Hi, my name is SusanJean

SusanJean

I’ve had muscle spasm dysphonia for 3 months now and thought I was getting better but then had 2 relapses in the last two weeks. Most days I can manage an occasional sentence before getting hoarse but not a conversation. If I overdo it my throat hurts and I have to abstain from talking for a couple days. Voice therapy hasn’t helped. I’m feeling isolated and in despair. I don’t know what else to try. I’m sure being worried about it doesn’t help.

Santosha12

Hello @SusanJean and a very warm welcome to you to the community.

I'm so sorry that you've had these relapses and that the Voice Therapy hasn't helped you, that must feel very disheartening and it is understandable that you feel so isolated.

I would advise to see your GP so you can see what other treatment options might be available for you. Botulinum toxic injections were used to help treat this but I don't know the NHS criteria for treatment or wait-times, or you may be able to consider and discuss other medication for the muscle spasms, like anti-spasmodics, I do not know the effectiveness though of any of these for your condition I'm afraid and I don't think we can advise specifically, or recommend specific medications, on here.

If you are feeling despair or distress, you could contact The Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I believe they are trialling a new 'Live Web Chat' service but don't know if that's in place yet. You can email them at jo@samaritans.org I think that can take up to 24 hours though to get a reply. Their 'phone number is 116 123 but I understand that may not work well for you which, in itself, is a very harsh consequence of your condition. I'm very sorry for that.

There is also a text-based mental health service, available 24 hours a day. You text SHOUT to 85258

Your GP can also advise you if there is a service via the local health authority. My local one has a 24 hour a day mental health crisis team but that's for telephone support. They may offer alternative contact methods though too and can be worth having that at your disposal, even if you don't need it right now. Do you have any family or other support?

In the absence of preferred or suitable treatment options, is there any technology that would help you or worth considering? I've no experience of this but others on here may know.

And of course, we're here for you. Please take good care of yourself and my very warmest wishes and best wishes to you.