Patti Ellen's Page

My Son is a 1st Class and in QA. He had surgery on his right shoulder May 13, and during surgery the tube they put down the throat was done improperly so currently his right vocal cords are paralyzed as well as the left side of his tongue. He talks in a very soft hoarse voice, has no gag reflex and can barely cough so has to be watched when he eats. I went and stayed with him for almost 2 weeks so his wife could have a visit with her parents and some time off. They have 2 boys - 3 and 10 months - so he couldn't care for them totally by himself. "Nana" had a great time taking care of my '3' boys, but my son is very frustrated not being able to talk, especially on the phone. So everyone who reads this, please send out a prayer for a quick recovery for him. He has been put in a temp. squad for these kinds of recovery things. Don't know all the acronyms the Navy uses, but he is happy about one thing - he won't be going on cruise in July. He was attached to the Nimitz due to leave in July for 6-7 months. Instead when his shoulder therapy is done and he is cleared by the medical board they will transfer to shore duty 9 months early and will relocate to OK which will be closer to us which will make visiting so much nicer!! He is excited that he will now have 3 1/2 yrs for sure with his boys as he has missed every birthday for the oldest and alot of his life so far. His main job with the Navy has been as a mechanic on planes - he has worked on alot of different ones in the 11 years he has been in. And when on cruise he works on the flight deck as he is a "white shirt" or final checker/QA for the planes. So far now he is assigned to the Wing on the west coast until his medical condition changes which the doctors best guess will take up to 6 months. His shoulder is recovering real well and fast,, but his voice and tongue issues are taking longer.

Being new to this site I don't know all the advantages available so any sharing anyone can do for me will be greatly appreciated. Living in the small town we do there isn't alot of Navy support so this site was a Godsend. Thanks to all!! Patti Ellen