Q: I know I can’t talk after surgery, but can I whisper or cough or clear my throat?
A: No, loud whispering is to be avoided. Try to avoid coughing or clearing the throat. There should be no vocal sounds during the healing process for 3 to 5 days. We also recommend drinking tea and honey. Each case can vary so you should check with your doctor on the day of surgery for specific instructions.
Q: May I fly between my surgery and post op? I’d like to fly the day after my surgery, is that okay?
A: Usually, you may travel after microlaryngeal surgery. It is best to check with the doctor for your specific situation.
Q: How soon can I get back to the gym? I’m on a tennis league, can I play ball sports?
A: You may go back to the gym a couple days after surgery but no heavy weight lifting or excessive cardio that could cause you to become too out of breath and start gasping. For the first week after surgery avoid contact sports including ball sports.
Q: I talk a lot at my job, when can I go back to work and talk all day, every day?
A: Typically one week after your post-op appointment, you may return to talking. The amount may vary. At your post op visit, the doctor will instruct you based on your particular situation.
Q: Am I going to be on a liquid/ice cream only diet after surgery?
A: No. Only for tonsillectomies. Vocal cord surgery does not affect your swallowing and you may eat anything you wish. You may choose softer foods.
Q: How much does this hurt? Am I going to be on bed rest after?
A: It does not hurt very much; most people do not feel pain with vocal cord surgeries. You will be tired the first day after anesthesia, but you will not be on bed rest. You may experience tongue soreness if you had microsurgery done through the mouth.
Q: Is there a locker at the hospital to put my things in while I’m having surgery?
A: Yes.
Q: Why do I have to get there two hours before my surgery?
A: You will go through the check-in process. You will fill out some paper work, the nurses will take your history and vital signs, and you’ll meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss your health history. You will meet the surgeon for the consent and discuss post-op care.
Q: How soon after my surgery is over do I get to leave the hospital?
A: Typically there is about an hour of recovery time and then you are allowed to leave as long as someone is there to pick you up.
Q: Can my family be in the recovery room with me after surgery?
A: Your family cannot be with you while you are in the Acute Recovery Room unless you are underage. As soon as you are stable, your family will be called to join you in the Recovery Room.
Q: Will I get to see the doctor before I’m under anesthesia if I have any last minute questions?
A: Yes.
Q: How soon will my Pathology Report be ready after my surgery?
A: A. Typically 4-5 business days.
Q. Can I wear contacts or nail polish to surgery?
A: No contacts; no polished nails; hearing aid is allowed; all prosthesis must be declared and or removed.
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