improvement over time - three months is still very early days.
Secondly - as well as recovering from the 'wound' of the surgery, there is also general recovery of fitness and cardio vascular stamina etc. which are all big factors in singing (I know my singing strength and range appears to improve when I'm fit). You'd probably find that because you've been restricted in the amount of physical exercise you can do after the surgery that your fitness has dropped off, so you may find that as you commence on improving your general fitness that your voice also starts to improve more.
Thirdly - I'd be careful about trying to push your vocal range too early and straining your voice - concentrate on the range that you can comfortably work within and combine it with good breathing and general cardio-vascular exercise and hopefull the range will slowly come back.
Just suggestions from a layman but hopefully some food for optimisim - good luck with it and please keep us informed.
Rob.
Sam43
03-07-2005, 04:23 PM
Banjo:
Thanks for the update. As someone who has considered fusion and may have to have it in the future, this is the side effect that most concerns me. I would echo the sentiment above, that you try to be as patient as possible. I am just over two months out from a posterior foramenotomy, and I am still having some aggravating symptoms that at times seem better, then worse, then better. It is possible your voice will recover fully as time goes by.
I also would suggest vocal therapy if the problem continues. After an extended illness several years ago, I had problems with my voice and the therapy seemed to help. It may be worth looking into...
Thanks for the update. As someone who has considered fusion and may have to have it in the future, this is the side effect that most concerns me. I would echo the sentiment above, that you try to be as patient as possible. I am just over two months out from a posterior foramenotomy, and I am still having some aggravating symptoms that at times seem better, then worse, then better. It is possible your voice will recover fully as time goes by.
I also would suggest vocal therapy if the problem continues. After an extended illness several years ago, I had problems with my voice and the therapy seemed to help. It may be worth looking into...
ccfbarb
11-02-2005, 11:29 AM
I had a discectomy with an artifical implant placed at C6-C7. I completely lost my voice, had trouble drinking fluids (aspiration) and trouble just whispering a complete sentence without running out of breath. My ENT doctor said my R vocal cord was paralyzed (probably from the surgery) The nerve that makes the vocal cords move together had either been stretched or cut during the surgery. Recuperation time if the nerve was only stretched or inflammed could range anywhere from 1 month to a year. I went ahead and had a vocal cord injection with a temporary solution called Cymetra. This artificially pushed my vocal cord over to midline making it possible for me to talk instead of whisper. I had excellent results from the injection and it was kind of like a bandaid procedure until or if my nerve regenerates or heals. If it doesn't heal, I can have my cord permanently augmented to restore my voice. Singing is possible, but more of a strain on my voice than regular talking. Besides, I never was a great singer anyway! Time is usually the best ingredient to heal that singing voice, but their are options!
BARB :wave:
BARB :wave:
banjo123
11-05-2005, 06:23 PM
Barb:
I am sorry for your voice problems related to your surgery. As much as losing your singing voice hurts, having difficulty talking must be worse and my heart goes out to you. I hope you will make more progress and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Directly after my surgery, I fell into depression since my voice was a big part of my musical identity. My wife and family were a great comfort to me reminding me of what would have resulted from not having the surgery. I had already started losing feeling in my left hand and there was a good chance I would have developed problems walking long term. I try to not focus on what I do not have and appreciate what I do have.
It has been almost one full year since my discectomy surgery. My voice has made some significant improvement in the past months and I can now sing to an F# or G with some preparation. I noticed that long notes sustained sometimes end with a wierd vibration as vocal volume decays. Perhaps this will still improve with time. I was a guitar major in college and can now play guitar and banjo without problems. This was a big concern when I started feeling numbness in my left hand. Without the surgery, there is a good chance I would have developed more serious problems with numbness and weakness in both arms. Sometimes this is not reversable.
God bless you all for your messages and support. Through the worst times, it was always nice to get these positive emails.
Banjo123
:)
I am sorry for your voice problems related to your surgery. As much as losing your singing voice hurts, having difficulty talking must be worse and my heart goes out to you. I hope you will make more progress and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Directly after my surgery, I fell into depression since my voice was a big part of my musical identity. My wife and family were a great comfort to me reminding me of what would have resulted from not having the surgery. I had already started losing feeling in my left hand and there was a good chance I would have developed problems walking long term. I try to not focus on what I do not have and appreciate what I do have.
It has been almost one full year since my discectomy surgery. My voice has made some significant improvement in the past months and I can now sing to an F# or G with some preparation. I noticed that long notes sustained sometimes end with a wierd vibration as vocal volume decays. Perhaps this will still improve with time. I was a guitar major in college and can now play guitar and banjo without problems. This was a big concern when I started feeling numbness in my left hand. Without the surgery, there is a good chance I would have developed more serious problems with numbness and weakness in both arms. Sometimes this is not reversable.
God bless you all for your messages and support. Through the worst times, it was always nice to get these positive emails.
