Posted by: Snowie ®
11/06/2004, 04:07:02
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Hi Holly,
I respond according to the person and the situation. I am a social worker in a busy general hospital, and I was often asked if I was sick, but since taking botox for about a year things have started to improve. If I am unlikey to see the person again, I just say, when they say have you got a cold or laryngitis, I just say no don't worry I just have a problem with my voice. If it's people I am going to see again or who express interest (and they often do, after chatting for a bit longer). I explain that its a problem that effects the muscles and causes them to over-contract, and it effects my vocal cords.When I say this people are fine... some how, once people understand what it is, it takes the pressure of the situation for both me and them. If I have to talk for a period of time to them I just say, I have this voice problem, if you can't hear me, or want me to say some thng agan just ask. So far, it seems to have worked. For me, it seems just being honest and upfront, and explaining what SD is in the simplest way possible seems to help. Hope you find any way to deal with it that works for you, how ever you decide to deal with it. I know its not easy, but once you've worked out a way forward, things do seem to get a little better, and not feel so daunting. Good luck,
Snowie,
Ab SD, London, UK
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Posted by: Samietooo ®
11/06/2004, 10:17:48
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Hi. You've certainly asked a good question! I personally have been asked this question many times and so have most (if not all) of the people I know with SD.Unfortunately, it depends on my mood. I've told people I have laryngitis and I've told people I have a voice problem. Some people have asked what the problem is, but a lot haven't. Being a member of one of the best online chatgroups, Voices, I must say that I admire the people who say, "I have SD," and then explain, or give out a card explaining SD. The truth is that if we 'hide' behind laryngitis or whatever else we may say, the word doesn't get out about SD as it would if we spread it! And to tell you the truth, I feel much better when I say, I have SD, a voice disorder, than when I hide it!! None of us have committed a crime having SD, and I am ashamed to say that sometimes it is easier for me to say (especially over the phone), "I have laryngitis." UGH...hate when I do that! Whatever you say, whatever you feel comfortable with, you can also ad on, "it's not contagious." BUT...we all have to remember, including ME, that spreading the word can possibly lead to a cure faster! Best of luck!! Carol
(Florida)
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Posted by: Bryan ®
11/06/2004, 17:19:30
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"I'm healthy, I just can't talk."
or
"My vocal cords close too tightly."I have a friend in a wheelchair who says
"I'm healthy. I just can't walk."
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Posted by: kimberly ®
11/09/2004, 20:17:38
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That's a good one. I'll have to try that some time.Kim
Port St. Lucie, FL
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Posted by: Ida ®
11/10/2004, 15:50:44
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I have said "This isn't anything catching. Believe me, if I could give it to you I WOULD!!!"
Ida
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Posted by: hollyberry ®
11/11/2004, 20:14:12
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Thank you Ida! I have come to the conclusion it is best to continue with a sense of humor. Not that I would want anyone else to ever get this, or maybe there is? hum
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Posted by: sbayle ®
11/11/2004, 22:03:07
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This question comes all the time. I like when I can say,
"gee, I wish my voice sounded like this because I WAS sick. Because, then it would go away."If the person bothers to ask me what in the world I mean- I spend a moment explaining. If they look at me like I'm nuts, nothing lost. sarah
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Posted by: David Barton ®
11/11/2004, 23:30:59
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Sarah - well said.Confirmation that SD is a disability, not an illness. David
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Posted by: chard ®
11/15/2004, 10:04:35
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If asked (and I don't wish to go into a details) I say (with a smile) "it's not contagious and it's not terminal" That seems to put peoples mind at rest that they are not going to catch a cold and that I don't have throat cancer.Chard
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