What I’m Doing Now/ Treatments

After botox did not work for me, I pretty much continued with my normal life, although as the days passed by I was becoming more and more quiet. At gatherings, table conversations. I stopped going to my Victory Church Fellowship small group because it was frustrating not to be able to converse well. I was fortunate to work with very professional and medically literate people and I was given non-speaking work in the office. By end of the year (2010), I had decided to take a long break from work. Jan 2011 to July 2011. No salary , of course. But I’m very grateful for the chance the company has given me to focus on my  healing.

My Whiteboard, being played by my roommate Chin

Because of the swelling and the trauma caused to my vocal cords, I had to take a couple of weeks voice rest. Believe it or not, I really stuck to it. I used whiteboard, magic slate, notebook and pen. I learned American Sign Language (ASL). I am determined to do whatever is needed to have my voice back.

My Magic Slate, artwork made by David

A Thinner Whiteboard, the one with the yellow sun.

Using it to talk with bday boy Pat.

I also bought Connie Pike’s book Free To Speak: Overcoming Spasmodic Dysphonia, Mike White’s Breathing Kit, and Roger Love’s book Set Your Voice Free (with CD). While on voice rest, I had been doing Mike White’s breathing exercises.

Purple Notebook & Pen, with bf Mark

My Sign Language Instructor Allan (pls come back to the Phils!)

Now on my 3^rd month of healing, I can feel that I can already start with voice rehab. I’ve begun to slowly incorporate Connie Pike’s humming and other exercises, the kazoo exercise, and Roger Love’s CD. It has just been over a week since I started on April 20, 2011. So far, I saw improvement on my singing voice. But none on my speaking voice.

I hope and fervently pray that my speaking voice will improve by mid July 2011 - when I need to get back to work.