Since I last posted, I had a very productive meeting with first of all a specialist in the ENT Department followed by a visit from someone from the speech therapy department.

I was referred by Dr. Cave in view of the fact that my voice has shown signs of strain. The |Consultant put a camera up my nose(charming). The voice box showed a haematoma. This was a cue to send for the dictionary. Haematoma is a collection of blood in the tissues which causes bruising. Apparently this has caused the voice box when I speak to move both side to side and backwards and forwards. The good news is that this condition is likely to heal itself. We had a useful discussion at which having plenty to drink was emphasised. Whilst I can have tea and coffee with caffeine if I want, this shouldn't count towards my daily intake of fluids.

Last Monday I was visited by a speech therapist who announced that she wanted to observe me eating a sandwich. This is not as daft as it sounds. She noted that towrds the end I was struggling to swallow at one go. She is sending me a list of exercises to do and I am due to see her at a Hospital Clinic on 8 June.

Both practioners emphasised that they didn't want me to give up the Radio work. I would add that I found both people were very good at speaking politely in plain language.