Peter Overton has opened up about his shock health scare which left him unable to talk for a week.
The 9News veteran, 58, was recently forced off air to undergo surgery on his vocal chords after doctors discovered a polyp.
Overton admitted that while on six weeks annual leave he noticed his voice was becoming ‘husky and raspy’ which prompted a visit to the GP.
He was then referred to an ear nose and throat specialist, who quickly ordered surgery to remove the polyp.
‘They stick a camera up your nose and then down into your vocal cord, and then on a big screen, you see your vocal cords,’ Overton told News Corp.
‘And I saw this. It was like a big blister, a lump just hanging off the cord.’
Peter Overton has opened up about his shock health scare that left him unable to talk for a week
Overton added that he was terrified by the ordeal, especially because the surgery left him unable to talk for a week.
‘I must admit, it scared the living daylights out of me,’ he said.
‘So I was operated on three days later and they lasered it off. Then I was in hospital for a day, and then home, and then no talking for over a week.’
He added that being unable to talk required quite the adjustment.
‘It was interesting being mute,’ he said.
‘If I went to get the milk, I’d write an email to myself and it would say I’d have to show it to someone!’
The broadcasting veteran added he had been seeing a speech pathologist as part of his recovery.
News of Overton’s shock health scare was broken by his wife Jessica Rowe, earlier this month.
Speaking to Stellar, Overton admitted that, while on sis weeks annual leave, he had noticed his voice becoming ‘husky and raspy’ which prompted a visit to the GP
‘I must admit, it scared the living daylights out of me,’ he told News Corp. ‘So I was operated on three days later… and they lasered it off. Then I was in hospital for a day, and then home, and then no talking for over a week.’ Overton is pictured with wife Jessica Rowe
Rowe, 54, shared a photo to Instagram of Peter hugging their pet dog and captioned it with some alarming words.
‘Peter doesn’t do Insta and he wanted me to share some news. He’s off work for a little longer at the moment,’ she wrote.
‘After an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon discovered a polyp on one of his vocal cords, which explains his very raspy voice over the holidays.’
She added that Peter had already been in surgery and had to minimise his speaking as part of the recovery process, meaning he wouldn’t be able to return to work for some time.
‘He was operated on. Part of his recovery is no talking for now (which is a HUGE challenge for him!!) Hopefully he’ll be back to Nine News soonish,’ she explained.
‘Big thanks to the great doctors, nurses, speech pathologist and Pete’s wonderful work colleagues.’
It comes after Overton underwent hip replacement surgery back in April.
Rowe took to Instagram at the time to inform followers that Overton was getting lots of ‘tender loving care.’
News of Overton’s shock health scare was broken by his wife Jessica Rowe , earlier this month
Part of his recovery is no talking for now (which is a HUGE challenge for him!!) Hopefully he’ll be back to Nine News soonish,’ she explained.
In the caption Rowe wrote: ‘Many of you have been missing Petee from your tv screens these past couple of weeks and have asked me where he is!
‘Well he’s at home recovering from hip replacement surgery and getting lots of TLC.
‘Petee will be back on Nine News Sydney soon.’
Fans filled Jess’ replies with comments and well wishes.
‘Miss you Pete uncross your legs! Nurse talking hers,’ one viewers messaged.
Another fan added: ‘Legend! The best in the business! Hope you are back reading the news soon. Miss seeing you read read the evening news so much.’
