Help me find my voice

theeye · #1 12-10-2001, 02:10 PM

No, this is not a misplaced Writing Forum post.

I have quite literally lost my voice.

It all started with a bit of a cough and a tickling in my throat on Friday. The tickling got a bit worse on Sat. and my throat started to feel really sore. Then on Sunday, I went from hoarse to croaking to whispering.

The sore throat is all gone now. Every few hours or so, I try to say something, half-expecting that my voice will be back as my throat doesn't feel sore.

But nothing comes out.

I've been drinking tea (with honey at home -- don't have any here at the office).

Any other tried and true remedies for what ails me?

**drmomentum**[$] · #2 12-10-2001, 02:30 PM

An inflamation (or perhaps infection) in your larynx isn't going to be eased much by tea, since the tea doesn't get there. But that's not a reason *not* to drink the tea if you like it. The tea can help subtly in other ways (it's generally soothing and the liquids are worthwhile).

I think that giving your larynx rest is important in these cases. If your voice is mostly gone, don't strain. Let your body handle whatever it is and allow the inflamation to subside on its own.

Since I'm no doctor (despite the nick) I'd say talk to a doctor before trying ANYTHING. However, I'll tell you what I would try. I would try breathing moist, warm air like that from a humidifier or nebulizer. That would at least get into your respiratory system.

Sorry I don't have any recommendations beyond rest, moist air and a doctor's opinion.

-JP

theeye · #3 12-10-2001, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drmomentum
An inflamation (or perhaps infection) in your larynx isn't going to be eased much by tea, since the tea doesn't get there. But that's not a reason *not* to drink the tea if you like it. The tea can help subtly in other ways (it's generally soothing and the liquids are worthwhile).

Yup, I figured it can't hurt -- and steaming tea is sort of like a mobile humidifier.

Quote:

I think that giving your larynx rest is important in these cases. If your voice is mostly gone, don't strain. Let your body handle whatever it is and allow the inflamation to subside on its own.

I'm really not trying to talk much at all. But every few hours or so, I give it a try. Just an attempt at one word.

I fail every time and go back to my makeshift sign language.

Quote:

Since I'm no doctor (despite the nick) I'd say talk to a doctor before trying ANYTHING.

"Talk to a doctor"????

God is an iron.

I'll probably give it another few days before I get my husband to talk to the doctor for me. I'm hoping it'll just resolve itself.

Thanks for the suggestions (and for providing me with at least the illusion that I am able to talk to someone -- enforced silence is really weird.)

**MrsNormanMaine**[$] · #4 12-10-2001, 02:40 PM

Laryngitis in otherwise healthy people is usually viral and self limited. The body will take care of it in a few days. The loss of voice comes as the virus invades the tissues of the vocal cords and the immune system's combatting it causes edema.

Best treatment is vocal rest, a little hot whatever (tea with honey and lemon is always good - I personally will sometimes add a dollop of rum), tylenol and tincture of time.

Dr. MNM

theeye · #5 12-10-2001, 02:57 PM

That's pretty much what I'm gleaning from a few web searches.

It's pretty darn frustrating, though. It's bad enough being sick, but not being able to vocally complain is simply intolerable.

Thanks, Doc.

**lynnzop**[$] · #6 12-10-2001, 03:15 PM

From the "voice" of experience...

I never used to get laryngitis, but a few years ago, started developing a nasty case every fall. It usually cleared up in a matter of days. The kids and hubby enjoyed teasing me unmercifully.

Last year, however, it hung around and hung around. One month. No voice. Not good, especially considering that one of my projects at the time was to conduct a client interview over the phone.

I went to the doc and got some prednisone. Took care of it in a jiffy. I have noticed though, that my voice is not as strong as it was before this happened. My vocal projection when singing is not nearly as good as it was before that bout.

Bottom line? If it DOESN'T clear up with rest, tea, gargling, etc., in the next few days, go see your PCP. There's no need to suffer and possibly weaken your vocal chords permanently.

Lynn

cyndilouwhoo · #7 12-10-2001, 03:16 PM

Quote:

It's bad enough being sick, but not being able to vocally complain is simply intolerable.

LOL! There is no justice in the world is there?

I haven't got anything more to add that what the the good doctors (both pseudo and genuine) have to offer in the way of a cure.

But I am hoping it will make you feel a little bit better to hear that you aren't alone. There must be some virus running rampant through the Northeast--because you are about the 6th person to mention (with hopeless pantomiming gestures

) being afflicted with this particularly nasty illness. It apparently lasts about a week from what I understand--so get used to carrying around a slip of paper and a pencil

.

I hope you feel better soon!

Cyndi

theeye · #8 12-10-2001, 03:28 PM

Oh, man -- it lasts a week?!!?

I'm not much of a talker -- really! But a full week of this is going to get really annoying.

And it's Chanukah! I could barely manage to croak out the blessings over the candles last night (and didn't even try singing any songs

). I don't know what I'll do tonight.

Oh, pooey.

-TheEye, who is trying mightily to remember that, in the greater scheme of things, a little laryngitis hardly qualifies as a tragedy

**taurusmoon** · #9 12-10-2001, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by theeye
It's bad enough being sick, but not being able to vocally complain is simply intolerable.

Never underestimate the power of a single finger.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Sara

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #10 12-10-2001, 04:18 PM

Make sure it's decaf tea - tea with caffeine (sp?) will dehydrate you and make things worse. Lots of fluids to help flush out your system. Don't whisper, it's worse on the vocal chords than talking.

Happy Chanukah & feel better soon!!

mj

theeye · #11 12-10-2001, 04:21 PM

Ack! Ok... dumping out the mug-o-tea and heading over to the water cooler for some H2O.

ms_n · #12 12-11-2001, 12:56 AM

My sister used to get problems with her throat and voice just before she was to perform. She drank tea with honey and lemon, used a steam humidifier, and spoke to no one. Just like most posted here already. Do see a doctor if you do not improve soon. Be well.

jenninca · #13 12-11-2001, 09:08 AM

I had laryngitis earlier this year. I had two days with no voice whatsoever, and a day or two on each side with about half a voice. I actually kind of enjoyed the days off work, because I felt just fine and could get a lot of stuff done. Just give it time, Eye.

Cindy

frazzledspice · #14 12-11-2001, 09:19 AM

Yikes, I hope the Poopster knows sign language

I lost my voice when my two older sons were very little. Keeping them in line was the hardest part....

Instead of being able to invoke the powerful "No" word, I had to physically remove them from wherever they were, and whatever they were doing....

My sympathies and wishes for a quick recovery.