As you may have read in my first post, I believe I have adductor SD, although I have yet to be diagnosed officially. Many of you have responded to me either by posting here or by email, and I do appreciate the support so very much.

I have researched this condition for a long time, and based upon that and recommendations made by some of you, I have made an appointment for an evaluation with a well-respected otolaryngologist. I am excited about getting to the bottom of this mess, but I have two additional concerns as a result:

1) Insurance: I live in one state and the specialist practices in another (albeit fairly close by). My insurance coverage is such that I must be referred to a specialist by my PCP. However, my PCP does not make referrals out-of-state, nor is my insurance company recognized by the medical facility with which this physician is affiliated. This means that the money will be coming out of my pocket (which the facility normally does not allow but the physician graciously agreed to work out with me). What my long-winded question here is...how many millions of dollars is it going to cost me to be evaluated, including the planned videostroboscopy?

2) About that videostroboscopy....(apparently, they stick a sort of camera down your throat or nose to your vocal cords and monitor the activity there)...have any of you had one? I have an incredibly sensitive gag reflex and do not wish to leave a bad first impression on the doctor by vomiting on him lol. Any insight as to what I might expect would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for all you do.

I am 3 weeks post First Botox injection and have had the exam you decsribed on three different occastions to confirm AD/SD. If you have a senstive gag reflex - tell them up front, as they might try to see things from the front of your throat. I found this to be very gagging and uncomfortable. The procedure with the camera and spaghetti type probe up your nostril and down your throat, I found to be very easy to get through. Remember to keep breathing thru your nose and you will be fine. The pictures and assessment they get from looking at it using this technique is incredible.

Good luck - you will sail thru this one.