Before your laryngectomy, your voice is produced by vocal cords that are located in your larynx/voice box. Your vocal cords generate sound so you can speak. When you breathe out, air passes through the vocal cords making them vibrate to produce sound. The sound moves into your mouth and is shaped into speech with your … Read more
By now you have most certainly come across the term HME. But you may not be entirely sure what it is. Firstly, HME stands for Heat and Moisture Exchanger and this is exactly how it operates. Since you no longer have the humidifying and filtering functions of your nose, an HME can be considered your … Read more
Of all cancer diagnoses, one percent are laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer is a disease where malignant cancer cells are found in the larynx/voice box in the throat. Typical symptoms are a sore throat, voice changes and possible ear pain. Before undergoing surgery, quitting smoking is an important thing to do. Smoking can affect your surgery … Read more
Background As an experienced Head and Neck Nurse, I am passionate about empowering people to achieve their maximum potential. I have worked in various roles in the health sector for over 34 years. In 2013, I had a total laryngectomy. After a couple of years away from work to recover, I have since devoted my … Read more
This Total Laryngectomy Guide was created to inform you about what to expect after surgery. Take one step at a time. The initial time after the surgery may be challenging for some people. But try to remember, most people who have had a total laryngectomy go on to live normal active lives. As you read … Read more
Your doctor and medical team would like to know about your past medical history, and they may want to know what medications you are currently taking. Here is a handy tool to help you prepare for your meeting with your clinical team, remember to fill it in and take it with you to your meeting:
We produce our voice through vibration. As air is passed through the vocal cords, they vibrate and produce sound. As the air then continues up your airways, it shapes that sound into speech. So, after a total laryngectomy you will no longer have vocal cords and therefore will be unable to produce a voice through … Read more
At this stage, you may have had an introduction of how to use an HME at hospital. When leaving the hospital you will receive a coming home kit that will include a number of HMEs and attachments to help you grow accustomed to wearing an HME. Your stoma lead directly to your lungs, so it … Read more
Aspiration – means you’re breathing foreign objects, such as food and drink, into your airways. At the hospital: Surgeon – This is the person who will carrying out the surgical procedure Anesthetist – this is the person who will keep you asleep and pain free through and after your surgery Speech therapist – will help … Read more
It is more than likely you will visit the hospital the day before your surgery is scheduled. This is so the clinical team can get you 100% prepared for your surgery. When you enter the hospital, you will be directed to the ward. During this time and until you are settled into the ward, you … Read more