Hello Nurse & everyone,
My name is ELENA & I wanted to give some tips on communication. During the time that you won't be able to talk. I know it can be frustrating. I have 4 suggestions.
1) boogie board. It's a 4x6 LED handheld board that cones with its own pen. You can write on it n at the push of a button it erases. I live with mine attached to me. (So to speak) try amazon it runs about $30 but sometines on sale for $15
2) the text to speak "FREE" APPS Are wonderful I use them alot. I simply write what I want to say. Then the voice speaks aloud. You get choices of cute accents as well. Lol
3) check into the SAMSUNG CELL PHONE with stylus pens. This cell phone is awesome. It makes my life so easy by using the stylus pen that's attached. Im not a fast typer so writing is so much faster for me. Theres an alternate writing app that simply allows u to write with ur stylus pen then transfers it into a typed out text, letter etc
4) the tablet.....you can download an app that allows you to write with your finger. I especially use this gadget for when im in the dark n i need to communicate. Such as church, movies, in bed....the screen lights up and when u write to speak for yo u r self, the person can easily read what ur writing .

I hope I covered alot for you. I found the NO VOICE was actually harder for me then NO EATING...I HAVE 1 SUGGESTION to help you manage ur feelings while u R unable to eat. Im an old fashion Italian girl. N what do Italians do the most????...we EAT...WE COOK. WE EAT.. I never got upset around my family's table u know Y...bcuz 10 min b4 we all sat down. I filled up with my ensure. So by the time I got to the DINNER TABLE i was so FULL...HAAAAA so I used the time to sit n enjoy my family......GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL . YOU ARE ALL TROOPERS...Best wishes to you all.