Laryngitis (long read but I need help!)

[nm6r]

I'm generally not into off topic theads but this one might even apply to general or WeSToc, or maybe not.

I have been completely without my voice since a couple days after getting home from WeSToc. One day short of a month! What was the cause? I wish I knew.



Here is a list of everything I can think of that may or may not be related:

There were times on the way to and from WeSToc that my throat got dry.

I slightly overused my voice at WeSToc. Lot's of talking, laughing, etc.

I drank a few beers and a couple Margaritas while at WeSToc.

I used a CamelBak the whole time while riding. Always filled with ice from hotel ice machines, gas station mini-mart ice machines and fast food ice machines.

We rode through heavy smoke from the CA fires on the way back and experience poor air quality off and on since.

I use the a/c in my truck. We used the a/c at home for several days.

I get hit with allergies every year. Usually itchy eyes, runny nose, etc. A Chlortrimetron usually helps or a Benedryl really dries things up. I took a Chlortrimetron the day before I completely lost my voice.

I could tell my voice was overused when we got home. It simply degraded over the next two days to the point of non-existance. Hope was everywhere I was, had the same ice in her CamelBak, etc. and has no problem.

I went to my doctor. He prescribed Prednisone to help with the swelling. It didn't work. I went to an ENT doctor. He suspected a cyst on one of my vocal chords after stuffing a fiber optic something or other up my nose to view my throat (not fun). He ordered blood tests and a series of CTscans. After his review, he determined there is nothing wrong. ***? It's not my imagination.

I have what feels like a swelling or a lump in my throat. It doesn't hurt. It does get a little tender feeling when I try to talk too much. I have been doing my best to not talk and try to speak softly when I do. I tried the 'Throat Coat' herbal tea and warm tea & honey. I tried gargling with warm salt water but that seemed to agrivate the tenderness. I am now bulking up on Vitamin C, sucking on zinc lozenges as well as Ricola natural lozenges.


Why am I posting this? Honestly, I'm desperate. Not only is it frustrating, my business is suffering. I can't communicate with existing customers let alone potential customers.

Anyone ever experience this problem? Any ideas? I'm grasping at straws.

Ray

[NCrider]

Wow, that's not good.

I have only one answer......I'll start praying now.

[st11ray]

I too recently (about 8 months ago) had a feeling of something "stuck" in my throat. Went to the ENT and he sent me to do a barium swallow. He says that I have a sliding hernia. He put me on nexium. I told him that I don't get heartburn and he said not everyone experiences heartburn with this condition. The nexium has helped a little, but I am going back for the optics tube down the throat (sounds like fun). Hope you get well.

[uptoblackwood]

Second opinions, from highly regarded docs, are sometimes a very good thing.

Forest

[nm6r]

The only other thing the ENT doctor said was it might be a virus or some kind of bacteria. Either way, it just needs to run it's course.

I'm surprised at the guesswork and no plan of attack.

Ray

[XLR8R]

Is it possible that allergies are creating enough drainage into your throat to cause the feeling of a lump? Any sinus headaches or pressure? Drainage? When bending over is there any wet drainage from your nose and is there any increase in sinus pressure? If any of the above you may want to see about cleaning up your environment. I just cleaned out the blower in my truck ac which had 12 years of crap as well as some insulation fiberglass. Same for the squirrel cage fan I use to pull in cool air at night. Same for my ac unit. Pollen, mold spores, dust mites body parts and dung accumulating in your bedding (special linens can keep those at bay), pet dandruff, high levels of dust on the road, formaldehyde in new carpets, etc. Try looking at the allergy websites. achooalergy.com is informative, get their catalog and read up. If the md's didn't find anything I'm thinking you have some environmental irritant to localize. If you had some serious coughing you might have a bit of inflammed tissues that are not healing. Perhaps something for inflammation but I'm speculating now. I am dealing with some similar problems now. I have has some serious allergies this year, a bad cold, bad upper respiratory infection (took two different drug regiments to cure), continuing cough that is triggered by talking, eating and alcohol. More tests soon but I have noticed that open windows at night, trips into the way too humid basement, and rides in my truck triggered the coughing and severe sinus headaches. So I'm focused now on putting pollen window filters in, special allergy bedding, staying the hell out of the basement, practicing a daily sinus saline flush, filters on all of the central air ducts, a HEPA mask when riding the bike, and probably an expensive air cleaner next week. I'm trying everything. All guns blazing. If I need to move to a desert that will happen too. I have not had a decent night's sleep since mid-April. And yes, there is a non-painful lump in my throat. Best of luck to you.