Banjo123
:)
Aaron4God
12-28-2007, 06:03 PM
Hello,
8 days ago i had an ACDF and everything came out well except for my voice. If I just knew this was going to happen to me, I would never NEVER do it again, regardles of the pain. I coul'd live with it. Righ now I'm very sad because I can't sing for my God anymore the way I used to. I desperatelly need a miracle from God. I know it's been bearly 8 days after my surgery, and I believe I won't never be the same. I just pray that some day sooner, we all could have our voices back to sing to the Lord and to speak normally.
Aaron
8 days ago i had an ACDF and everything came out well except for my voice. If I just knew this was going to happen to me, I would never NEVER do it again, regardles of the pain. I coul'd live with it. Righ now I'm very sad because I can't sing for my God anymore the way I used to. I desperatelly need a miracle from God. I know it's been bearly 8 days after my surgery, and I believe I won't never be the same. I just pray that some day sooner, we all could have our voices back to sing to the Lord and to speak normally.
Aaron
banjo123
12-29-2007, 10:07 AM
Aaron,
Don't give up hope. It gets better.
My heart goes out to you and I can understand your frustration. You can see that I started the posting for this back when I had my discectomy of C5, C6 w donor bone & plating. Symptoms started with numbness in my left hand finertips and consistent pain in my neck. An MRI revealed disc pressure on my spinal cord that had good potential of becoming much worse.
I am a guitarist and singer. I have a music degree in classical guitar and music is a very big part of my life. After my surgery, I could not sing at all for a month and my range was very limited. I remember feeling very depressed and thinking my voice would never come back......hang in there.
About 6 months after my surgery, I went to a vocal chord surgeon who examined my vocal chords with a scope that goes in your nose and down your throat. He assured me that my vocal chord were fine and that I needed to wait longer for things to heal.
I think it takes a good while for our voice to heal after this surgery. Remember unlike some other singers, our trachea has spent some time outside of our bodies. It takes time for our bodie to get readjusted.
Every person & surgery is not the same but I would suggest after a few months if you are not satisfied with improvement, you get your vocal chords checked out. If there is no permanent damage, there is a good chance you just need to wait longer than you (& I) are comfortable with.
Try to focus on the positive. For most people, this surgery prevents serious future issues. Take it easy on your voice. God can hear your voice in your heart or maybe an octave down until thing improve.
take care,
Banjo
Don't give up hope. It gets better.
My heart goes out to you and I can understand your frustration. You can see that I started the posting for this back when I had my discectomy of C5, C6 w donor bone & plating. Symptoms started with numbness in my left hand finertips and consistent pain in my neck. An MRI revealed disc pressure on my spinal cord that had good potential of becoming much worse.
I am a guitarist and singer. I have a music degree in classical guitar and music is a very big part of my life. After my surgery, I could not sing at all for a month and my range was very limited. I remember feeling very depressed and thinking my voice would never come back......hang in there.
About 6 months after my surgery, I went to a vocal chord surgeon who examined my vocal chords with a scope that goes in your nose and down your throat. He assured me that my vocal chord were fine and that I needed to wait longer for things to heal.
I think it takes a good while for our voice to heal after this surgery. Remember unlike some other singers, our trachea has spent some time outside of our bodies. It takes time for our bodie to get readjusted.
Every person & surgery is not the same but I would suggest after a few months if you are not satisfied with improvement, you get your vocal chords checked out. If there is no permanent damage, there is a good chance you just need to wait longer than you (& I) are comfortable with.
Try to focus on the positive. For most people, this surgery prevents serious future issues. Take it easy on your voice. God can hear your voice in your heart or maybe an octave down until thing improve.
take care,
Banjo
Aaron4God
12-29-2007, 02:52 PM
Banjo,
I really appreciate your words of hope. Now I can rest knowing there's some hope for me. Reading your comments I just hope that now you're able to sing as before surgery.
What really upsets me is the fact the nor doctor neither the nurses told me of this devastating and frustrating horrible side effect would be a real problem. They just told me that I was going to feel some discomfort for a couple of days and that was it. I'm still very sad, but like you said, Banjo, I will focus on positive things.
I don't have any musical degree but, singing and playing is essential in my daily activities. I feel sadness to see my instruments ready to be played and everything, but like you said, God can hear me singing in my heart.
Thanks for taking some of your valuable time to say encouragement words to me. Please keep us informed of your singing issue.
God Bless You,
Aaron
I really appreciate your words of hope. Now I can rest knowing there's some hope for me. Reading your comments I just hope that now you're able to sing as before surgery.
What really upsets me is the fact the nor doctor neither the nurses told me of this devastating and frustrating horrible side effect would be a real problem. They just told me that I was going to feel some discomfort for a couple of days and that was it. I'm still very sad, but like you said, Banjo, I will focus on positive things.
I don't have any musical degree but, singing and playing is essential in my daily activities. I feel sadness to see my instruments ready to be played and everything, but like you said, God can hear me singing in my heart.
Thanks for taking some of your valuable time to say encouragement words to me. Please keep us informed of your singing issue.
God Bless You,
Aaron