My story is like so many of your stories! WOW! Had AD SD for 20 years. Was led to believe it was in my head (never believed it) My voice stopped working at 20ish. I kept moving forward and following my dream...many setbacks and frustrations along the way. Have had to develop incredible strength and faith through it all just to survive! Over all, I like what I've learned but, WOW, what a challenging journey! I had 2 successful botox injections. Wow, talk about a new lease on life! After all these years I have a voice! I have just completed a Dale Carnige course. For those of you who've never heard of it , its an effective communication course. Because of the strong negative reaction people have had to my voice, I stopped talking in public. (Almost got an ulcer because I have SO much I want to say!!) I am DETERMINED to overcome this crippling fear I've developed of public speaking. This Dale C. course is brilliant! I have made GREAT strides in the last 11 weeks. (3 1/2hrs. a week) From here I will join toastmasters. I was SO terrified of speaking I would turn red and shake and voice would get extremly strangulated. From what I've been reading, alot of you can relate! Next week I have to do a 3 minute talk in front of about 60 people. 12 weeks ago death would have been preferrable, after this course I'm really not to concerned. HIGHLY recommend it! Have not tried drugs for anxiety because I'm scared of them.
Thanks to you all for your contributions. It is SO empowering to hear your stories. I look forward to being a part of this.
Donna
