ladyblue
09-09-2003, 06:59 PM
On another note. Today I finally got some validation. Monday when I saw my NS and complained that I was still having voice and swallowing problems, would you believe that the arrogant so and so actually had the audacity to make the statement to me that he thought that I "sounded better than the last time you were here". Then immediately he went on to ask "now what is it that you do for a living again?". I like to have fell outta my chair. This from a man who had a 5 minute conversation with me 7 weeks ago. Like he EVEN remembered me? Gimme a break!!! Its not hard to imagine him forgetting, but to state that he recalls the sound of my voice....what ever!!!! Anyhow, he did give me a referral to an ENT. He wanted to send me to one of "his good ole boys" but I turned him down flat and told him that I wanted to use one located in my own city so that I wouldnt have to drive to Little Rock for the appointment and treatments.
Well I would say that the good Lord was looking out for me because not only is my ENT a fantastic doctor, but he also specializes and is very interested in voice disorders. Today he did one of those nasty painful scope up the nose down the throat things to he could have a look see. He diagnosed that my right vocal chord is indeed paralized. And, not only is it paralized, but it is paralized in the completely open position. Now, with stuff like this, best case scenerio is that the vocal chord becomes paralized at about the midline postition. With it stuck fully open, it becomes more difficult.
Next week I have to have a barium (yum) swallow study and then I have an appointment with the speech therapist for a video study of the vocal chord. After that, an EMG. Doc did state that because the chord is stuck in the wide open position, he could see evidence in my throat that I have a big time problem with reflux and it is causing big time irritation and inflamation of the tissues. ( can anyone say I TOLD YA SO ) I have been whining about these things since the day I awoke from surgery and finally finally someone is listening!!!
The crummy news is this. To fix this thing goes in two stages. First stage after all the testing is to go under general aneth and then the doc injects stuff into the paralized vocal chord to "plump" it out and make it swell so that it at the very least makes closure with the working one. Then, in a few months after all that is settled down and the injection more or less wears off, the doc again under general aneth goes in and implants a prostetic vocal chord. Is that a trip or what??? The reason for the two is I guess to try to fool the nerve into working again. He did say that the nerves for the vocal chord are very very complicated and sensitive and most of the time they dont regenerate on their own. He also said that this type of side effect for ACDF only happens in 1 or 2 percent of the patients. Heck I coulda predicted this one!!! I am always the one who makes the odds...lol.
Still no word on why there is metal artifact in my MRI. I suspect that the next thing I will have to endure is a myleogram and some epidural cortisone shots. I just keep hoping for some good new for once on me.
We did get good news on my DH today. He went to see his n/s and the n/s DID NOT recommend surgery. He thinks that PT, pain management, medication and perhaps some trigger point or epidural injections would do the trick for him. So that makes me happy.
He is going to start working out lightly too. He knows that having the little buddah belly like he does is hard on his back too. I guess I am just too good of a southern cook cuz he doesnt drink beer. But I love his tummy cuz it makes such a cushy cozy pillow for resting my sore tired neck on.
Enjoying some cooler weather here in Arkansas!!!
Peace and sunshine,
Lisa
*
edited due to the request of the family of the former member
[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 09-12-2003).]
Well I would say that the good Lord was looking out for me because not only is my ENT a fantastic doctor, but he also specializes and is very interested in voice disorders. Today he did one of those nasty painful scope up the nose down the throat things to he could have a look see. He diagnosed that my right vocal chord is indeed paralized. And, not only is it paralized, but it is paralized in the completely open position. Now, with stuff like this, best case scenerio is that the vocal chord becomes paralized at about the midline postition. With it stuck fully open, it becomes more difficult.
Next week I have to have a barium (yum) swallow study and then I have an appointment with the speech therapist for a video study of the vocal chord. After that, an EMG. Doc did state that because the chord is stuck in the wide open position, he could see evidence in my throat that I have a big time problem with reflux and it is causing big time irritation and inflamation of the tissues. ( can anyone say I TOLD YA SO ) I have been whining about these things since the day I awoke from surgery and finally finally someone is listening!!!
The crummy news is this. To fix this thing goes in two stages. First stage after all the testing is to go under general aneth and then the doc injects stuff into the paralized vocal chord to "plump" it out and make it swell so that it at the very least makes closure with the working one. Then, in a few months after all that is settled down and the injection more or less wears off, the doc again under general aneth goes in and implants a prostetic vocal chord. Is that a trip or what??? The reason for the two is I guess to try to fool the nerve into working again. He did say that the nerves for the vocal chord are very very complicated and sensitive and most of the time they dont regenerate on their own. He also said that this type of side effect for ACDF only happens in 1 or 2 percent of the patients. Heck I coulda predicted this one!!! I am always the one who makes the odds...lol.