[nm6r]

My allergies are pretty much from grasses and/or trees in the spring. I can never nail it down because I go into a lot of peoples backyards every week. The reaction is never long lasting and usually not very severe. On the rare occasion I get hit hard, one Benedryl will dry me out for days.

No sinus pressure, headaches or drainage. That's why I'm baffled. I could see an allergy possibly causing the problem initially but what is keeping it going for a month (with no sign of ending)?

Ray

[nm6r]

:bump

Just about 7 weeks into this now.

Toward the end of last week I was able to speak softly and it almost sounded like me. Gone again on the weekend. :confused:

Anyone have any ideas?

Ray

[Mellow]

Wow Ray... I wish I had some ideas that might help but I don't, hope you feel better.

[freeSTyle]

Ray* WOW! Sorry to hear this is still going on... That sucks!

We need to sit down over a 12 pack of Corona or something........eh?

When you`re up to it,you and Hope should come for a visit?

Don

[AVJohn]

I'm generally not into off topic theads but this one might even apply to general or WeSToc, or maybe not.
day short of a month! What was the cause? I wish I knew.



I use the a/c in my truck. We used the a/c at home for several days.

Ray You should go see a eye's ,ear's, nose, throat, specialist, when I did this he new exactualy what the problem was, they only work in these areas
and have seen these systems before.................

[tkresler]

Is it possible that allergies are creating enough drainage into your throat to cause the feeling of a lump? Any sinus headaches or pressure? Drainage? When bending over is there any wet drainage from your nose and is there any increase in sinus pressure? If any of the above you may want to see about cleaning up your environment. I just cleaned out the blower in my truck ac which had 12 years of crap as well as some insulation fiberglass. Same for the squirrel cage fan I use to pull in cool air at night. Same for my ac unit. Pollen, mold spores, dust mites body parts and dung accumulating in your bedding (special linens can keep those at bay), pet dandruff, high levels of dust on the road, formaldehyde in new carpets, etc. Try looking at the allergy websites. achooalergy.com is informative, get their catalog and read up. If the md's didn't find anything I'm thinking you have some environmental irritant to localize. If you had some serious coughing you might have a bit of inflammed tissues that are not healing. Perhaps something for inflammation but I'm speculating now. I am dealing with some similar problems now. I have has some serious allergies this year, a bad cold, bad upper respiratory infection (took two different drug regiments to cure), continuing cough that is triggered by talking, eating and alcohol. More tests soon but I have noticed that open windows at night, trips into the way too humid basement, and rides in my truck triggered the coughing and severe sinus headaches. So I'm focused now on putting pollen window filters in, special allergy bedding, staying the hell out of the basement, practicing a daily sinus saline flush, filters on all of the central air ducts, a HEPA mask when riding the bike, and probably an expensive air cleaner next week. I'm trying everything. All guns blazing. If I need to move to a desert that will happen too. I have not had a decent night's sleep since mid-April. And yes, there is a non-painful lump in my throat. Best of luck to you.

Hey... your symptoms sound a lot like what I was fighting with. Do the saline flush, it's the best thing in the world. That and a de-humidifier in the basement cleared me up.

For those not in the know, linky (http://sinucleanse.com/)

Tim

[Tankereng]

IF you figure it out, can you bottle some and send it to my SO?:scared2::doh1:

[John Anthony]

Ray,

Sorry I can't be of help. When something lasts this long, it has to be scary for you and Hope. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers until you and the docs get it all sorted out. Please keep us posted on your recovery.

John

[Coop]

+1 on what John said!! Say, you don't suppose you rode Blue home so fast that you outran your voice and it's somewhere in Utah?

[Rob Hephner]

Ray, this possibly sounds like Valley Fever. Now, loss of voice is not a listed symptom, but I have know people with it who had the same thing as a leading issue.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/valley-fever/DS00695

[Hotel 179]

:bump

Just about 7 weeks into this now.

