Posted by: Laurie ®
12/02/2007, 16:06:21
|
Hi, Susan,One thing I would recommend is searching the archives for terms such as "surgery" "SLAD" and "thyroplasty" (click on "archives" in the upper left corner). That will bring up a whole hosts of posts on this topic which you may find of interest. My two cents about surgery is that the good results may theoretically be permanent (though the dystonia will occasionally find a way around it and re-emerge) but the bad results are also permanent. With botox, even if you don't like the result, it wears off. There are good reasons for and against various procedures. People have to take into account the severity of their case, their opinion of their response to Botox and whether that's good enough, etc. when deciding. That and the extent to which one is willing to risk permanent surgically-related problems. That being said, some have achieved v. good surgical results and are happy with the voices that have resulted and they no longer need to rely on Botox. I think your best bet might be to search the archives for opinions on all sides of the topic. Surgery is always discussed at symposiums as well so if you can get your hands on a transcript or attend next year's in Salt Lake City in March, it's a great chance to meet others in person who have had the procedures, ask questions of the experts, etc. Good luck,
Laurie
|
Posted by: mariaa ®
12/02/2007, 17:09:21
|
I would never get the surgery..........that is so permanent and if it isnt what you want your so stuck with it.......Botox,,,,,,well, I like the part when I sound good, but I am getting frustrated with the breathy part,,,,,,,,,,cant do it.its too hard to breathe. so I am on the fence now about it. I will get it maybe one more shot "no pun intended lol" and get a really low dose...........its such a science. 8 months and I am still not on a dose I am comfortable with
|
Posted by: Ingvar Andersson ®
12/03/2007, 15:44:24
|
I think you should select a dose, so you do not have to wait for your good voice to come back. I do not accept a breathy/whispering voice or an SD voice and thus have to select a low dose and treatment every three months. This has worked great for 16 years.
Ingvar Andersson, ADSD, Malmö, Sweden
|
Posted by: Keith ®
12/04/2007, 19:41:18
|
I would be hesitant to opt for a surgical procedure. For one thing, I don't think much about it since, unless I'm mistaken, there isn't much out there for AB. To the best of my knowledge, the only thing some people have tried is medialization using various materials to get the vocal folds in closer proximity to each other. I agree with what has been stated - the botox is temporary and dissipates itself naturally. This is, for me, an easier solution to live with than the thought of trying to undo a surgical procedure. Then again, if something came along that they can virtually guarantee would work for AB....it'd be tempting to consider it. Best,
Keith
|
Posted by: Lloy ®
12/12/2007, 13:50:52
|
It's been several years since I have posted on this BB. I had the SLAD/R surgery by Dr. Berke at UCLA in April 2000. I am totally satisfied with the results and rarely think about my voice. I'm an operating room nurse and certainly understand the risks of the surgery. It is an individual decision, but one I have personally never regretted.
Lloy (Redlands, CA)
|
Posted by: hoarse whisperer ®
12/12/2007, 18:48:24
|
Do you have AB or AD? I think this surgery is currently only available for AD patients.Lori
AB/SD and VCD since 2003
Dallas, Texas
|
Posted by: Lloy ®
12/12/2007, 21:50:03
|
I had the AD type and as far as I know, there is no surgical treatment for AB. Sorry :(
Lloy
|
Posted by: Peter Mills ®
12/13/2007, 13:31:01
|
I am 12 months on from Dr berke's surgery. See my previuos post. i am now fully recovered with a normal voice. The techniques and success rates are improving all the time in my opinion.
Peter
|
Posted by: Gary Lea ®
12/14/2007, 01:11:39
|
Although I am in Western Canada and Peter (above) is in England we have chatted occasionally and compared notes. Last time I spoke with Peter he sounded terrific. I am happy to say that I am also near the one year mark. I will tender a one year report this coming January 16. In the meantime if you want my up dates just go to "Find", and type in my name. You should get all my reports up through the 6 month mark. I am glad I undertook the SLAD-R surgery, and am satisfied with the outcome. glea@shaw.caGary Lea
|
|
|
