Spasmodic Dysphonia Bulletin Board

Knot in my stomach
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Posted by: Phil Grimes ®
11/23/2005, 22:23:57
As with many of you, the hardest thing for me is to talk on the phone. I'm a case manager at a bankruptcy trustee's office in Seattle, and a large part of my job involves talking on the phone. When I answer the phone, I'm usually good through "Hi, this is Phil", then it's all downhill from there. I can just feel my throat tighten up, and half the time I can literally hardly get the words out. I'm lucky if it's a whisper.

Anyway, the strain of trying to push out the words for 8 hours a day is really hard on my stomach. By the end of the day, my stomach is pretty much in a knot. Anybody else had this experience? I assume that breathing exercises might help, and plan on trying that. I'm also getting started on an acupuncture program, and soon, homeopathy. I decided just before my last scheduled botox shot that I want to try some alternative stuff, so cancelled the shot. The bright side of that is that, while I can't speak, I can still sing (and laugh).

Finally, in case anyone's interested, I just heard about this new study in the Portland, Oregon area, where they are recruiting volunteers to try homeopathy.
If you're interested, I have more info, so email me.

Again, it's always nice to get on the BB, and realize you're not alone. Thanks to everyone for being there!
griffingrimes@msn.com




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Re: Knot in my stomach
Re: Knot in my stomach -- Phil Grimes Top of thread Archive
Posted by: kim ®
11/24/2005, 00:06:51
I get the "knot in my stomach" every day at work.

As soon as I hear the phone ring. And it rings all day, so I have an all day "knot", its not good. That is stress, and stress hurts, and shows up later in different ways.

You're not alone. I wish I could win the lotto and not have to worry about the phones (not about work, I don't mind working, it's the dreaded phones).

I sometimes wish Alexander Gram Bell did not invent the PHONES.

Lets invent something for us.

My stomach is getting smaller and smaller, its sinking in because this SD stress gets me in the gut (stomach), and I do have a lot of stomach problems. But, whatever. One thing leads to another.

I can still sing and laugh too. And I'm going to sing and laught till I die. Laughter is the best medicine. And I'm going to party too.

Kim




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Re: Knot in my stomach
Re: Re: Knot in my stomach -- kim Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Phil Grimes ®
11/24/2005, 23:21:41
Lotto sounds good to me too! But inn the meantime, let's just sing and laugh, and forget about the phones! Thanks!



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Re: Knot in my stomach
Re: Re: Knot in my stomach -- Phil Grimes Top of thread Archive
Posted by: dcruik518 ®
12/01/2005, 08:46:33
I really dislike the phone, too, and a lot of times will avoid answering it. About your stomach hurting: SD doesn't necessitate that you push extra hard with your stomach. in fact that can make it worse. It may that when you're breathing your rib cage is not expanding. The lower ribs on the sides should flare out a bit.



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Re: Knot in my stomach
Re: Re: Knot in my stomach -- dcruik518 Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Keith ®
12/01/2005, 14:52:36
Hi:
A good point was brought up relative to breathing. I can't speak for AD, but, for anyone who has AB, learning to employ proper breathing (that which is supported by the diaphragm) makes things so much easier, since one of the chief problems of speaking with AB is the constant loss of air. Prior to recently using botox, relying on good breathing technique, as well as other things I learned in therapy, has been the only thing allowing me to speak reasonably well over the past 3 years.

Using the diaphragm helps to regulate the air flow more consistently and allows you to get the most out of the voice you have. It also aids in enhancing projection of the voice. Dr. Cooper, in his writings, talks about the importance of learning to breathe properly, as does any speech therapist.

Keith




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