Get your own Free Home PagesDuring my initial transition I was concerned about my voice. Having a fundamental frequency of 106 Hz I felt it was too low to pass with ease. I investigated the various techniques available and decided to contact a well respected surgeon in London. During my first appointment he decribed the technique - the crico-thyriod approximation - and claimed around a 90% success rate.
The operation, which takes about 90 minutes, involves surturing the crico and thyroid cartilage together at the front of the neck thus causing the vocal chords to become tighter. This in turn raises the pitch and, in my case, I now have a fundamental freguency of 152 Hz. My voice is still rather low but it has improved a great deal and given me much needed confidence.
The operation was carried out under a general anaethestic at the Royal
National Throat, Ears and Nose Hospital in London on the 24th. September
1997. I experienced some discomfort for the intial period, eating was particularly
difficult although hunger took over about four hours after the operation
and I ate my first meal with some difficulties - in fact, the meal was stone cold
before I finished!
If any one would like details of the surgeon and how to contact him
then please e-mail me and I will send you details. Hope my explanation has
helped to dispel any fears about the dangers. In this procedure the chords
are not cut or shaved - if it's not successful the only thing damaged is
your bank balance
Get your own Free Home PagesCreated by: Fiona E. Scott.
Last Updated: 10th. December 1997