I would like to update you on some personal health concerns.
Twenty years ago I caught a nerve virus that permanently paralyzed the right side of my throat. After long therapy I was able to return to active ministry in teaching and parish work.
In the last two years I have had increasing throat difficulties in swallowing and choking especially or in speaking without amplification and, after examinations, it has been found that my right sided inactive vocal cord has withered or atrophied.
The good news is that some nerve regeneration has also occurred on the throat wall. Accordingly, I am scheduled for vocal cord surgery on July 25 in Toronto to inject silicon between the vocal cord and throat wall so as to push the cord closer to the middle of the throat to reduce choking and swallowing problem and get the maximum benefit from the good vocal cord. This is called a thyroplasty.
The recovery is expected to take from 2 – 6 months, depending on various factors, after which I will return to active ministry here in the parish.
Fr. Theo will be the administrator during my absence and I will be in touch via the internet. It is a good thing that there is a medical improvement possible. I will be here until July 25 or so (depending on the possibility of getting bumped for the surgery). Thanks for your understanding and prayers.