having cancer removed from my throat ,i will no will no longer have any vocal coards and a open hole on my throat, want to know if there any devices to help me communicate after operation since i will not have any vocal coards ,all advice will help THANK YOU
2006-12-30 14:24:33 · 12 answers · asked by james a 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
In the hospital we use picture/word boards, if you are able to write a paper & pencil will be helpful to communicate with others, provided they can read.
2006-12-30 14:29:04 · answer #1 · answered by NautyRN 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your ENT should refer you to a speech pathologist prior to your surgery to give you the information that you desperately need about your future rehabilitation.
There are many options these days regarding methods to help you communicate effectively after your laryngectomy. Most patients will be supplied with an "electrolarynx", which is a device that produces an artificial voice. There are several models that have a tube attached that you place in your mouth while you mouth the words, an can be used immediately after your surgery. By seeing the speech pathologist prior to your operation, you can learn how to use it , and get some time to practice.
After you are fully healed from your laryngectomy, you may want to talk to your ENT and speech pathologist about possibly being a candidate for a Blom-Singer Voice Prosthesis. This device actually redirects the exhaled airstream back through the mouth. It has a little valve on it that produces voice. It can be tricky to insert, so you need to have good fine-motor coordination and the ability to see where to insert it.
Other patients take the time to learn a technique known as "esophageal speech", where air is injected into the esophagus either by your tongue, or by a special way of moving your body. The air returns through your mouth, and the voice is produced by the muscle connecting your throat to the esophagus.
The speech pathologist is a valuable resource for you. Ask about the International Association of Laryngectomees. It's an organization for other patients just like you. They even have a national convention.
2006-12-31 00:33:28 · answer #2 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I saw at our local hospital a piece of paper (two sided) by one of the drug companies that had the alphabet on it (one side) and the other side had pictures for different things like yes, no, cold, hurt, bed, etc. Just point. Sorry, I don't remember who made it but it was a fantastic idea. See if they have something like that. If not, try a dry erase board like the other poster stated.
2006-12-30 23:49:35 · answer #3 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bless you. You can write on a dry erase board. You can get a device that allows you to speak into a microphone like device for people without vocal cords. Your doctor will know what it is called and should know where you get one.
2006-12-30 22:28:14 · answer #4 · answered by winkcat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can write, on anything ! paper, white board or get some electronic gadzet, like the i-pod. But i think just some paper will be better as it's easier to scrible or sometimes a simple drawing speaks better ! Take care.
2006-12-30 22:40:29 · answer #5 · answered by stevlm 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sign language. Make a fist with your right hand. Hold it out in front of you, knuckles toward the ceiling. Wave it up and down as though it's someone's head nodding. You have just said "Yes" in sign language.
Hold your right hand out with your thumb and first two fingers extended and the third and fourth fingers drawn in toward your palm. Bring the index finger and middle finger down together to touch your thumb. You have just said "No" in sign language.
2006-12-30 22:33:13 · answer #6 · answered by amy02 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would ask the doctor that is doing this procedure. He's the only one that could guarantee anything. If you can't talk and there's no machine to use then I'm guessing sign language...? Ask them though.
2006-12-30 22:28:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
in the beginning pencil and paper after that the doc. can explain what they have. i know they have a device.
2007-01-02 01:36:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) by using pen and paper, writting the things that you want to say
2) by using facial expressions (smiling if happy-pouting if sad-enlarging your eyes if surprised)
3) by using sign language
4) by using symbols
2006-12-30 22:33:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1.) I hope your operation goes well.
2.) Maybe you could learn sign language.
2006-12-30 22:32:56 · answer #10 · answered by Nicky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