hoarse voice

Ok, Buddies, here's a weird one for you.  Does anyone get a hoarse voice from tight vocal cords when feeling highly anxious?  It is so annoying, as it is hard for me to "fake it til I feel it" when my voice is so hoarse and everyone wonders what's wrong.  It's a dead give-away that I am tense.  Also, sometimes the mucus builds up and I have to keep clearing my throat, but that doesn't always clear up the hoarseness.  Anyone else have this?

Didn't have it so much with anxiety, but I had it in the early part of my taper.  Sometimes my voice would just disappear for no reason and I too was desperately trying to clear my throat all the time.  I also developed a stutter - very weird.  Now all gone fortunately, just have other s/x to keep me company.

Yes , I have had that symptom! The CNS effects the whole bod!

LB,

 

    Funny that you should mention stuttering...I've been doing that, and talking faster than my brain can form words. 

OK I can see this topic hasnt been posted for ages now...but I have beyond hoarseness...my voice actually sounds demented or ihc (no offence) its NOT my normal voice AT ALL.  This came & went several times last year, but has stayed with me PERMANANTLY since Christmas (now 10 months).  (I am now 16.5 months off).

 

Visibly you can see my throat muscles pulling when I talk & it just WILL NOT go away.  My whole CNS is still shaky & plenty of nerve pain & weak/wobbly muscles as well.  I dont know of many ppl at all that have this constant dysphasia.  Yeah I too feel I have alot of phlegm in there & crap in my lungs constantly coming up for the entire 16.5 months thus far.

 

Soon I am to have an Ear Nose Throat Specialist stick a cam up my nose & down to my throat to find out what is going on (scared of that anaestesia!!).  All the Neurologists can offer is botox which does NOT fix the problem & moreover is apparently neuro-toxic.  As many ppl from here will understand I now have a huge trepidation/anti drugs & shattered trust.

 

Is there anyone who had SEVERE voice problems for this long???  And finally go away???  Did ANYTHING help???  I am now taking Magnesium to try & help ALL body muscles & CNS.  I've also started Acupuncture in the hopes that might help too, but thats expensive.......any other ideas on how to help this would be appreciated sincerely....

I have this as well, it's like I get dry mouth and my voice goes hoarse.

 

 

I have the voice change too.  I thought maybe it was just allergies - guess not.  Comes and goes.

Hi all...I have the voice problem too!!

I notice it as well when I am really tense; it's like my throat is closing up. I have watched myself swallow in the mirror (feel like a hypochondriac most of the time) and it does look like the muscles in my neck are working very hard. Scary stuff. I notice on first getting up in the morning it's not there, but within a few hours I can feel it, and my voice sounds weird to me.

I'm so glad I joined this site...you guys make me so much less afraid of this journey.

Thank you.

Yes...I have a very hoarse voice... after I talk for more than five minutes I'm croaking!.  I also have plugged ears and excessive mucus, especially in my throat.  Also a cough.  I also have a very hard time articulating...transpose words and studder....feel like my tongue is not in sync with the movement of my mouth.

 

It's all too lovely for words...

 

Donna

Hmm I feel like I havent explained it properly.  Dunno HOW to explain it really.  It's BEYOND hoarseness.  The Neurologist called it Dysphasia (not Dysphagia).  I also have that permanent golf-ball feeling in my throat too. I can swallow food ok so I spose thats a good thing! And Yeah I've had the stutter thing at times too (I guess thats just the hyper-sensitized CNS).  However this voice change hasnt relented for 10 months.  It doesnt come & go with anxiety or anything.  It's just like that 24/7.  NOT looking forward to the anestetic they will have to spray before the CAM goes up my nose!!!  I spose some wld say you're lucky to have an investigation, however what I need is a SAFE SOLUTION, rather than just a diagnosis .  The Magnesium doesnt seem to be helping with relaxing those muscles at all & I've tried all sorts of Homeopathic remedies too, all with no success.  I'm now trying Acupuncure to MAYBE help...