Toward the end of last week I was able to speak softly and it almost sounded like me. Gone again on the weekend. :confused:

Anyone have any ideas?

Ray

Denise had the same symptoms....Physician is having her take over-the-counter Claritin along with Singular...it's been working for her.

[Scarman]

Hey Ray,
Sorry to hear about your vocal problem. I would keep talking to different docs until I found one to address the problem. Not all docs are created equal. Your primary care doc should be referring you out to someone who can help or he/she should be escalating the problem to a more capable facility.

I hope you start feeling better soon.

[nm6r]

Thanks for those with the humor and kind words. Thanks for the PMs and suggestions as well.


You should go see a eye's ,ear's, nose, throat, specialist, when I did this he new exactualy what the problem was, they only work in these areas
and have seen these systems before.................

Already saw my family doctor and two Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. I now have no confidence in doctors.


Hey... your symptoms sound a lot like what I was fighting with. Do the saline flush, it's the best thing in the world. That and a de-humidifier in the basement cleared me up.

For those not in the know, linky (http://sinucleanse.com/)

Tim

That saline flush sounded like it couldn't hurt so I picked up a kit and gave it a whirl. More on this later.


Denise had the same symptoms....Physician is having her take over-the-counter Claritin along with Singular...it's been working for her.

I was spefically told by the ENT doctors not to take any allergy meds because they will dry me out which would be counterproductive. Did I mention I have lost confidence in doctors? More on this later.



Ray, this possibly sounds like Valley Fever. Now, loss of voice is not a listed symptom, but I have know people with it who had the same thing as a leading issue.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/valley-fever/DS00695

Interesting except I don't have the other symptoms either. Not saying this coudn't be contributing. It's all so much guesswork.



Hey Ray,
Sorry to hear about your vocal problem. I would keep talking to different docs until I found one to address the problem. Not all docs are created equal. Your primary care doc should be referring you out to someone who can help or he/she should be escalating the problem to a more capable facility.

Besides just wanting to get better, I didn't want to get worse is why I went to three doctors. The general practioner prescribed Prednisone which as I learned later was a bad thing to do. The first ENT ordered blood tests and CTscans. After reviewing, he determined there is nothing wrong and I should see him in a month. The second ENT suggested Mucinex. The Mucinex made me feel weird and gave me 24hr. headaches.


Now for the update.

Last week my allergies hit me really hard to the point I couldn't function. I took a Benedryl and an hour later I was dried out and felt human again. That evening my voice was slightly improved. The next morning slightly better yet. Gone again in the afternoon and the next two days. Coincidence? I took a Benedryl last night even though my allergies were not a problem. This morning I could speak softly. I took another Benedryl and started the saline washes. The saline wash is pretty amazing. Things really feel clean and open now.

I will post an update one way or the other but at this point I'm optimistic.

Ray



For those that are interested in my thoughts on doctors and insurance...
Doctors:
My family doctor is an idiot. He prescribed a steroid that could have done more damage than good. Then, without even seeing me again, he puts in my records the results of his prescription were moderate. He lied.

The first ENT wasn't capable of viewing my throat with a mirror so he stuffed a fiberoptic something or other up my nose and charged me $240 on top of his $250 office visit. The blood tests and CTscans he ordered cost about $2500. At least each ruled out problems even if they didn't find a problem.

The second ENT was capable of viewing my throat with a mirror but still couldn't find a problem.

I told each of the doctors things I had recently done, places I have gone, recent allergies, etc. They all blew off the possibility of allergies. I have lost confidence in doctors.

Insurance:
We have a $5k deductible on our health insurance. It covers us against a catstrophic illness or injury and is the only way we can afford the premiums. If I see a doctor and tell him I have insurance, the office visit is $250. If I say I don't have any insurance and pay cash, the office visit is $75. I didn't realize this right away. When I saw the second ENT, I told his office I didn't have insurance and saved $175. Is there any wonder our insurance premiums are so high? The doctors are robbing us blind!

[Louie Louie]

Ray, remember at Westoc there was a guy who loST his hearing due to an infection.We were sitting in the dining room. I dont think its related but just a thought

[Putt]

Thanks for those with the humor and kind words. Thanks for the PMs and suggestions as well.



