topic Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps? in Wellness

Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:02:17 GMT

Yesterday, I mentioned going to the salon. I was there for a couple hours, then went out for lunch with my mom. During this time, I guess I talked a lot more than I normally do. Today, my voice is gone.

I notice this also happens anytime I have company. When I was still teaching, the ENT mentioned I had polyps on my vocal chords. But, I never did anything about them. Back then, my voice wasn't affected like now. I can no longer do many things I used to do like sing or even have basic long conversations without losing my voice the next day.

My mom also has these polyps, but her voice isn't affected at all.

Does anyone have experience with this or know of some remedies that may help please? 💝🌸

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

On It — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:15:47 GMT

@cheriere I am sorry you are having difficulties. I can only offer empathy since I know no one who has dealt with this issue. (My acid reflux sometimes affects my voice.) I hope someone can help or offer advice.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:22:31 GMT

@On It wrote:
@cheriere I am sorry you are having difficulties. I can only offer empathy since I know no one who has dealt with this issue. (My acid reflux sometimes affects my voice.) I hope someone can help or offer advice.

Thank you for answering. I also have acid reflux lol...but I guess most our age does.

I remember when I saw the ENT all those years ago he kinda laughed and said the polyps seemed to be the "teacher and preacher" syndrome. I fear mine might have really worsened though because I lose my voice way too easy.💝🌸

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Kachina624 — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:18:48 GMT

@cheriere. I think I'd see a doctor about doing something about them, especially if there's a chance they could become cancerous.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:22:33 GMT

@Kachina624

I hadn't really thought about them being cancerous, but I guess you're right. I'd mentioned this to my regular dr, but all she run was a scan of my thyroid. I think because I've lost so much weight.

I always hate seeing the ENT, but I haven't been in so long I'm sure I need to.

Thanks for responding. I really appreciate it.💝🌸

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Mimi NY — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:54:23 GMT

For peace of mind just get back to your ENT doctor ,that would be better then finding yourself next turning to Dr.Google as so many do in today's world. Hoping it was just talking too much.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Kachina624 — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:24:21 GMT

@cheriere. Take good care of yourself. Nobody will do it for you.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

tansy — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:39:05 GMT

You should check it out, @cheriere.

Just an aside, my voice permanently changed when my thyroid was removed. It's not drastic but noticeable to those close to me and talking tires me out

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:45:38 GMT

@tansy wrote:
You should check it out, @cheriere.

Just an aside, my voice permanently changed when my thyroid was removed. It's not drastic but noticeable to those close to me and talking tires me out

Thanks, I think I've got to make an appointment. This happens way too easily. Just talking to the hairdresser and my mom for a few hours and it's just gone. It happens all the time too.🌸

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

rockygems123 — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:10:41 GMT

@cheriere wrote:
@Kachina624

I hadn't really thought about them being cancerous, but I guess you're right. I'd mentioned this to my regular dr, but all she run was a scan of my thyroid. I think because I've lost so much weight.
I always hate seeing the ENT, but I haven't been in so long I'm sure I need to.
Thanks for responding. I really appreciate it.💝🌸

@cheriere, @Kachina624 said what I was thinking.

My 53yr old hairdresser talks a lot, was an 80's singer, has had a raspy voice.

His voice got to be a whisper and forced him to go in finally and have his polyps removed.

He is being treated for cancer and will return to the salon first part of May hopefully.

Relating such a thing is scary but please go in to your docs sooner than later.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Q-Checker — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:17:24 GMT

Another vote for seeing an ENT -- glad you agree. Also, a speech pathologist may be helpful in teaching you how to put less stress on your vocal cords if the ENT feels that is warranted. Good luck!👍

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Coastalcarolina — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:19:02 GMT

I second or third the advice to see the ENT. I used to be a soprano vocalist. I loved singing all my life. A few years back I noticed pain and couldn't get the volume or control I used to have. But the pain became unbearable. I went for a month where I was down to a whisper only.

I was worried about cancer. Thank the Lord it wasn't anything serious. But per Dr's orders and advice, I stopped singing. The vocal chords were thinning with age, and so that was that. But I accepted it and am grateful everything was ok. Best of luck to you.❤️

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Love my grandkids — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:26:44 GMT

@cheriere I agree with some others. Time to get back to an ENT. If these are cancerous, and I hope they are not, you need to find out one way or the other. And there may be some treatment options that weren't the last time you saw an ENT. Please do make that appointment and wishing you well.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

Estellee — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:43:26 GMT

@cheriere wrote:
Yesterday, I mentioned going to the salon. I was there for a couple hours, then went out for lunch with my mom. During this time, I guess I talked a lot more than I normally do. Today, my voice is gone.

I notice this also happens anytime I have company. When I was still teaching, the ENT mentioned I had polyps on my vocal chords. But, I never did anything about them. Back then, my voice wasn 't affected like now. I can no longer do many things I used to do like sing or even have basic long conversations without losing my voice the next day.
My mom also has these polyps, but her voice isn't affected at all.

Does anyone have experience with this or know of some remedies that may help please? 💝🌸

@cheriere Did the ENT offer any advice or explanation at the time your polyps were discovered? I wonder if they are hereditary because your Mom has them too

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

PinkyPetunia — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:06:27 GMT

If it gets to the point that losing your voice is driving you crazy and you can't function normally you will need to have the polyp/s removed.

My late husband had a polyp like you describe. He would open his mouth to speak and nothing came out. He had it removed maybe 15 years ago. It is removed with a laser. He had a good ENT doc and surgery was outpatient and just a few hours.

Recovery was uneventful--little talking for a day or two. Surgery totally solved the problem. Don't be afraid of this if you need it. Good luck.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:24:19 GMT

@rockygems123 wrote:
@cheriere wrote:
@Kachina624

I hadn't really thought about them being cancerous, but I guess you're right. I'd mentioned this to my regular dr, but all she run was a scan of my thyroid. I think because I've lost so much weight.
I always hate seeing the ENT, but I haven't been in so long I'm sure I need to.
Thanks for responding. I really appreciate it.💝🌸
@cheriere, @Kachina624 said what I was thinking.

My 53yr old hairdresser talks a lot, was an 80's singer, has had a raspy voice.

His voice got to be a whisper and forced him to go in finally and have his polyps removed.

He is being treated for cancer and will return to the salon first part of May hopefully.

Relating such a thing is scary but please go in to your docs sooner than later.

Thank you for telling me about him, really. I needed to hear that. My voice is also very raspy, yet I rarely talk to anyone. I sure wish I'd have had them removed years ago.🌸

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:26:53 GMT

@Estellee

The only advice the ENT gave me then was not to whisper or talk loudly because both was extremely strain full to the voice in this case.

He did want to remove them, but at the time, my voice was still in good shape.

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:29:50 GMT

@Q-Checker @Coastalcarolina @PinkyPetunia @Love my grandkids

I really appreciate each of your responses, really. I definitely need to set up an appointment, the sooner the better too. It does make me nervous this happens so easily and the amount of weight I've lost. Something's not right.

Thank you each and everyone again.💝🌸

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

spumoni99 — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:37:04 GMT

A lot of times at the hairdresser we are talking over a blow dryer etc. Luckily my hairdreser has non stop stories for me, she is single and dates a lot!!!! Makes me glad I am married!!!

Re: Losing My Voice / Polyps?

cheriere — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:38:06 GMT

@tansy

I know you're right. I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and do this. I've put it off far too long. Thank you 🙏🌸