Week 3 29/04/2009

Well Jake and I survived a trip to the zoo equipped with just a whistle and a sign which I attached to Jake explaining that if he was lost could they please text the number given as I was unable to speak. I did get a
few funny looks on the rare times I blew the whistle to attract Jake’s
attention, but I would rather be thought of as the Barbara Woodhouse of
parenting than risk losing my little boy and be unable to call out for him. It
has boosted my confidence in Jake as well as he proved to be very thoughtful
and responsible the whole day.

I saw my consultant today and he confirmed that the damage is to my left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and that the recovery be 3 – 6 months.

He has referred me to a speech therapist and arranged for me to have a laryngeoscopy tomorrow, this involves sticking a camera into my nose and down my throat. I had one of these a few days before my op to determine that my
vocal chords were fully working, and it was not at all pleasant so I am not
looking forward to it at all. After this the speech therapist will arrange our
first appointment.

I have decided to attach a whistle to my handbag. I just felt very venerable to other day, thinking that I have no way of calling out not only to Jake but for help for myself if I needed it, and so now I’m
equipped… well as long as I have my bag with me, I might have to rethink that
one.

I have started to go to the gym now in an effort to build up a little stamina. The shortness of breath is quite frightening, we live uphill from Jakes school and although the hill is steep I have always managed to walk it
and talk at the same time before, now I feel like an old woman, we have to stop
halfway up as I struggle to get enough oxygen, I am hoping that regular long
slow exercise at the gym will help to keep me from getting any more lardy than
I already am while this breathing issue continues, who knows I could even lose
some weight.

I have discovered I can now gargle! This as far as I’m concerned is great news, as it increases my confidence in drinking, but I have yet to go a day without choking on at least one cup of water or tea. I want
that to be my milestone for week 4.