Doctors:

Insurance:
We have a $5k deductible on our health insurance. It covers us against a catstrophic illness or injury and is the only way we can afford the premiums. If I see a doctor and tell him I have insurance, the office visit is $250. If I say I don't have any insurance and pay cash, the office visit is $75. I didn't realize this right away. When I saw the second ENT, I told his office I didn't have insurance and saved $175. Is there any wonder our insurance premiums are so high? The doctors are robbing us blind!


Paperwork....
My doc told me that they hit the insurance providers with a paperwork charge.. Also, they KNOW that the insurance will pay the high amount, where someone without insurance, but would be more likely to pay the low rate rather than stiff the doc..

Putt...

[docw1]

Ray,

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. I'm a GP, but I don't have to deal with billing issues in my practice, so I can't say too much about that. My thoughts: A hoarse voice is caused by some dysfunction of the vocal cords, either the nerve to one or the other is compromised, not allowing them to contract normally, or they are swollen from a viral infection or allergies. Your ENT could rule out a motor dysfunction just by viewing the cords either with the mirror or with the scope through the nose (the latter gives a better view). Not sure what they were looking for with the CT scans, but I guess it rules out the rare possibility of a tumor that couldn't be seen.

From my viewpoint, I'm not so sure that steroids were such a bad decision. With either a viral infection or allergies, they stand a good chance of reducing some swelling, and won't make it worse. I know you are anxious to get your full voice back, but some things such as this do not lend themselves to quick cures. There is little in the way of tests to determine the exact cause. Trying to force your voice may make things worse. Cool mists may help, going out into the cool night air may help a bit. Antihistamines, if it's an allergy, may help a bit. Yes they dry out some of the drainage, but if you are using a nasal spray, or sinus irrigation (never tried it myself) that will keep the sinuses clean. Decongestants, such as Sudaphed (the real stuff, from behind the counter) may help a little. This is a little long for a virus infection, so, if it were me, I'd be using antihistamines (such as Benadryl or Claritin or others) and the Sudaphed, maybe moisturizing nasal sprays. If you want to try some "natural" remedies or homeopathic preparations, there should be no problem. Again, if it's allergies, you may have some symptoms as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Good luck.

Bill

[Coop]

I'm generally not into off topic theads but this one might even apply to general or WeSToc, or maybe not.

I have been completely without my voice since a couple days after getting home from WeSToc. One day short of a month! What was the cause? I wish I knew.



Here is a list of everything I can think of that may or may not be related:

There were times on the way to and from WeSToc that my throat got dry.

I slightly overused my voice at WeSToc. Lot's of talking, laughing, etc.

I drank a few beers and a couple Margaritas while at WeSToc.

I used a CamelBak the whole time while riding. Always filled with ice from hotel ice machines, gas station mini-mart ice machines and fast food ice machines.

We rode through heavy smoke from the CA fires on the way back and experience poor air quality off and on since.

I use the a/c in my truck. We used the a/c at home for several days.

I get hit with allergies every year. Usually itchy eyes, runny nose, etc. A Chlortrimetron usually helps or a Benedryl really dries things up. I took a Chlortrimetron the day before I completely lost my voice.

I could tell my voice was overused when we got home. It simply degraded over the next two days to the point of non-existance. Hope was everywhere I was, had the same ice in her CamelBak, etc. and has no problem.

I went to my doctor. He prescribed Prednisone to help with the swelling. It didn't work. I went to an ENT doctor. He suspected a cyst on one of my vocal chords after stuffing a fiber optic something or other up my nose to view my throat (not fun). He ordered blood tests and a series of CTscans. After his review, he determined there is nothing wrong. ***? It's not my imagination.

I have what feels like a swelling or a lump in my throat. It doesn't hurt. It does get a little tender feeling when I try to talk too much. I have been doing my best to not talk and try to speak softly when I do. I tried the 'Throat Coat' herbal tea and warm tea & honey. I tried gargling with warm salt water but that seemed to agrivate the tenderness. I am now bulking up on Vitamin C, sucking on zinc lozenges as well as Ricola natural lozenges.


Why am I posting this? Honestly, I'm desperate. Not only is it frustrating, my business is suffering. I can't communicate with existing customers let alone potential customers.

Anyone ever experience this problem? Any ideas? I'm grasping at straws.

