I've also learned vitamin B6 helps produce serotonin, which helps dopamine and (I think) acetylcholine. Some people have experimented with B6 with no success. Don't know if tryptophan is available...it's another nutrient that helps serotonin. It's naturally found in dairy products and tuna.

Pretty weird, huh? If SD-symptoms/effects didn't cause other problems (like not being able to work or keep up social contacts) it would be highly fascinating and humorous. One of the ironies of life.

Since you were at the Arizona Symposium, you know that Dr. Berke mentioned URI's (*upper respiratory infections*) as one possible trigger of SD. Also, over the years on this BB, we've talked about how *great* it is to have laryngitis as we sound so sexy and unspasmy.

I got a kick out of Larry's message (wanting to run around and talk to everyone) because it took me back 11 years, at the beginning, several years before I knew what I had. I remember a couple of cases of laryngitis in 1991, in my last year of big-time corporate work, when I would scramble to put an outgoing message on my phone as I sounded so good. Larry brought back some distinct memories.

(Also, Larry...are you sure you have MTD as the positive reactions from a laryngitis/cold is something that works pretty well with SD?).

Since I can barely figure out my own case, although I continue trying daily, figuring out others' cases is supremely difficult. It's interesting to try however. Sharing all this info is so helpful. In this particular scenario though, I think there is a difference between a major URI (possible trigger) and the swelling of the cords which takes place during some colds. It would really surprise me if a simple cold could trigger SD. They may exist in the same part of our anatomy but I think they're different, by degree. Who ever knows though? I'm pretty curious myself.

--Lynne (AD/SD; Northern California).

I'm a new member and I've just started on the chat board. I read your comment about the "tight" neck muscles. My neck muscles got so bad I couldn't stand it anymore. Both the neck and shoulder muscles have been a major problem for me along with the constant congestion in my throat. I went to a spa on yesterday and paid for an upper body massage. The therapist worked the back, neck and shoulder muscles for half hour. I didn't know anything could feel as good as that felt.

Get a massage and have your muscles worked as regularly as possible. I plan to do the same. This will at least give your some relief and comfort.

You brought up an important subject. In the 12 years I've had SD, I've had three distinct vocal cycles.

The years (1990-1996) with severe AD, where it was totally inconsistent but untreated and got worse by the month. I didn't know what I had then. Erratic and inconsistent, but I could predict it somewhat.

Then the 6 years after surgery (1996-2002), where my voice in the first 3 or 4 hours of the morning was absolutely horrible (gravelly, gaspy, can't get air, sound terrible, etc.) but I could get a smoothe (but low volume) voice in the afternoon and early evening but generally deteriorating over the years. However, I could rely on a smoothe voice in the afternoon. I could predict the cycle so I knew when I could make phone calls, or work.

Now (since March, 2002) when there is no consistency and I only get a "good voice" for 5 minutes a day, but I don't know when those 5 minutes will appear? Pretty frustrating in its unpredictability. Can't vocalize...can't talk to anyone...sound horrible. No good and bad days. It's unpredictable (good/bad) minutes and hours.

That's SD for ya! Frustrating! The biggest challenge I've faced, or expect to face, in my entire lifetime. Good/bad/unpredictable voice...all over the map throughout each day.

Good luck in figuring out your personal unique case, Mitch. It's caused alot of trauma for me. This BB is the source of my best knowledge so I hope it helps you also. Hope others will respond. There are inspirations here. Mostly in meeting other SD'ers.

Hi. This BB and sharing in this particular forum is far from a joke, unless you consider life a joke and what we deal with as humorous, in some regard. It can be. We always must maintain our sense of humor in order to survive and thrive. :-)...Yes, let's try to laugh about our disorder, when we can.

As many with SD, I dealt with a very severe case for years, prior to getting Internet access, and it was really bad. For that reason, I feel blessed to know so many SD'ers in person (through symposiums) and to have access to the Internet. It has truly been a lifeline for those who lose the ability to communicate, due to SD.

Stay in contact. Also, feel free to write me off the BB. There are so many of us who need each other to deal with our vocal disorder. I'm glad you are posting. Also, my personal experience has been (me and other SD-friends) that...when we finally know there are others out there...we have a *really good cry.* I sure did. It's cathartic.