Hi Ruthie!!

Please let us know what happens with your test...that doesn't sound like something pleasant at all. My thoughts are with you.

Sandy

Thanks all.  Yep got that cam up nose & down throat inspection this Tuesday coming up.  I was worried about the spray they give you before hand (from what I'd read on here) but 1 person from here told me they'd had it done & it wasnt a big deal even for benzo withdrawal ppl.

 

Battling insane amounts of cog fog I've still been researching on NATURAL & SAFE SOLUTIONS to help the symptoms I have left, as I dont want ANY drugs or medications which could further potentially harm my sensitive body/brain!

 

As I've tried to describe the "dysphasia" along with visibly pulling throat muscles has been permanent since before Christmas (now 9 months+) where I sound (NO OFFENCE) demented or IHC, have a lisp or worse...anyway! diligently researching for hours each & every day...tonight I came across a natural recipe for at least this symptom...so I TRIED IT (heaps of testimonials on here as to its effectivenss).  Although it hasnt relieved or relaxed the voice muscles completely it has made SOME change to my voice (I can hear a deeper resonanace to it, although it still sounds awful & not my own voice), so am posting for others who might want to try & give it a go.  As a side note - strangely if I push in the "dip in part" of the muscles at the bottom of my throat/voicebox my voice ALMOST goes back to semi-normal.  I must also add that in these testimonials others ALSO had excess phelgm too, which some said sits AROUND your vocal chords.  Only God knows at the end of the day what is actually going on, but its interesting I have that in conjunction too.  (I thought it was the crap from my lungs which I've had the entire 19 months):

 

From http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/laryngitis.html 

 

I just completed gargling with one cup of warm Apple Cider Vinegar combined with 1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp. Of honey (organic) and within 5 minutes I had my voice back! Almost instantly, this breaks up that "stuff" that sticks to your vocal cords. Thanks for this site!"

 

Thats a quote from the above link.  Other things that are also supposed to help throat/voice are Menthol, Licorice, ZINC Lozenges, Fisherman's Friend Lozenges, Ginger Tea, Eucalyptus.  I'm going to try the ZINC also.  I hope that helps others!!!  I'm determined to find safe, natural solutions to help support healing of all this!!!

Ruthie,

  I hope you are doing well! I very much miss talking with you in chat.  I'll be thinking of you this coming Tuesday! I hope that the Doc's are able to help you out.

 

Fieldy

Ruthie,

  I hope you are doing well! I very much miss talking with you in chat.  I'll be thinking of you this coming Tuesday! I hope that the Doc's are able to help you out.

 

Fieldy

 

(((Fieldy))) Miss chatting with you too matie.  Thanks heaps. xoxoox

OK just to update you all I had the "Trans-Nasal Endoscopy" TODAY (basically a cam tube shoved up your nose & down your throat to have a look at all the muscles & vocal chords).  First of all I refused the anestetic because I did not want anything setting me back even further.  I couldnt run that risk (I kinda regretted that once it got to my throat part, however... )  The upshot of all that is that the ENT Specialist said my voicebox is fine....HOWEVER what is happening is...argh it gets complicated, the Neurologists I've seen in the past wrote to him saying they think I have "Tardive Dyskinnesia".  Well thats news to me, they havent told me a damn thing & havent been in touch for ages since doing their Video of my walking/balance etc awhile back.

 

The ENT Specialist said basically what that means is damage from the drugs to the "Basal Ganglia" part of my brain (including the nervous system).  So that explains the swaying/balance problems for starters. He agrees my whole CNS is hyper-senstive at the moment.  I got him to check my ears too & he said they look fine.  So thats all positive.    However he said the reason my voice is dysphasic or doesnt sound like me at all & takes so much effort to talk at all (affecting my tongue muscle as well)  is because this part of the brain is damaged, its sending wrong signals to my other throat muscles & PULLING on my vocal chords, thus making my voice sound like it sounds - NOT ME, weird, demented, etc etc etc.  This appt was very quick & bear in mind I had ALOT of cog fog & slow brain comprehension (as I still do now!!!)...so information & emotional overload.

