Spasmodic Dysphonia Bulletin Board

(This email may be a bit long...sorry...I just want to report my experience as best I can)

Some background: I've had adductor SD for at least 15 years. I have had it at probably a moderate level -- at times, in busy noisy environments such as bustling restaurants, it can be very difficult for me to speak more than a few words, while other times, in more private locations, it doesn't seem to be a problem. However, it was a significant problem on the whole, and about eight months ago I had my first (and only) botox injection. The injection worked well, but I didn't like the 3 week period following it where I could hardly speak. And, as most people report, the results began to wear off after about 4 months. So, I wanted to find alternatives.

I was excited to find the following research online reported in the journal "Medical Acupuncture" in which "significant improvement" was found among patients who received treatment in particular acupunture points. (http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/journal/vol14_3/article4.html)

My experience parallels the study. I found a local acupuncture clinic and reviewed the article with them. My first 3-4 sessions were general sessions that didn't necessarily follow the protocol -- they may have had some effect, but I didn't notice it. I began to notice a difference after later sessions focusing on particular points in the ear (see the article for more info). And, I especially felt positive results when mild electical stimulation was applied to these points in the ear during the treatment (this is a common acupuncture procedure).

My general feeling after these sessions was that my voice felt deeper and more resonant -- I was aware of more vibration in my chest as I spoke. I practiced saying a few words that were especially hard for me -- I still felt some resistance on these words. (I was concerned that maybe it wasn't working. But in the days after, people commented during at a large dinner table that my voice sounded stronger). I also felt it easier in general to get words out.

I am still in the midst of acupuncture sessions. I don't want to raise false hopes, but I myself do feel optimistic. I was able to order food at a drive-through fast-food place, leaning out the window and projecting into the open space. I also was able to carry on conversations in noisy restaurants and exhibit halls. I would encourage people who are interested to review the article and consider acupunture as an alternative treatment.