Yesterday I had this little thing done called a direct microlayngoscopy with micro flap excision… or vocal fold polyp removal. It results in 168 hours of no voicing…no talking, no outloud laughing, no coughing or throat clearing. Currently I am 20 hours in so only 148 remaining. A friend reminded me I shouldn’t count 8 hours of sleep; technically 100 hours with that positive mindset.
Those who know me as a Speech Pathologist said, “She must know sign language.” True I know how to sign beer and a few other words, but most others don’t, so it’s only showing off. I signed ‘toilet’ in the recovery room receiving ‘whaaat?’ head shakes. However, the universal sign for pee is, well…universal.
The ASL version of toilet (letter T with a handshake)
ASL Sign for Beer (we all should know that; bars are noisy) ⤵️
I downloaded TEXT, an aptly name text-to-speech app. I will definitely let them know work is needed on the womens’ voices. Currently, I sound annoyingly like Lilith from Fraser. Now, Bebe Neuwirth is a great actress which is why she was able to sound so Lilith-like and thrive. Beyond that voice flaw, it’s a stellar app.
My biggest accomplishment of the day was an ingenious repurposing of a mask into a magic marker holder! I only have about 75 black masks left to re-use. Ideas?
168 hours sounds so much better than 7 days doesn’t it?
Check back for more insights from beneath the cone of silence.
Minderings, a place for the wanderings of your mind. 
I think not doing those last three things would do me in. Speedy recovery!
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I am surprised how much I must laugh without sound naturally. What’s been hard is not giving incidental remarks to things my husband says. He may be enjoying it. LOL
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I haven’t heard you refer to yourself as a “social introvert” before yet that totally makes sense to me. But, I identify as an introvert and a forced silence would be very challenging for me. I have a cast of inner characters who communicate with me and I with them, sub vocalizing which causes the vocal cords to move!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this challenge!
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I am most definitely and outgoing introvert. I think it’s actually a thing, that or social introvert. Lots of time needed for battery recharge.
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