Silence of The Chatterbox

Still in recovery waiting on Mr Consultant, worried, thanks to the nurse, that something has happened that had resulted in me having to get sutures. I’m looking around the ward as people are being wheeled in after surgery, jealous of the lucky ones who are gently waking up. Every so often I’d get a surge of crying that took my breath away.

Ever wonder what its like to wake up in theatre? I wouldn't recommend....

Having the surgery on my vocal fold in 2017 was stressful, but it brought this new found understanding of my voice, well voices in general. The fright I got way back at the beginning of all this when I thought my voice was damaged beyond repair made me realise a lot of things. How I had strongly tied my voice to my identity; who I was, how I communicated (I know, I know that’s a given) my work, who I was a as a teacher, as an actor and who I was as a friend.

Eimear The MUTE! yep, that’s me, I am back. My last blog post was the 20thDecember 2017. So its just over two years since I had surgery on my right vocal fold, which caused me to create this blog in the first place. If you followed the blog you will understand that I was really scared the last time and spent nearly two months preparing for the operation and more importantly terrified of the prospect of being silent for days after it in order to recover.

The last 10 days have been a series of ‘Elephant shoes’ for me. I haven’t accidently told anyone I love them but I have mouthed what thought was very clear statements and people have been so far off the mark I just gave up.

I Am Eimear Hear Me Roar (but not for another 7-10 days) Here I am at the half way mark I have been silent for a week. When I say silent, I should say I have become a better whistler and clapper. Never fear I am well able to make noise if I need attention.

This Blog is voiced by my good friend Susie. Its Sunday, I haven’t spoken since Thursday and it has not been as difficult as I expected.

I'm 24 hours into the silence so his one is read by my beautiful friend Charlie Murphy. You would think that being single has nothing to do with a hospital visit, that’s what I thought, what has relationship status got to do with admissions? Apparently it affects your rights. (Am I being slightly dramatic? Maybe)

Usually ‘nil by mouth’ is the sign that appears over your hospital bed when you are fasting! And it will mean that for me from midnight, but tomorrow it will also mean I have to go on complete vocal rest for 14 days.

I was now at war with my right vocal fold and my army rank was chief strategist!

I had the consultants letter hanging on the fridge, that’s where all the important items get posted right?! I knew it was sometime in October and in my complete naivety just assumed I’d go in, we’d have a chat and then I’d be waiting for an appointment to get a scope done. How wrong was I…

I had been losing my voice on and off for a number of years. Not completely silent but enough to be resting it, of course I never did. I have the distinct feeling that should I stop talking I will self combust (which will make December interesting).

I had been losing my voice on and off for a number of years. Not completely silent but enough to be resting it, of course I never did. I have the distinct feeling that should I stop talking I will self-combust (which will make December interesting).

I’m an Actor, a Voiceover Artist, Facilitator, friend and an absolute LOVER of the chat. Documenting surgery and silence as I seek to find my full voice again. Reading blog posts from my written blog www.silenceofthechatterbox.com pre and post surgery.