Ray

Ray,
It's obvious that meeting me at WeSTOC has simply left you speechless. Perhaps it was the cheering at my birthday party or maybe you are just in awe of my motorcycle riding ability. I don't know!! Shouldn't you be typing in a smaller font to save you voice? Get well soon!!

[hojo in sc]

WOW, YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, about the only thing I see that you haven't tried is a Chiropractor :D

[nm6r]

Antihistamines, if it's an allergy, may help a bit. Yes they dry out some of the drainage, but if you are using a nasal spray, or sinus irrigation (never tried it myself) that will keep the sinuses clean. Decongestants, such as Sudaphed (the real stuff, from behind the counter) may help a little. This is a little long for a virus infection, so, if it were me, I'd be using antihistamines (such as Benadryl or Claritin or others) and the Sudaphed, maybe moisturizing nasal sprays. If you want to try some "natural" remedies or homeopathic preparations, there should be no problem. Again, if it's allergies, you may have some symptoms as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Good luck.

Bill

Thanks for the info Bill. I am now able to speak softly when I have to talk. I am trying to conserve. My magic combination at this point is a daily dose of Benadryl, Sudafed and the nasal douche three times/day.


Ray,
It's obvious that meeting me at WeSTOC has simply left you speechless. Perhaps it was the cheering at my birthday party or maybe you are just in awe of my motorcycle riding ability. I don't know!! Shouldn't you be typing in a smaller font to save you voice? Get well soon!!

Coop, I must admit I really enjoyed celebrating your birthday. Perhaps a bit too much. ;) Typing softly as whispering is actually suppose to be worse.


WOW, YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, about the only thing I see that you haven't tried is a Chiropractor :D

Howard, trust me, I would have already been to a Chiropractor if I thought it would help. The list of crap I have tried is really long. Most of what I tried would likely help someone that overused (abused) their voice.


Update:

I can still speak softly when I have to talk. The lump in my throat sensation has gone away. This morning there was a little tickling feeling and that has since passed. I've got my fingers crossed and would like to thank those that have offered suggestion on this thread, PMs and e-mails. I really appreciate the effort.

Ray

[hojo in sc]

I can still speak softly when I have to talk. Ray ...............

.............and carry a BIG STICK.

Seriously, I hope this resolves soon, I can't imagine what a pain this has been to you!

[STeve1300]

...I have been completely without my voice since a couple days after getting home from WeSToc. One day short of a month! What was the cause? I wish I knew.



Any ideas? I'm grasping at straws.

Ray



I kinda use the (doctor) for warranty work. For example, I'll take (myself) in for new bearings or (go) in for a new seal. I just don't trust them ....to put things back properly.

Ray

Get well soon!!!

[nm6r]

It's gonna feel so good to be able to say hi and tell lies to everyone at TentSToc. Yup, it's true, I can talk once again. Not 100% but I'm not complaining. I had a conversation on the phone and spoke to people in a non-quiet environment. I am so happy.

Over the course of a week, the Benadryl and nasal washes showed slight signs of improvement. Over the next few days, the improvement was obvious each day.

It's so cool being able to communicate again.

Ray

[John Anthony]

Very cool indeed. Glad you're back to par.

John

[MNwing]

Ray, Good news indeed. Glad to hear your talking again.

[Coop]

Glad to hear that you are talking again!!

[Scarman]

Good to read you're doing much better Ray. Hope's probably glad she doesn't have to do all the talking anymore... or is she? Just kidding Hope. Thanks for keeping us posted Ray.

[nm6r]

Good to read you're doing much better Ray. Hope's probably glad she doesn't have to do all the talking anymore... or is she? Just kidding Hope. Thanks for keeping us posted Ray.

Seriously, Hope was having to field all of my office calls whether we were out in the field or in the office. She pretty much had to be tethered to me so I could make decisions and she could talk. When we're back "in the office" after working, she usually has her own things she likes to do, many of which are outdoors. It's a big relief for both of us.

Ray

[LT Rider]

Ray...

I had no idea. Sorry to hear that you battled this all summer, but happy to hear you're getting past it. When I talked to you over the 4th, I thought you sounded different, but....cell phone....holiday (beeeeeer)......etc...thought nothing of it. Wow.

You two should make a swing through ID on the way back from Arches. Call me and we can rendezvous.

Ride safe.