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Hoarseness 2.5 years

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I had pneumonia, septic shock and COVID in October/November/December 2023. Since then I've had a strongly hoarse voice. I was a forner Salesman and spoke publicly for 40 years. I have COPD, Epilepsy and strong arthritis in which I have and undergoing significant surgery inserting metal work into my feet. The most recent one has failed resulting in removal of metalwork and has become extremely septic. Asides from this. Since the coma incident my voice has been distorted and if I try to raise this, it becomes highly distorted. I am and seeing a voice therapist. But I've had blood tests which hasn't shown any cancerous signs. They have said it's due to the life support tubes damaged my larynx. But this has now gone on for far longer than expected. I don't have lumps, I don't a sore throat, I am losing weight but this isn't due to difficulties in swallowing. It's down to a lack of appetite as I live on my own and really can't be bothered. I am a smoker. But looking up signs. My hoarseness is now scaring me!!

  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    I can appreciate that your hoarseness is worrying you. Unfortunately, given the past trauma you have had concerning your trachea and voicebox, this change may not now revert back to how it was. This is not likely to be anything more serious such as cancer, as your symptoms would have increased and changed by now. You mentioned you are now working with a voice therapist. Maybe talk over your progress with them, and get a sense of progress and what further improvements may be possible. Smoking causes hoarseness and will continue to irritate the airways and possibly delay any further healing or improvements. Try to consider cutting down or giving up.

    More commonly, benign throat nodules or scarring can cause voice changes. Maybe talk over your concerns with your GP. They can advise as to whether a visual examination using a scope down your throat would be useful to do.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

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