This has only come in in the last few months. Before that, he would scream at me and tell me that I needed to take him home. He requires 24/7 and he fell (several times) and ended up in hospital, then rehab 3 times. I told him that he and I were not doing well on our own and that he and I both needed a safe place. Its been a process, but now when I talk to him on the phone, or see him in person, I cant hardly hear him. Its not just to me that he is whispering. His aides and nurse and doctor cant hear him either. He's had oxygen counts, they are fine. He's compliant, just really depressed. Is on antidepressants.
Any whisper voice that has not resolved in three weeks gives rise to a high level of suspicion that a neoplasm is involved and must be rigorously investigated. STAT!
Examination of the vocal cords will not assist a diagnosis of cancer. E-ray, MRI, etc, are required.
In such cases, injecting Teflon will stiffed the affected cord and let the non-flaccid cord work against it, thus giving a better level of vocal production.
I am more than a little surprise that your dad's physician has not already but procedures for a differential diagnosis in hand by now. Provoke him or her to action.
I was aked if my voice had changed and I replied it had become lower and it was difficult to speak for long periods for instance on the phone with my children.
I also have pregressive weakness fatique and the need to sleep a lot more during the day. All this with a long standing valvular heart disease and recent diagnosis of asthma which was a total surprise.
I have been fortunate in that I was able to recieve good care and had a husband advocating for me. My investigations are ongoing so who knows what else they will come up with.
My point is that these kinds of things are often ignored in the elderly and I am unco-operative enough to refuse certain proceedures and have a nursing background and no cognitive difficulties.
I can still live independently with my husband and will be perfectly willing to accept help as and when I need it and certainly won't fight giving up driving.
How many people are that fortunate? I see myself as a patient and a caregiver as my husband does not seem able to keep up with things like bill paying and remembering appointments.
Thank you for your question. My Dad seems similar in that this has been coming on for some time, but has gotten much worse recently. We suspect that he had a TIA a few weeks ago so Blannie's answer is particularly helpful. If I learn anything that helps my Father, I will let you know. Please post anything that you learn.
Take care