Still no word on why there is metal artifact in my MRI. I suspect that the next thing I will have to endure is a myleogram and some epidural cortisone shots. I just keep hoping for some good new for once on me.
We did get good news on my DH today. He went to see his n/s and the n/s DID NOT recommend surgery. He thinks that PT, pain management, medication and perhaps some trigger point or epidural injections would do the trick for him. So that makes me happy.
He is going to start working out lightly too. He knows that having the little buddah belly like he does is hard on his back too. I guess I am just too good of a southern cook cuz he doesnt drink beer. But I love his tummy cuz it makes such a cushy cozy pillow for resting my sore tired neck on.
Enjoying some cooler weather here in Arkansas!!!
Peace and sunshine,
Lisa
*
edited due to the request of the family of the former member
[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 09-12-2003).]
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Cathric
09-09-2003, 09:23 PM
Lisa,
I had my ACDF 5/19/03 and also have a paralyzed right vocal cord! Mine though, won't open on inhale so breathing is my main problem (especially the first 6 weeks). I can see with yours that an open cord would really create reflux problems - do you choke also? I too have a great ENT - currently he wants to continue waiting for the body to heal. My voice is much better -actually deeper than before, some hoarseness but an improvement. Breathing is much better but still a problem when laying down. I continue to mostly sleep in the recliner still. I see the ENT again next week and go over what options are available.
Your doc sounds very good. Hope all goes well with the other tests.
Take care,
Cathric
[This message has been edited by Cathric (edited 09-09-2003).]
I had my ACDF 5/19/03 and also have a paralyzed right vocal cord! Mine though, won't open on inhale so breathing is my main problem (especially the first 6 weeks). I can see with yours that an open cord would really create reflux problems - do you choke also? I too have a great ENT - currently he wants to continue waiting for the body to heal. My voice is much better -actually deeper than before, some hoarseness but an improvement. Breathing is much better but still a problem when laying down. I continue to mostly sleep in the recliner still. I see the ENT again next week and go over what options are available.
Your doc sounds very good. Hope all goes well with the other tests.
Take care,
Cathric
[This message has been edited by Cathric (edited 09-09-2003).]
ladyblue
09-09-2003, 09:39 PM
Cathric,
Yes, I have a big problem with choking. Liquids are the main culprit tho, not so much solid foods. I have to be very careful when swallowing or else I have a coughing fit. The paralized open vocal chord is basically what landed me in the hospital for 4 days two days after my surgery. I couldnt drink therefore I got very dehydrated, yet when I did try to drink a little bit, I aspirated so I developed pneumonia. I want off this crazy rollercoaster dont you??
Lisa
Yes, I have a big problem with choking. Liquids are the main culprit tho, not so much solid foods. I have to be very careful when swallowing or else I have a coughing fit. The paralized open vocal chord is basically what landed me in the hospital for 4 days two days after my surgery. I couldnt drink therefore I got very dehydrated, yet when I did try to drink a little bit, I aspirated so I developed pneumonia. I want off this crazy rollercoaster dont you??
Lisa
PsychLea
09-09-2003, 10:38 PM
Lisa,
The weather is great here, isn't it?! I spent alot of time outside tonite and even went on a bike ride with my son.
I am so glad you got an ENT who helped identify your problems. I'm sure you are having aspiration problems with the vocal chords wide open! What a smuck your NS is. :mad:
I hope you are looking at some legal action in the future. Good news about your hubby. I am also trying to get rid of my Buddha belly and exercise does help with the muscle spasms.
Good luck with your procedures. I have had the scope too, ICK! What is the name of your ENT?
I am hoping the EMG/NCV will show something on Friday so I can avoid the myelogram scenario. I am looking on having a second opinion too, as my MRI is showing some possible nerve impingement at C5-6. Gee, what does my NS think foraminal stenosis means? Doesn't take much to irritate a nerve.
Enough rambling for me. My rubber ducky is calling me to the jacuzzi. Hopefull I can walk after my little jaunt on the bike.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
New MRI 8/25/03
C5-6 posterior annular bulge, now with spurring,canal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis
The weather is great here, isn't it?! I spent alot of time outside tonite and even went on a bike ride with my son.
I am so glad you got an ENT who helped identify your problems. I'm sure you are having aspiration problems with the vocal chords wide open! What a smuck your NS is. :mad:
I hope you are looking at some legal action in the future. Good news about your hubby. I am also trying to get rid of my Buddha belly and exercise does help with the muscle spasms.
Good luck with your procedures. I have had the scope too, ICK! What is the name of your ENT?
