Happy Holidays. The holidays are very hard for everyone....even people in good health. Loads of demands and expectations, some of them unrealistic.

Even more difficult if you can't talk in a family holiday crowd. Been there and done it for many, many years.

I've had SD (extremely severe and life-debilitating) for 12 years and my family still thinks I'm making it up. They don't speak to me anymore, because I'm not "perfect." They're not either...but that's the humor. They think they are. LOL.

What has kept me going, over many years of losing my career and the relationships which were important in earlier years (being unable to talk/breathe lately)...is a couple of things: education (of myself and others) and giving back. Helping new SD patients. *The holiday spirit* in action.

Coping suggestion: Don't avoid people or your family, during the holidays. Rest and relax and take a deep breath - during the holidays. You can work things out in the future. There is nothing wrong with you, except that you have a vocal disorder. Covet them and get them to be your partners in working with our disorder. Maybe they have problems too? The holidays are so demanding on all of us; but, when they are over, you can be strong(er) and start learning more about SD and then eventually educate them.

The people who care about you will be your best asset when you get strong/confident enough (in 2003) to educate them on our vocal disorder. You need them. We all know how difficult it is. I've done the *explaining myself* and "being disparaged" routine, and *career/life savings loss* (daily - about 4,500 days worth?), and so many others have also.

Try to relax and enjoy your family/friends during this special time of the year.

Best wishes, Pat.

Thanks for answering me off the BB and glad you connected with Julie.

She and I have gotten to know each other over the past few months, through the WeMove SD chat room. We currently co-host it together at 6pm PST on Tuesday evenings. Our time on the West Coast.

Alaska is a huge state and you may have more than one time zone; but I know Ketchican is toward us. If you can, join us in 75 minutes and chat real-time. I don't expect too many there tonight. Sometimes we have over 10 folks though.

Here's the link. If you get into the room, answer "yes" to the Security windows which pop up. Although the chat room is always open, we meet every week at the same time for a hosted session. Hope to see you and any others there who may want to discuss SD issues, and what we go through during the holidays (when we can't talk at gatherings, etc.).

Best of luck with all the new issues you are dealing with, due to your recent diagnosis. None of this is easy. That's why we're all here to support each other. Hang in there.

cheers,

--Lynne (AD/SD; Northern California)

I was having some slight difficuties with my voice when I was hired in 2000, but since then it has steadily worsened. The other day I approached my supervisor about the changes in my voice and my concerns about my job performance pertaining to talking on the telephone daily to insurance companies, and also being backup for the telephone for our receptionist when she is out of the office. My supervisor assured me that I could not lose my job because of my voice, and that she would do whatever she could to provide any assistive devices that I might need. You can't imagine how that positive response made me feel. I know I am probably in the minority regarding such a positive atmosphere in which to work when having a diagnosis of AD/SD.