Update on Healing

I apologize for the lack of posts recently, but my return to the US and some very, very difficult times took my attention.

I tried singing the other day, although I know it's not time for that yet (July 1), but it seems that I can produce something approximating my old voice. However, I will need to work with a vocal coach to ensure the best vocal quality I can get.

My voice is often hoarse and feels like I am going to lose it, so I need to rest it more often than usual, and I am useless in a crowded, noisy bar. Life stress has not made things easier either. I am hoping to begin teaching again next week, but it may still be taxing on my voice.

Apparently the healing process is still ongoing. If I've been particularly careless, I can feel the pain in my throat quite badly. I am not sure how long it will take before everything feels like it is back to normal again. I am so thankful for all the help everyone has given me, and while these posts will no longer be daily, I will try to update consistently until the healing has been completed.

Days Twenty-Six to Thirty

Sorry for the late update, but I had no internet.

I spoke to the speech therapist, who says my voice is sounding good, but that it is still healing and we won't know the quality of it until after the six weeks is up. Although I feel fine, aside from a fairly sore throat, she says I still need to be careful when I speak, and to try and avoid catching a cold because I shouldn't be coughing. So there is the potential for scarring even now. However, she says she thinks it went well and I won't need to see her again.

I finished my dissertation and my professor even liked it. I also found out that I got A's in one of my classes, which is a relief after this year's showing. I will be going home soon and I am looking forward to it very, very much.

Day Twenty-Five

Today I saw the doctor for my followup exam. She put a light down my throat (an incredibly unpleasant experience) and told me that although my vocal cords are red because they are healing, I'm coming along quite well. They expect a full recovery. I am thrilled!

I will not be able to start singing or shouting until after my six weeks are finished, but I am very happy that things seem to be improving. I am going to follow a more relaxed version of my restricted diet as well, to make sure I am taking the best care of my voice that I can.

:)

Day Twenty-Four

I'm taking it easy today, but I need to finish my dissertation, so that's going to be a large part of my day. Tonight I will be getting together with friends to celebrate my semi-return to the speaking world, but I am not sure how well my voice will hold up, particularly as I can only speak in a 'confidential' tone and speaking for any amount of time tires me, and my voice.

However, at least I am able to speak again; I've been told that although it is weak, my voice is nowhere near as hoarse as it used to be. I am hoping that this means I will be able to have a full recovery, and in a few more weeks, I'll be able to sing again.

Day Twenty-Three - First Day of Limited Speech

Today has been difficult; I'm happy to talk again but it's impossible to be heard over any noise at all. My voice is just not strong enough, even if I wanted to talk 'over' any noise. It wears out very quickly and I feel fatigued just using it.

Today I had a lot of the foods I have not been able to, only to feel far worse and have my throat hurt a lot. I'm beginning to think that I might stick to a lot of the diet, to preserve my voice and possibly my health as well.

I've lost interest in my dissertation; it's pretty much finished but needs editing and I can't bring myself to do it. I worked for several days straight so I think I will be taking a break for a few days.