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Posted by: Barb Meteyer ® 11/06/2002, 18:22:17 Author Profile Mail author |
This voice problem of mine has become worse in the last year. Finally got a diagnosis in June after my cords were videotaped while vocalizing. So with the adductor S.D., I am feeling as though I have few choices in selecting a proper method of treatment. I considered acupuncture, but the available literature almost discourages that. Multiple sessions are required, and it generally sounds if'y. Botox injections sound like a more predictable method. Will I become physically ill from the Botox itself within a day or two of the injection? Is it a given that I will lose what is left of my voice for a period of time? What's the minimum/maximum time I may be voiceless? What is this "Godfather" voice I read about on the BB? I've noticed that time spent in the dry heat of a sauna seems to have a positive effect on my vocal production.Eight sessions of voice therapy barely helped. I became discouraged from lack of progress, and my insurance wouldn't pay for any more therapy. I'm back in the high school special education classroom and my students are so tolerant of what little voice there is on many days. My principal said he's OK with me being in school during the early days of post treatment, if I end up voiceless. He feels that can be worked around. Will look forward to hearing from any of you. Thanks in advance for any pep talks you provide and any information you can share. Barb Meteyer |
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Posted by: Ida Neary ® 11/06/2002, 18:52:37 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Barb Welcome I had Botox injections for 10 years and believe me you will not mind the "Godfather" or breathy voice you might have for a couple of weeks, when you experience spasm free talking. I did a lot of theater and scheduled my Botox shots around them. You probably won't get sick after the injection. I never did, but I have heard of people having flu-like symptoms for a while. Botox doesn't work very well for me anymore, so I am quietly awaiting a new strain. Good luck Ida |
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Posted by: fancynancy ® 11/06/2002, 18:58:18 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Barb, Welcome to this BB. You'll no doubt make a few friends here, as we're all in the same boat with SD. I have the AB-ductor type, so can't give a lot of advice re. AD-SD. But I do know that Botox has a good success rate for those with AD type. Both acupuncture and chiropractic can ease the effort in speaking, but probably not to the degree of Botox. It's definitely worth a try. Hopefully your insurance will cover the procedure. From what I understand the side effects of Botox, for the AD type, is breathiness for a couple of weeks, and you need to be careful when drinking thin beverages like water (sip slowly so you don't "swallow the wrong way"). After this time, if the Botox works, your voice should improve, if not return close to normal. The effect lasts for about 4 months, give or take, then you get another injection. There are those on this BB who are pros at getting the treatment. I've only had 3 and none worked, but it's harder to treat the AB type. Just yesterday I had a 4th injection, to relax my compensatory muscles, AD style. Too early to tell but it seems to help a bit. |
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Posted by: Lloyd Pearson(BC) ® 11/06/2002, 19:36:28 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Barb, and welcome to the SD bulletin board. Stick around and you will have most, if not all of your questions answered, either directly or indirectly. There is a "Search" feature at the top of the main page that you can also use to find information on recently discussed topics, but it is somewhat limited in the archival time frame point of view. Most people on here have had botox at one time or another, and most of those who have ADductor SD generally get pretty good results - at least much more preferable than the strained, strangled, effortful speech that is characteristic of AD/SD. Some of the rare side effects can be a feeling of "flu-like" symptoms which can last a couple of days, and some difficutly in swallowing liquids. (Sip slowly through a straw, if this happens) The most reported effect of botox is the breathiness afterwards. The effects of the botox ususally kick in between 24 to 72 hours and that's when you'll notice the breathiness. This is also a sign that the doctor has hit the bullseye. The breathiness is a good sign that the botox is working, but unfortunatley, the down side of this is that the weak, breathy "Godfather" type of voice can last from anywhere to a couple of weeks to as much as 6 weeks or so - depending on the dosage of botox used and if injected into one muscle or both. However, during this stage the spasms have greatly diminished and you will have much more fluent speech, although weak and breathy. Much experimentation is usually needed between you and your doctor to determine what dosage is right for you and whether to have shots in both muscles (bi-lateral) or just one muscle (uni-lateral) Several people on here have found that the uni-lateral injection has been more preferable for them with less breathiness. A good site to visit for information on SD and what to expect from botox injections is at Dr. James Thomas's web site (link below) Good luck and keep us posted with your progress. Lloyd Pearson(BC) Canada AD/SD Related link: http://www.voicedoctor.net/therapy/dystonia.html |
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Posted by: cheryl ® 11/07/2002, 07:42:03 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Barb! I hope this BB will be a great source of information as well as a support group for you! It has been those things for me! I am also a teacher and can relate to your experiences. I have been receiving botox for just over a year now and I would definitely recommend it for your treatment. After I receive a shot, I usually go through a "Minnie Mouse" period. My voice is weak and very high pitched. During this 1 - 2 week period, I would rely heavily on my assistant. (I'm assuming that you have an asst. since you teach special ed.)After this stage, my voice returns to a normal, spasm free voice for 2 - 3 months. Then when the spasms return, the cycle begins again.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide. Cheryl Springer, ADSD
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