Question about my VFS with Dr. Haben

[Bruzzums]

So I had VFS with Dr. Haben like 11 days ago. It was pretty rad, everything went smoothly (as far as the surgery's concerned, travel and board were a whole different nightmare) and so far the pain has been very minimal. There's generally some swelling by the end of the day accompanied with sore type of pain, but Ibuprofen fixes that right up.

My curiosity is, unlike most other threads I've read about this procedure, no one's seemed to talk too much about their month of voice rest. I've done a lot of searching and it seems like over the years his instructions for post-op care have changed quite a bit. What used to be one word a day after two weeks is now "don't talk at all for a month - month and a half.

Anywho, I'm having a really hard time. Sudden coughs I can't conceal, random hiccups (one was very big and elicited that audible hiccup noise), and when I try to relieve a small burp I end up accidentally vocalizing a little bit to push it through. Like it's literally impossible to stay silent and a few of these incidences have my throat feeling awfully sore afterward. I'm terrified because I'm not sure how much it would actually take to pop the sutures, or if I even have already. There's no way of knowing, and stress of not knowing is so bad I'm losing sleep over it.

I've been known to stress out about things I shouldn't, but when there's this much mystery following a procedure that alters your voice, you can't blame me for being this scared. Did any of you who've been through this procedure experience this? Or was your month (or however long your period of time was) of silence smooth sailing? I'm honest to god trying my best but holy hell my body just loves to make noise it seems lol.

[Dena]

I noticed we missed you so welcome to Susan's Place. I had surgery with Dr Haben and I wasn't to talk for a week. When I could talk, it ended up taking till the second week before the swelling went down enough that I could speak. At 3 months I had a discussion with Dr Haben about this and he had an extended recovery period some people because their surgery was more involved or to reduce the anxiety some people have because of a voice that sounds really bad after surgery. I also know of a case where the cords didn't heal properly and in the second surgery, additional time was give for extra healing.

For the most part, the surgery is pretty rugged and can take some abuse without a problem. Dr Haben said you should control the things you can and don't worry about the things you can't. Yes, I said something about 4 days after surgery and it didn't cause any harm but I was careful to avoid usage as much as possible. Some people talk in their sleep and that's nearly impossible to control however they had successful surgery. At 11 day, you would have to use your voice a lot or yell to cause damage. A few little mistakes at this point shouldn't be an issue.

As for coughs, something I practiced before surgery was clearing my  throat with my vocal cords open. It can be done but you need to relax your vocal cords when you feel the cough coming on. If you are clearing your throat, it also helps to lean forward and let gravity help.

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[Bruzzums]

I noticed we missed you so welcome to Susan's Place. I had surgery with Dr Haben and I wasn't to talk for a week. When I could talk, it ended up taking till the second week before the swelling went down enough that I could speak. At 3 months I had a discussion with Dr Haben about this and he had an extended recovery period some people because their surgery was more involved or to reduce the anxiety some people have because of a voice that sounds really bad after surgery. I also know of a case where the cords didn't heal properly and in the second surgery, additional time was give for extra healing.

For the most part, the surgery is pretty rugged and can take some abuse without a problem. Dr Haben said you should control the things you can and don't worry about the things you can't. Yes, I said something about 4 days after surgery and it didn't cause any harm but I was careful to avoid usage as much as possible. Some people talk in their sleep and that's nearly impossible to control however they had successful surgery. At 11 day, you would have to use your voice a lot or yell to cause damage. A few little mistakes at this point shouldn't be an issue.

As for coughs, something I practiced before surgery was clearing my  throat with my vocal cords open. It can be done but you need to relax your vocal cords when you feel the cough coming on. If you are clearing your throat, it also helps to lean forward and let gravity help.

We issue to all new members the following links so you will best be able to use the web site.

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
Reputation rules	News posting & quoting guidelines	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy

Thanks for the response. Yeah that's kind of what I figured, but I just wanted to make sure. I had a big cough 4 days in and there's been stinging ever since then, I'm hoping that isn't anything to be worried about.

[Miss Lux]

Like U I worry about the little things,  the girls here specially Dena calmed and assured me that I'll be alright. It is impossible  to control and avoid every little cough, hiccups and vocalization, I had several coughs, accidental vocalization and even vomiting but the results turned out fine. As they always say cntrol what you can control. It is a long recovery, goodluck and take care!

[Bruzzums]

Like U I worry about the little things,  the girls here specially Dena calmed and assured me that I'll be alright. It is impossible  to control and avoid every little cough, hiccups and vocalization, I had several coughs, accidental vocalization and even vomiting but the results turned out fine. As they always say cntrol what you can control. It is a long recovery, goodluck and take care!

Thanks for the reassurance! It's been greatly needed haha<3

[Bebe5581]

Hi mslux and bruzzums.... Was wondering if u can share ur experience w vfs with dr haben. Im having sirgery in 2 wks. And nervous like crazy!!...
Thank you