Hello - I am 28 years old and had a diagnostic thyroid lobectomy (right side) 4 weeks ago, histology results found it was follicular thyroid carcinoma but MDT concluded it was non -invasive so no further treatment has been recommended.

My voice was very hoarse and weak after the surgery and at my follow up appointment 2 weeks after the surgery, they scoped me and found my right vocal fold wasn't moving. I'm now 4 weeks post surgery and my voice is very hoarse, weak, breathy and I'm unable to project it at all, I have not seen any improvement in my voice since the surgery. It is also quite uncomfortable to swallow and im unable to cough or clear ny throat. 

They are reviewing me again in 4 months, with no treatment plan in the meantime. I have requested a referral to speech therapy but im not sure whether they have done this. They are taking a watch and wait approach which i am very much against - as a speech therapist myself I would like this sorted ASAP and early intervention leads to the best outcomes.

I was told my surgery was successful, they didnt mention that they felt there had been any nerve damage, surely they would have to tell me if they suspected this?

I would just like to know if anyone else has experienced  vocal fold paralysis following thyroidectomy/hemi-thyroidecyomy and whether it improved on it's own? How long it took for some improvement/voice being back to normal? 

Any advice or insight is appreciated xx