I think that one reason that I have not found my treatment arduous is that I tend to treat it like a science experiment or project involving myself. It really is quite incredible and fascinating what can be done!
This is particularly the case with the Continuous Laryngoscopy During Exercise (CLE). This is a cutting edge technique that is only available in 3 centres worldwide. Bergen in Norway where the technique was founded, Denver Colorado and the Royal Brompton in the UK.
Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a prevalent and yet still under-recognised cause of exertional breathlessness [1]. The transient closure of the larynx, which develops during EILO, results in dyspnoea, cough, inspiratory wheeze (i.e. stridor) and tightness in the throat on physical exertion.
The first time I underwent CLE, I used an exercise bike. First there were a number of breathing and lung function tests such as spirometry. Sensors were attached to my front and back to monitor various parameters during the test. The scope was inserted via my nose and fixed in place with a head harness. After a warm up the exercise intensity was gradually ramped up until sure enough the breathing resistance and stridor noises kicked in. This was dynamically recorded via the scope camera.
I was very interested to review the video alongside Dr Hull. It showed the paralysed right vocal cord which was static in the mid-line and didn’t abduct to open the airway. It also showed that a part of the laryngeal structure, an arytenoid, was overhanging the airway and further obstructing the available space.
Dr Hull then referred me to his colleague Dr Sandhu at Charing Cross who might recommend surgery to trim back the arytenoid.
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