I am an insurance agent specializing in group health benefits. My job requires lots of phone work and lots of in-person educational sessions. I get so aggravated when I come across sounding upset or tentative.

My SD is probably mild. It was officially diagnosed by an ENT MD, who suggested speech therapy. I've not bothered to follow up, because of a fellow SD's opinion (perhaps mis-guided) that they would teach me to speak breathy, which would be worse than my intermittent SD.

I've also not been thrilled with the idea of Botox because it only lasts a short time, has a period of down-time right after the injection, and the expense.

The second acupuncturist did not help at all. I went for three month, every week and I could not tell it helped. He was local and his method was completely different from the first one.

The third one was close by and she used electrical probes attached to the needles. This was entirely different from the first one and it did not help me, however, a lady in our support group has been going to her for about three years. She started every week, then every other week. Later she went to once a month and then every other month. She has not had Botox in three years and has a good voice.

Any suggestions on finding experienced practitioners? I live in Northern California.

I will contact you on your private e-mail, or you could beat me to it and write me if you want. There are a number of resources in your local area.

I also live in Northern California. Would be glad to discuss this with you. In addition, the most active SD Support Group in Northern California meets just a few miles South of you (San Rafael/Terra Linda) this coming Sunday (1/19) at 3:00PM. Please attend if you can. It promises to be an outstanding meeting with excellent opportunities for information, contacts and support.

Congratulations on finding us, as you will get more solid, usable information here than just about any other place. There are many patients on this bulletin board who have done a decade or more of valuable personal research in order to manage their own individual case. Welcome aboard!

--Lynne (AD/SD - 13 years; NSDA Pacific Regional Coordinator)

There have been several posts here about acupuncture. (Funny, I just got back from an acupuncture appointment yesterday). I've had a few procedures. The previous ones did little to help my voice, but these last couple of treatments are making positive changes! The only thing is, they wear off a few days later. I notice the improvement almost immediately. The doctor is trying a new technique.

It's worth trying, if you can get insurance. I have Kaiser Permanente, and they cover it.

Welcome to the board and before you go to have your fillings pulled out make sure you read Dr. Hal Huggins book..."It's all in your head" When you are ready to take on this task, write me and I can recommend a wonderful dentist who is very well versed in this subject not to mention extremely reasonable. On another note, most conventional dentist don't have a clue what they are taking about when it comes to mercury poising. I have well over 100 hours of research and have spoken to dentists all of the world.. I do believe that we all could live with mercury in our mouth and get by if our bodies were alkaline. But what has happened is our bodies became acidic instead of alkaline. When this happens it affects our saliva causing the mercury to dissolve in our mouth thus entering the blood stream. I can almost guarantee you that everyone on this board is acidic or they wouldn't be here as it a major element of sickness. Go buy some PH strips and check you saliva..you will be amazed at the results.

Much success on your journey.

Warmly,