Question:
Anyone have voice/lung problems post-op?

I'm not sure what my problem is--but it is hard for me to yell or talk too loudly. When I try to take a deep breath, it seems like i can never fill my lungs the way I used to before surgery. I also have actual pain/discomfort when I yell - the pain is right in the pouch area. I don't have too much cause to yell too often, so I don't think about it often. But I do wonder if there is anyone else with this problem?    — Jennifer C (posted on December 19, 2004)

December 18, 2004
Do give your surgeon a call, but dont fret:) Thats pretty common, I think that our LOUD voice at least partially depended on extra air from our BIG stomachs. My friends all noted happily that my coughing was much quieter than pre op. Small stomach small voice...
   — bob-haller

December 19, 2004
My voice is definitely different......I used to sing HIGH soprano now have had to move to the alto section because I just can't get the volume or the range any more. Someone said it was probably due to trauma to the vocal chords during surgery (I've had surgery four times in the last year)from the tube. I don't know if that is the case but singing alto is defiitely more comfortable than trying to sing soprano. I never had any discomfort though so don't know if this helps.
   — scbabe

December 21, 2004
I have always had voice and lung problems due to asthma and frequent bronchitis. However, much to my surprise, I have noticed that these conditions have gotten worse since the surgery. (All my other health problems have improved with this exception). I have noticed that I cannot ever make my voice high--in fact sometimes I sound like a smoker, LOL. My voice often sounds raspy and low. Also, my asthma worsened immediately after the surgery. I had to go on extra medication. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that our lungs need help after the surgery and that is why we are ordered by the doctor to use the spirometer to strengthen them. I wonder if in some cases, the lungs are somehow weakened by the surgery, and take some time to recover.
   — [Deactivated Member]