Surgery. OW. Life goes on. gratitude.

Several weeks ago, I was seen at the ENT clinic to discuss the dystonia that developed after having Long Covid. This is a real condition where singers have difficulty finding and holding pitch, sustaining long tones with good breath support, and keeping their voice clear. Basically, the connection between the brain, the breath and the vocal folds has been disturbed and must be retrained. A LOT of singers who developed Long Covid have had this issue and most are working with voice specialists in physical therapy to resolve the problem.

While they scoped my throat (sent a tiny camera into my throat through one of my nostrils, an uncomfortable experience), I mentioned that a cold sore on the side of my tongue had developed back in February, but it had never healed and it was painful. As a precaution, they number my tongue and took a tiny biopsy. Results came back the next day and showed "pre-cancerous cell changes." Not cancer, but a dysplasia, and cause for concern. So, while I have to wait until November to see a physical therapist for my voice, they scheduled removal of the dysplasia pretty much asap.

The surgery was last Monday, a day after I'd been to the MADE Show. Recovery has been rough. I spent the first three days basically in bed and in pain, unable to eat anything other than a little yogurt on my right side and lots of cold water. I was able to add iced coffee soon after, and slowly added in lukewarm oatmeal, ice cream or sorbet and cottage cheese.

I didn't eat a whole lot, to be honest, because it just hurt too much and I had no appetite. As a result, I've lost almost ten pounds. (Not a bad thing, because I could stand to lose it.)

Each day after the first day home, I've taken photos of the wound, which was held together by dissolving stitches. The stitches loosened up over time and the wound opened up again, but I was told that this is no cause for alarm. Over time -- it could take weeks or even a couple of months --  the stitches will dissolve and be absorbed into my body. The doctor and his staff have been extremely helpful and kind during my recovery and I'm grateful.

Today was the first day that I didn't wake up and feel my mouth screaming. So that's meaningful progress. But the first week was rough.
I may ride my bike over to Bike Happy Hour tonight. I won't be able to enjoy the communal fries, but maybe I can get some fruit juice and call it good. If I can go, it will feel good to ride my bike again. The host is interviewing Mayor Wilson about transportation infrastructure so I'd like to hear what he has to say.