Voice problem postop ACDF - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

sku · 05-01-2003, 08:46 PM

Hello All,
I have read a lot of messages here in the past month, and I found benefical and supportive information.

I am 35 years old and had ACDF C5-6-7 for a large herniation pushing on my spinal cord. The operation was on 4/15 and I am feeling OK now.

My voice is not back yet so I went to an ENT and he confirmed vocal cord paralysis, on one side. Apperently the the nerve was damaged during the surgery. Has anyone experienced this? and how long did the paralysis last?

Thanks
sku

BDW2 · 05-02-2003, 08:51 AM

Hi Sku,
I had surgery 3-28 and still have not regained my voice yet. It does seem to be trying to get better and sounds pretty good at times ,and then an hour later I'm down to almost a whisper. Funny you already have seen an ENT, my NS said they would do nothing until 3 months out. I have my 6 week post op next week and think I will insist on it then. I have heard it could come back within weeks, months, or may never return to where it was. Don't want to scare you, but thats what I heard. Talk to Niki here on the board, she is several months out and still having problems. Hopefully it will resolve itself soon. Mine did make a major jump from a whisper to where it is now a couple of weeks ago, but has sort of stalled here. Did the ENT say it was better to try talking or to not talk? I will let you know what NS says Next week. God Bless.

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ACDF C6-7 with plating and donor bone (3/28/03)

sku · 05-03-2003, 04:24 PM

Hello BDW2,

The ENT told me it was better to try and talk. He pulled the crystal ball excuse with me, saying that a good chance it will return in 6 months when the nerve heals. From 6 - 12 months the chances are very slim.

When you go to the ENT they will video your vocal cords and be able to give you precise diag.

Take care