Voice problems... Please HELP!

[ttdub]

This may seem mild to many people, but it is beginning to seriously turn my world upside down. I have been having so many problems with my voice. probably a year ago, I noticed I couldn't sing in the same range I used to. A few months later, it got worse to where I would go horse every once in a while. It seems to be getting worse every few months or so. It's almost like nothing will stop it, and my voice will just be completely gone soon. I have been completely horse ALL day today. I could barely talk since I woke up.

Please help guys. There has to be something to stop it from continuing to get worse. I went to an ENT, and he said that my vocal cords were red, and prescribed some meds that didn't help at all. I'm sorry, but I'm getting really depressed about this. I'm getting a new job soon that will require that I talk on the phone quite often. If this has happened to you, and you got over it, I could use any advice.

[CathyO]

I'd make three calls: (1) Call your primary care physician to make an appointment. (2) Call your current ENT to make an appointment and (3) call ANOTHER ENT to make an appointment.  Could be allergies, could be dry, could be... hmm... didn't Adele the singer have a growth on her vocal cords? Maybe you need prednisone, or antiinflammatory, or something else.  Let us know how it goes.

[ttdub]

Thank you. My ENT put me on prednisone, but to no avail.

[Linda196]

There is another possibility, strange as it may sound. Acid reflux (GERD) can completely skip the esophageal symptoms and attack the upper areas, like larynx and back of the throat.

I was amazed when I complained of "gravel voice" and was started on Losec, because I've never had heartburn! Even more amazing was the result....voice returned to normal within a few weeks!

[MissyLouWho?]

We just had a thread about this a few weeks ago. I am going through the same thing.  Seems to be SJS related as many others have the same issues.  I'll look it up and post back with the thread so you have more info.

[MissyLouWho?]

Here it is: 
https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=18813.msg200358#msg200358

You'll have to scroll up to the top of the page.

Hope this helps!

[A66eyroad]

I agree with Linda --- GERD could be the offender!  Maybe you could try some over-the-counter stuff like Zantac? Itr's worth a try! 

[deeindiana]

I have a similar problem. I used to sing on the church praise team but had to give that up. My ENT says my vocal chords look fine - no redness, infection, or swelling. But I'm constantly hoarse, clearing my throat, etc. She said a couple things can cause these symptoms without really showing up visually: 1) post nasal drip; 2) chronic dryness. The post nasal drip clogs us up and the dryness makes our vocal chords less flexible. *shrug* At least that's what she says. I understand your depression. I really, really miss bursting our in song. When I'm on the phone at work, I'm constantly clearing my throat. I've found that keeping something to drink nearby and sucking on Halls Breezes helps.
Good luck and hang in there!
Deb

[Patze]

Same here ttdub.  There days of normalcy and then there are days where my voice cracks, gets horse and very sore.  Mine is usually caused by excess dryness, severe GERD or Eosinophilic Esophagitis (or a combination of); I sure do feel for the ENT & gastro docs as they have their hands full trying to figure where one ends and the other starts.

The others have a good point, can you see a gastro soon? 

Take care of yourself and I hope that you're able to find a solution soon.


Patze

[irish]

Have you had your thyroid checked lately. Hypothyroidism can cause problems with the voice such as hoarseness, etc.

Also, if possible try taking ibuprofen or aleve and see if your voice improves. Sometimes I would do better when I took these meds when I had voice problems. These meds deal with the inflammatory issues. Prednisone does too so I would not expect a miracle from the ibuprofen, aleve trial.

Do you have pain with your hoarseness? I would have pain and like the whole trachea area and thryoid area of my neck would feel buised. It was felt that my hoarseness got worse when I was having thyroiditis.

I have lost my singing voice but I am still able to talk. My voice still gets hoarse at times and I have to put heat on my neck. Never will figure all this autoimmune stuff out. We just have to do the best we can. Try not to talk much and never whisper as that is really bad for your vocal cords. Good luck. Irish