I am hoping the EMG/NCV will show something on Friday so I can avoid the myelogram scenario. I am looking on having a second opinion too, as my MRI is showing some possible nerve impingement at C5-6. Gee, what does my NS think foraminal stenosis means? Doesn't take much to irritate a nerve.
Enough rambling for me. My rubber ducky is calling me to the jacuzzi. Hopefull I can walk after my little jaunt on the bike.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
New MRI 8/25/03
C5-6 posterior annular bulge, now with spurring,canal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis
ladyblue
09-11-2003, 02:01 PM
Lea,
My ENT is a Dr. Kirsch here in Conway. What really sold me on his "heart" as a doc was when he was preparing to go see a child. I was in the waiting room when the boy came into the clinic. He had his hands clamped over his ears and was howling at the top of his lungs. Obviously had been there done that with the ear doctor. Well, Dr. Kirsch, before he went into the room to see him, took off his tie, his lab coat, his stethescope, unbuttoned his shirt a little and rolled up his sleeves. He said he was going to go in "casual" so the kid wouldnt be so terrified. Now that to me is a true sign of a caring and very astute physician. I wish MY docs were that caring.
I am trying to find out who to use for a NS. Dr. S is definately fixing to get fired. We were telling a couple of people about the metal in my neck and immediately (doctors these were) said, "he left a clip in you". Oh gee........now what. The metal prevents any type of MRI conclusions at the level of the operation. How can they find out what the problem is and futhermore, how can they fix the problem. The curious thing is this....Dr. S has had the films and the report from the MRI for at least 3 days now and I have still yet to hear from his office. I wonder how come? Well, not really I dont because I am fullly aware of how awful his office is managed. I wonder what went thru his mind when he saw the radiologist report of metal....very curious.
Take care of yourself girlfriend....I hope you can get good results. If you know of a decent NS let me know!!!
Lisa
My ENT is a Dr. Kirsch here in Conway. What really sold me on his "heart" as a doc was when he was preparing to go see a child. I was in the waiting room when the boy came into the clinic. He had his hands clamped over his ears and was howling at the top of his lungs. Obviously had been there done that with the ear doctor. Well, Dr. Kirsch, before he went into the room to see him, took off his tie, his lab coat, his stethescope, unbuttoned his shirt a little and rolled up his sleeves. He said he was going to go in "casual" so the kid wouldnt be so terrified. Now that to me is a true sign of a caring and very astute physician. I wish MY docs were that caring.
I am trying to find out who to use for a NS. Dr. S is definately fixing to get fired. We were telling a couple of people about the metal in my neck and immediately (doctors these were) said, "he left a clip in you". Oh gee........now what. The metal prevents any type of MRI conclusions at the level of the operation. How can they find out what the problem is and futhermore, how can they fix the problem. The curious thing is this....Dr. S has had the films and the report from the MRI for at least 3 days now and I have still yet to hear from his office. I wonder how come? Well, not really I dont because I am fullly aware of how awful his office is managed. I wonder what went thru his mind when he saw the radiologist report of metal....very curious.
Take care of yourself girlfriend....I hope you can get good results. If you know of a decent NS let me know!!!
Lisa
PsychLea
09-11-2003, 10:07 PM
Lisa,
Sounds like Dr. Kirsch is a real gem :)
I hope they didn't leave a clip in you. I know 2 very excellent NS here in Little Rock. Dr. Redding and then Dr. Peak (ortho). I used to have lunch on occasion with Dr. Redding and he is really caring. I can't believe I didn't see him in the first place! I really think I am going to make an appt for a second opinion after all this testing is completed.
My muscle spasms are so bad today that my left shoulder is riding up my neck :(. See the neurologist tomorrow for the EMG/NCV yahoo http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
Well our nice weather didn't last long, did it? We have been having gulley washers and frog stranglers all day!
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
New MRI 8/25/03
C5-6 posterior annular bulge, now with spurring,canal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis
Sounds like Dr. Kirsch is a real gem :)
I hope they didn't leave a clip in you. I know 2 very excellent NS here in Little Rock. Dr. Redding and then Dr. Peak (ortho). I used to have lunch on occasion with Dr. Redding and he is really caring. I can't believe I didn't see him in the first place! I really think I am going to make an appt for a second opinion after all this testing is completed.
My muscle spasms are so bad today that my left shoulder is riding up my neck :(. See the neurologist tomorrow for the EMG/NCV yahoo http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
Well our nice weather didn't last long, did it? We have been having gulley washers and frog stranglers all day!
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
New MRI 8/25/03
C5-6 posterior annular bulge, now with spurring,canal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis