She related that Dr. Berke had reoperated on two men and two women (she being one of the women)since he started the SLAD surgery but he has not had to reoperate on any of the patients who had the operation after he changed the procedure. I believe she said he changed it in 1999. I thought all of this was very interesting since all of us wonder what the future holds for our voice.

Other than that, the only problem I experience is that heavy mucous/drainage in my throat from time to time....this month being the worst. I am assuming it will pass with the allergy season, but it does play a large part in my articulation efforts.

I am extremely happy with my results and would do it over on a moment's notice..... My life has changed dramatically as a result of the surgery....and all for the good.

I haven't given much thought to scar tissue occurring, but that makes perfect sense. Being a felmale and having to go though several scar tissue removals from different surgeries myself, I can relate to this very well.

Please keep up the good work and encourage her to keep us posted on the BB.

Thanks for this description. It's so important we all work with our docs and learn the "syntax" re how our vocal mechanism works, sounds, reacts and (as you have discussed) how our breathing is affected while trying to vocalize (or in other situations). Example: I can't walk and talk at the same time but I could prior to vocal surgery!

This is what I'm going through recently myself. The impacts on breathing. My new oto says things similar to what you describe above. I obviously have one paralyzed cord (due to RLN surgery almost 7 years back) but NOW the scopes seem to show the active one "laying on" the other one.

"Breathing" is my biggest problem lately. I could live, in the past, with a sub-par voice. That's what happens with SD. Our voices are never the same. Lately, my voice sounds like yours did when we talked on the phone in March. What a fun disorder we all have.

I am being offered additional treatments and surgery also but (*He--*), after going through what I've (we've) been through, I'm afraid to try anything new. If my breathing gets any worse, it's a very serious problem. I'll take *breathing* over *speaking,* any day.

I just returned from an awesome dystonia-related week-end symposium (not specific to SD) and have renewed appreciation for the breathing capacity I still have left.

Thanks John. What you share on this BB is so valuable.

--Lynne (AD/SD; Northern California)

Perhaps, another doctor could have some some other options about your surgeries? They all do seem to have some different little ideas on the subject. I do recommend Dr. Mark Courey at Vanderbilt in Nashville. He did my surgery, his very first! Dr. Damrose at Dr. Burke's office told me when I first heard about the surgery when I moved back to California that the surgery wouldn't work if you had a tremor also and I did and very severe at that. I talked Dr. Courey into doing the surgery, He has been my doctor for many years with the Botox. I came back to Nashville for the surgery. I am back now for my post op appointment on Wednesday. For me it was worth the try and I did know and realize all the risks that I was talking. Thank God....that all has worked out VERY well! I couldn't be more pleased. I can talk to Dr. Courey when I see him on Wednesday and give him a brief rundown on your problems also and see what he thinks. If you wouldn't mind?

Let me know.

Sorry for the long delay in answering you post. When I first moved to Kentucky from California, I immediately got to a point where I couldn't breathe anymore. I went to a doctor here and finally to an allergist. He diagnosed the asthma. My Mother also had COPD and other family members. So, try and see your doctor and get retested...there is also a dystonia in the diaphram, although it is rare (according to my neurologist). So, my best advise is to see your physician and perhaps a referral to an Asthma / Allergy Clinic and get retested. :)

Thank you. The surgery (post) is coming along great and my voice is still getting stronger everyday! YIPPIE! :)

Thanks again and good luck and please let me know how you are doing.

Jo Ann

That was so interesting to read that Dr. Berke could correct your friend's problem. I am still enjoying a good voice since my surgery two years ago last August. Most times, I forget about my voice. There are times when I am really tired when it seems weaker or a little tighter but not very often. It's not perfect, but I am so pleased with my results.

A friend of mine recently had the SLAD surgery only on one side. Her doctor thought this might work and she was his first patient for the surgery. She did well for a few weeks but is going back to the tightness and spasms and exhaustion from trying to speak. She will either have to go back to botox injections or additional surgery on the other side. Needless to say, she is very disappointed and although she knew it might not work, dreads the thought of more surgery or the ups and downs of botox. Thought this might be interesting to others contemplating surgery in the future .