Interesting People #1104 "Diane Rehm"

16 weeks post surgery update

16 weeks yesterday and so far so good with a lot of good feedback from my Docs and others on latest voice recording. Trying to get them on here but can't figure it out yet or pictures either so help! Officiated at a Wedding this weekend and using a mic it seemed to go quite well. Still breathy but clear and understandable with no breaks. Just soft and a bit low and sexy I am told. Feels mellow and makes my whole state of mind kind of mellow and sleepy a lot.

But very busy with garden, activities, biking, hiking etc. Leave tomorrow to drive and then Bike across Michigan with 800 others as we do every June. Google PALM: Peddling Across Lower Michigan. Different route every year from West to East. Will need to be sure I have a horn or bell as can't tell people I am approaching from behind or whatever!

Usually just say something but hard to be heard still. I am very glad I dared to do this surgery and then post about it. Thanks for reading! Comments? Have a great summer!

almost 14 weeks since surgery. Today will report to the NE support group in Boston on progress in person. A bit scary! Weekly now getting stronger voice though still breathy. When I don't see people for a few weeks they notice and comment on the difference so that is good! Will be interesting to see what the group thinks about it.

Dr Grillone who went from Boston to observe my surgery says he is hoping to start doing it at Boston Medical Center when there is a need and demand. That will be a real breakthrough for people in the NE. I may be the first one in New England who has had slad-r surgery as far as I know. Others in NY and DC but also traveled to California if they didn't have it in Philadelphia or Baltimore.

Only symptom besides breathiness I am aware of at this point is slightly stiff neck which may or may not be related. Possibly from having head back during surgery? Massage and ben gay seem to be helping it. I definitely am delighted with the results to date and look forward to move voice as months go by. Smooth and no breaks! So far so good.

Thanks for staying posted with me here. Ask questions, make comments if you wish. Still trying to post pictures and voice samples here.

8 weeks post surgery

Wow. I can't believe I haven't posted here for a few weeks! Now 8 weeks since surgery and doing well. Very breathy still and a slightly stiff neck but others say another 4-8 weeks before stronger voice. Hope so!

Next week will meet up with Dr. Berke at the NSDA meetings in Chicago. Look forward to seeing other folk from our on line Facebook support groups and Dr. Berke who is presenting. People say they can hear me on the phone and there are no breaks. Others in person say they like my smooth and slighly deeper voice and can hear me if not much background noise. Have to be close to be heard so need to go to room where others are. Or use an amplifier. Will when I do a wedding in June. Certainly can't yell yet! Hope there are no fires!

Trying to post pictures of my neck with no visible scar to speak of and swelling gone. Also voice recordings but haven't figured how to put them here.Help!

Can send if you email me at: randrstuart@gmail.com if interested. Thanks for all your wonderful support and interest!

4 weeks since surgery!

Hard to believe it has been 4 weeks this afternoon. Seems rather unreal and with a mellow voice, one feels kind of mellow a lot, kind of drifting along. Have to drive attentively! And driving more. Ruth drove a lot at first partly due to my need to cough. Now much better, little coughing or phlegm just as folk said it would be by 4 weeks. Thankyou all who have been here before me. And to those coming after!

Swollen neck is also much reduced. A little stiff so tend to move it back and forth up and down. But never was sore or painful much to my amazement.....still don't know how to make paragraphs here. Sorry................

Other advantages: Lost a lot of weight, down 25 pounds from all time high so at 140 and loving it. Trying to maintain it but hard as liking eating again.. Swollowing problems much better too. Can drink and sip if careful. Also best lowest blood pressure in years so think that the stress of having SD effects that too as I have long thought. Would love to be able to go off that, my only medication other than reflux. Goal is 0 meds! ........................Not much else to add.

Ushering at Capital Center a lot and wear a sign everywhere that says no voice, Surgery. People seems to understand. And I can whisper or speak low in someone's ear if necessary. Saw Irish Rovers, Blues, Opera etc. just this week! Will try contra dancing this week, silently! ..........feel free to add questions or send them to me at randrstuart@gmail.com. Thanks for all your interest and support! Anyone know how to post photos or voice samples here?

17 days out

It has been a good week for progress. Last night, Thursday, was first night in own bed all night without much coughing though still plenty of phlegm. Expect that for another week. Eating normally and just careful with liquids. Still Using thicket with water, thin juices, hot chocolate etc. Doesn't taste different but a thicker consistency so goes down more easily............

.have had three outings into the cold NH air: ushered at Jazz concert Sunday without talking. Town meeting last night as silent loose coughing observer for first half. Today going x-c skiing and then a massage. Oh, nice. My body gets tired just sitting around. Have been using ski and bike machines at home this week. Weights too while watching news of missing plane, etc............

continue to get lots of cards and email notes which is nice! Haven't felt alone though just sitting at home almost 2 weeks now. Have had 3 visitors though it doesn't make sense to have many as not talking much. Voice is low and husky but soft and clear without breaks so far. Seems to me to be on track. Doing usual vocal excercises: right really ready beautiful do (from Cooper) and ma me ma mo, counting, alphabet, etc. Should try reading outloud today. But seems like easy does it. Not to overdo I guess..............

Wondering about skiing this next month. The snow is so deep and beautiful..........

Any questions, send them along in an email to randrstuart@gmail.com. Not sure comments here get through to me or anyone. Anyone having success posting them? ...........

more to come in a few days. Dick

2 weeks ago tomorrow - 14 days out

Hard to believe surgery was 2 weeks ago tomorrow! Much of that has been a blur and hard to believe. Still coughing but sleeping better, 12 hours Sat night. Still phlemn causing irritation. Bandages are off and neck looks a bit swollen but fine. Scar minimal and no stiches. Will try to post pictures of my neck and this adventure. Does anyone know how? How long does the swelling last? ...................................... .......

My first outing was yesterday when went to Concord Capital Center for the Arts to usher for a great Big Band concert of Ella Fitzgerald music. Mellow and wonderful and I could just listen. Tonight out again to Laconia for a book discussion and dining with our Meditation group. That may be more challenging as I really can't be heard in public. Only face to face, one on one at this time. But that is progress too. And I took a phone call today and I guess I could be heard. They stayed on the line and listened. Very breathy as after Botox. And it is hard to get a breath...........................................

The most remarkable thing to me again is the complete lack of Pain or soreness or the need for Pain Meds. Only took them to help sleep. Now finished with full regemin of meds. Only issue this weekend was anticipated constipation and a suppository helped. Sorry about the details but be prepared if you are next! So far so good, and it should get gradually better, inshallah!