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Posted by: Helen ® 01/01/2003, 16:40:45 Author Profile Mail author |
Happy New Year to all. I've been browsing thru the site at the questions and answers and was glad I did. I have had SD since 1991. It came about gradually, starting with only a shaky/nervous type of voice occasionally and graduated into a full blown case. I find it difficult to talk, my chest hurts from the bowling ball thats seems to just sit there. Most times I cope with it but there's lots of times I just keep to myself as I have learned alot of people with this problem seem to do. I also was an outspoken, outgoing person and now as much as I would love to jump into conversations, I just don't feel comfortable. I was diagnosed by Dr. Bastian in Chicago. I attempted speech therapy and it didn't work. I, however, have been too afraid to try the botox. I have found that alcohol, coffee and colds make my voice worse and lets not forget the stress. I find my upper body to be extremely tense all the time, with my shoulders drawn upward and tightening of upper body muscles. I hate it (SD) but I also cannot complain because there are people with alot worse conditions that SD. Well, just wanted to jump in here and hopefully I'll keep in touch. Thank God for the internet and emails! A perfect communication source for me. |
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Posted by: wpankey57 ® 01/01/2003, 20:57:46 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Helen, Happy New Year and welcome to the BB. I'm fairly new too. I found this online support group last fall. Already, I've learned that a lot of us with SD have shared many of the same experiences. I have AD/SD and was diagnosed by Dr. Bastian too. I've been seeing him since over the past 4+ years. I started with the Botox injections after my first visit. I was desperate to get any kind of result and for the most part the Botox treatments have been worth it. The worst part of it, for me is, the 4-6 weeks after the injections when my voice is really breathy and very week. After that I get a pretty good quality of voice for about 3-4 months. I go to get my next injection January 6th. I've lost count on how many I've had but it somewhere between 12-16. The shots themselves are not painful only a little uncomfortable. Dr. B. is very kind and sensitive and does everything he can to make it a tolerable experience. I know everyone is different but I am VERY thankful for Dr. Bastian and Botox. I think imagining getting the shots is a lot worse that actually getting them. When I tell people I get shots in my vocal cords they wince and make all kinds of "terrible" faces. I don't think they believe me when I tell them it's NOT THAT BAD. And, I hate needles and I'm a wimp.
Good luck,
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Posted by: vonnie Kesner ® 01/02/2003, 08:50:51 Author Profile Mail author |
Helen, Welcome to the BB, I am also new to this site, I have been diagnosed with SD for 2 1/2 years, but most recently, with both AD/AB/SD. Yes I do use botox, but haven't had much response to the treatments so far. I have had approx 8 injections I think. The last ones were Oct. 21 and Dec 15th. The doctors at GBMC are trying to find the correct doses to get my voice under control. I have found that chiorpractic care works well for the muscle tightness in my shoulders and neck area. I see amy doctor 3 times a week and he helps my neck pain a great deal. You may want to check this out. I just received a voice saver amplifier, and I feel that it does help the voice alot. I feel like a can communicate with my family and friends again, maybe this will help also. Have a Great New Years and the best of luck with your SD,
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Posted by: Bob Hager ® 01/10/2003, 21:50:42 Author Profile Mail author |
Happy New Year to you as well and to everyone else on this BB. I am fairly new to this site as well. I took the advice of several BB members and made an appointment with Dr. Blumin in Philly and I am scheduled for my first Botox shots on Feb 7th. I was diagnosed by Dr. Blumin to have AD SD. This was the first time any medical Doctor ook at shot at diagnosing what I've had for the last 23 years. I did the whole speech therapy, ENT thing and got little relief and incorrect diagnosis. I have been aware of the Botox treatments for some time but never took the time to dig for the information I needed to put those wheels into motion. I am cautiously optimistic about the treatments at this point. For the first time, I shared information about SD with my coworkers. They all acted surprised and said they hadn't really noticed or never thought of it as a problem. They were all a little freaked out about the prospect of getting toxin injections into the vocal area but they were really supportive. At my job, I am the quiet guy and I feel accepted. I believe I have developed a better sense of 'when to open my mouth' due to my SD and sometimes less is better... The SD has also forced me to be more patient and to use my brain a lot more so even though I can truly say I hate my SD and would love to see it disappear for good, I can't say everything about it has been a negative in my life. I have to be honest and say my decision to have a career in the computer field was highly influenced by my SD. At the time I graduated, I would have rather learned to fly commercial airlines. I had to be realistic and I didn't see how a pilot using the intercom with a shaky, halting, choked voice would inspire much confidence in the passengers! Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Bob Hager |
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