Posted by: Laurie ®
01/27/2004, 17:58:50
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Hi Amy,Welcome to the NSDA bulletin board. I have a few questions. What is your concern regarding the frequency of botox injections (i.e., are you afraid you'll develop a resistance or is it something else?). If you've only had two injections within one year (?), that doesn't seem too frequent. I say, if botox works, stick with it. Since you appear to have some success with it, you may be able to figure out a very good system of dosing/frequency that can keep your voice relatively stable. I know plenty of people (including myself) who get injections every 3-4 months and have for many years without a problem. I also know of couple of people who get them every 6-8 weeks. Then there are others who go every 6-8 months, etc. I think it makes sense to go back when you need an injection and not worry about frequency. Regarding herbs, I haven't heard of anything that has consistently or significantly helped (i.e., improved the underlying voice quality of) a number of people with SD. Good luck with your treatment choices and welcome again to the bulletin board. Laurie (AD/SD, NYC)
Modified by Laurie at Tue, Jan 27, 2004, 18:00:12
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Posted by: amygs ®
01/27/2004, 21:43:33
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Hi Laurie,
Thank you for the reply. It is such a relief to be able to talk to people who are in the same situation I am in. For years I thought I was the only one with this challange. I would never wish it upon anyone, but it is nice to know there are other people who are facing the same frustrations I am. Concerning botox; I worry if it is damaging to my body. Also, even with the botox I still struggle speaking. I read about some individuals who have had success with speach therapy. I wondered if there are any herbs that help. I was watching a special the other night about how actors drink a special herbal tea to help them keep their voice during long shoots. I am just wondering what else there is out there that can help.
How long have you had sd? What do you do for work? Do you think it is caused by stress to the vocal cords?
Amy
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Posted by: fancynancy ®
01/28/2004, 01:59:15
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Hi Amy,So far I haven't had any luck with herbs. But there is an herbal throat spray that clears some of the gunk in your throat. It's called Singers Saving Grace, and you can find it in many health food stores. --fancynancy--
ABer
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Posted by: LarBec ®
01/28/2004, 16:58:23
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Haven't tried herbs, but I did try taking large doses of B vitamins, to no avail. In the last nine months, however, I have noticed (and so have friends and co-workers)that my voice is stronger than it was before (I haven't had Botox in 9 months, though I'm not saying I won't try it again). In my mind (which may be muddled by wishful thinking), I attribute this to the possibility that I am benefiting from one of two things (or maybe both things) that I've done in those nine months. The first is a daily dose of wild blueberry juice concentrate (one tablespoon, which equals a pint of fresh blueberries). The antioxidants in this stuff are powerful, and antioxidants are good for the brain and have other beneficial effects. The other thing is that I've tried not to worry about my voice as much as I used to--I try not to let it control me the way it did. OK, I guess now I'll be known on this board as the Blueberry Nut. ButI do think my SD is not as troublesome as it was 9 months ago, so, hey, call me what you will.
Larry, ADSD
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Posted by: Wilma ®
01/28/2004, 17:20:08
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Hi Larry,
Well, being a blueberry nut is much better than being a plain ole nut!! I am very interested in this wild blueberry juice. I guess you can get that in any Health Food Store or regular market?? And B complex is also very good especialy for nerves. I take a very large dose of B complex everyday along with immune essentials --boost the immune system. I don't know if it helps my SD but I haven't had any colds, flu etc. in a long time. I am still in the stages of my first Botox injection (Dec 10). and am pleased with my voice. When I get under stress it feels like I am losing it but when the stress goes my voice does much better. I'll keep taking my vitamins and keep the stress down. And worrying about my SD does not help. Staying positive about life in general can really help---and I know "it ain't easy!"
Thanks for letting me ramble
Wilma
Lone Pine CAlif
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Posted by: LarBec ®
01/28/2004, 18:30:36
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As I understand it, the clinical tests that have been done have only involved wild blueberries, and not the cultivated varieties, so keep that in mind. BTW, a friend of mine has been taking the concentrate daily in the hope of alleviating some of her night-vision problems, and she says that she has seen an improvement (no pun intended). Good luck.
Modified by Moderator-WB at Wed, Jan 28, 2004, 21:40:16
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Posted by: fancynancy ®
01/29/2004, 02:20:27
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You mean there's actually been a clinical trial on SD and wild blueberries? Was it the juice or whole berries...and what were the results?Here in California, there's a store called Trader Joes. I'm pretty sure they carry frozen wild blueberries. They might even have the juice. Last year I was eating fresh, whole blueberries as part of a weight loss plan. My voice was in worse shape back then, but immediately after eating the berries, it improved temporarily. Would love to hear others' experiences. --fancynancy--
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Posted by: LarBec ®
01/29/2004, 07:12:11
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I didn't mean to imply that there have been studies concerning SD and blueberries. There have been studies concerning blueberries and memory (and those studies involved lab animals, not humans). I found it too difficult to keep up with a whole-berries (fresh or frozen) regimen. The concentrate is much easier. Do an advanced Google search for more info on the antioxidants in blueberries.
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Posted by: amygs ®
01/30/2004, 10:31:21
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Thank you to everyone who replied! I will have to try the fresh blueberries. If it works great and if it doesn't it sounds like a delicious drink. I would think there would be a natural herb that would inhibit the nerves from tightening in the vocal cords. I guess I will have to do some research. I guess we all are on the hunt for a better treatment. Thanks again! Amy Stegelmeier
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