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Will I be able to sing after surgery?

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  • Will I be able to sing after surgery?

    I'm no Beverly Sills, but I do enjoy a sideline as a weddings/funerals singer. I had one person tell me I might have a better voice because I won't be scrunched anymore, but I worry about my lung capacity being permanently affected by anterior surgery. Does anyone know about this or have experience with it??


    Chris
    Chris
    A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
    Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
    Post-op curve: 12 degrees
    Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York

  • #2
    Hi Chris...

    Most of the studies have been on adolescents, but here are some links to studies that might be of interest:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_DocSum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_DocSum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_DocSum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&li st_uids=8711684&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_DocSum

    The one in red is probably the most easily understood and relevant.

    --Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

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    • #3
      Thanks for the links Linda.

      Sounds like there is some reduction in function but not too much if you're okay going in .....
      Oh well, I imagine everyone's different, just like every other aspect of this surgery!!

      Chris
      Chris
      A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
      Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
      Post-op curve: 12 degrees
      Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York

      Comment


      • #4
        I think it will all vary from person to person, but I definitely have better lung function now. I just can't use it too well right at the moment ' cos my ribs aren't completely healed yet (they took 2 out during my anterior surgery).

        I don't think tone or pitch changes as I can still sing along to Shania Twain with the best of them...
        Double 63(T)/75(L) deg curve with big sideways shift - Surgery in UK on 8th February 2006.
        Post op 30(T)/33(L)
        http://warpedwoman.blogspot.com/

        Comment


        • #5
          Chris,
          While I'm no professional, I have always LOVE singing and sing all of the time. I'm sure that if I have kids someday, they will think I'm absolutely crazy as I will break out in song (an genre) while driving, cooking, sitting at the computer...whenever the mood strikes! My husband thinks it's funny and all part of my "charm".

          I found that immediately after surgery, I could not hold notes at all (and it was really upsetting) but as time has gone on that's improved 100% and I'm back to belting out the songs once again! The first time I was able to sing an entire song on the drive home from work without losing my breath was such an amazing moment for me! I'd say that was 5 or 6 months post op. I definitely have the ability to take deeper breaths now and I'm sure that in your situation with having trained your lungs and other muscles to breath properly, you'll be back to singing in no time!

          Comment


          • #6
            Chris--bet your voice will be even better after surgery(several mths down the line..) I think you are like me & your diaphagm & stomach are squished right now... ps..I listen to music early every morning(& sing) to get me going ......so "don't worry-be Happy"............Ly
            http://lynnebackattack.blogspot.com

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            • #7
              Thanks you guys. I was so afraid of this issue I almost didn't want to ask...I feel better now.

              Hey, anyone who can belt out Shania Twain is doing great in my book !!!!

              Chris
              Chris
              A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
              Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
              Post-op curve: 12 degrees
              Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York

              Comment


              • #8
                Singer, don't be alarmed if right after surgery, you have hoarseness or (sorry i know this is gross, but ....) a phlegm plug.... I couldn't talk right for about 3 months afterwards and was despairing that i wouldn't be able to sing again, when it cleared up on its own finally. I am a school counselor, and would be standing in front of a class of kindergarteners when i'd go hoarse suddenly... i'd 'ahem, ahem' and say, 'excuse me. I have a frog in my throat!' The look of horror on those little kiddies' faces...lol.... Anyway, i'm back to singing now and had forgotten the hoarseness until i read your post. Good luck to you!

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