Voice surgery with Dr. Haben today

[KimSails]

I had voice surgery with Dr. Haben today -- the single / Glottoplasty.  The good doctor said it went well.  I think I'll know more tomorrow after the post-op follow-up (and, after the real test when I can start talking.

Dr. Haben went into a lot of detail at the pre-surgical consult in terms of informing me of the process.  I like doctors that share a lot of detail. It makes me more comfortable working with them.  He also checked on me at the hospital before surgery, in recovery, and in my room (I am staying in the hospital for a night because I did not have someone travel with me). The surgical staff and the nursing staff have been very nice as well.

I am a little frustrated by the food diet.  I am told that I am on a clear foods diet -- jello, juice (not orange), broth, etc.  I did not expect that.  On the other hand, the food service brought me a small can of sprite.  Dr. Haben mentioned yesterday that I should not drink carbonated beverages during my quiet period.

Throat is sore, but less so now, 9 hours after surgery than it was in recovery.  I am thankful that I don't have any soreness in my teeth or gums.  I know that Dena said that she had an issue. I expected something here because my mouth does not open particularly wide (two fingers not three).

A couple, separate, nurses in the hospital asked me if Dr. Haben performed my GSC. I was a little surprised that they just assumed that I had GCS (I have).  I suppose that it is in my medical record, but even still that it a pretty close read. Anyway, I was *more* surprised to hear that Dr. Haben even performed GCS.  Has anyone heard this before?  It seems to be very different than voice surgery.

I will be driving back to Michigan, through Canada, tomorrow after my post-op follow-up.  I asked the doctor to give me a note that will help me explain to the US and Canadian customs officials why I have to write out answers to their questions.  I can, of course, do that myself -- and I will with anyone else. But I figure an official note will help alleviate any concern that a humorless officer might think I just BSing them.

Kim

[Dena]

Congratulations on the surgery. Possibly if you have acid reflux, they wanted something that would go through your system fast. On the other hand, something I was not aware of is they have popsicles which would have been great just after surgery. You will have to ask for them if you want them.

As far as GCS, I never heard that but he is a very well known voice surgeon and people come to him from all over for surgery other than Glottoplasty surgery.

[Sleepnowmythrowaway]

Congratulations!

I've been considering Haben myself but I'm curious why you went with him over Yesson?

[Dena]

For me, I wanted to stay in the country and my starting voice was so low, I thought I might need all the tools in Dr Haben's tool box to get the change I needed. Yeson can't provide as much pitch change. A secondary consideration is the cost of international travel and staying over a full week would have made the surgery more expensive out of country however, had I seen a clear advantage, I would have gone to Korea.

[KimSails]

Sleepnow -- I concur with Dena's reason's.  And living in SE Michigan I am much closer to Dr. Haben than Dena.  About a six hour drive.

Dena -- I don't have acid-reflux,but now that you mention it I think that was the reason they gave -- reduce the chance of a stomach upset from the food in conjunction with anesthesia after-effects. I'll be asking for a Popsicle!

[Dena]

Sleepnow -- I concur with Dena's reason's.  And living in SE Michigan I am much closer to Dr. Haben than Dena.  About a six hour drive.

I think I was in the air that long on the return trip. I went from New York to Florida, laid over for a few hours then flew to Phoenix. I didn't get home until 1am New York time or 10pm Phoenix time.