Belle's strained voice

Somewhat of a busy day for Miss Ara.

She's been off the ventilator almost 3 weeks, and we're still waiting to hear a clear and full-volume cry. Doctors were wondering if she has any vocal cord paralysis because her voice is very strained and hoarse.

Preemies who have been on the ventilator for a long time might not recover their full vocal powers for a couple of weeks. But sometimes there is a chance of more damage, so today ENT specialists investigated whether her vocal cords are moving as they should be.

It was interesting to see this all unfold. 

In a small amount of cases, a PDA ligation (which Belle had) may cause accidental damage to a nerve that passes near the ductus and controls the vocal cords and movements of the diaphragm. An injury to this nerve could temporarily or permanently give a baby a hoarse voice. It can also increase the risk for accidentally aspirating food into the lungs (because the vocal cords might not close tightly when she swallows), or might make it difficult for her to take deep breaths.

The ENT specialists took a tiny telescope/camera through her nose and took a look at her airways to check if her vocal cords move back and forth. The procedure is called a laryngoscopy. 

Thankfully, both of her vocal cords looked good. Her airways might still be irritated and swollen from her time on the ventilator, but that should explain her raspy and sometimes silent cries. 

It will take time for her voice to get back to normal.

We're relieved. Her airways are okay. 

Arabella might need to go on a reflux medication soon, but almost all preemies have reflux issues, so it's nothing out of the ordinary. 

We're so fortunate. I can't stop repeating myself!

Eventually, Kiera and I will look back on this time when Belle's fussing was still easy on our ears 😄