 

As he was shoving me out the door I managed to ask "what can I do about it to fix it" he replied "nothing, for now".  (Surely there MUST be something!) He did mention something about HIS Speech Therapists (I've already seen one & they didnt want to do anything til I'd had the MRI & got a diagnosis from the Neurologists) MIGHT be in touch in future & he'll write back to the Neurologists with his findings.  So I guess thats a good thing that the vocal chords are ok as such, its just the other muscles pulling on the vocal chords...AND its great that they (seemingly by their diagnosis) SEEM to ACKNOWLEDGE that this IS directly linked to the use of Benzos  .  However that still quite frankly leaves me up "shit creek" without natural safe solutions.  (Their only solutions offered at present are continual botox injections which paralyze the throat muscles, forcing them to relax & obviously this has high risk consequencs too, just as the benzos did!!!).  NOT something I'm prepared to trust or do.  My trust is earned now.

 

So after all THAT good news (sarcasm) I took myself off to Prayer Clinic again tonight & asked for more prayer.  It seems to be my ONLY hope at present.  Remember I live ALONE & have very little support.  I am battling so hard to help myself, but its a bit like a Secretary trying to fly a plane.  I'm not good with Scientific or Technical stuff.  I'd appreciate any ppl prepared to pray for me, encourage or reassure me.  I really dont want any pity, just empathy & reassurance that despite what the docs are saying I WILL HEAL FULLY.  So thats it buddies.  My prayers are with you all for YOUR continued health & healing too.  Count yourself lucky if you have a partner or family who are loyal, to hug you, offer a caring ear or able to help with household responsibilities!

Hi Ruthie:

 

WOW..you took no anesthetic!! I'm glad you got through it and that there was nothing there obstructing your cords. What he told you (the brain damage) is pretty disconcerting, but then again, is this something that will heal?? That would be good news. I too have a strange "old lady" voice right now. You are very bright and articulate in what you write and try and explain, it's easy to read. Thanks for posting your visit with the doctor and about the test. Are you going to wait it out now? I'm thinking the same. Please let us know of any naturopathic remedies you come across the help you throat. And thanks again Ruthie!! We are all with you!!

 

Sandy

I also have/had the hoarse voice. What I finally found out was that the hoarse voice was caused from GERD and once I started taking Nexium it completely went away. What was happening was that the acid in my stomach was backing up into my throat...GERD is a direct symptom of Benzo withdrawl and creates a lot of interesting symptoms. I hope this helps somebody

Yikes!! David:

 

Thanks for that. I am visting the doc tomorrow afternoon and will mention this.

Same here.  I just can't tell if its from Benzo withdrawal or allergies,...

Hi Ruthie:

 

WOW..you took no anesthetic!! I'm glad you got through it and that there was nothing there obstructing your cords. What he told you (the brain damage) is pretty disconcerting, but then again, is this something that will heal?? That would be good news. I too have a strange "old lady" voice right now. You are very bright and articulate in what you write and try and explain, it's easy to read. Thanks for posting your visit with the doctor and about the test. Are you going to wait it out now? I'm thinking the same. Please let us know of any naturopathic remedies you come across the help you throat. And thanks again Ruthie!! We are all with you!!

 

Sandy

 

Thanks Sandy.  Yep I'm TRYING not to think about what the ENT guy said the Neurologists said.  Dunno when I will hear from them again.  No doubt soon I spose as the ENT guy will write his report back to them.  I REFUSE to take their current protocol of botox to PARALYZE (& relax) my other throat muscles that are pulling on my voicebox (!!!).  Thats all they've ever suggested.  I'll refuse any "meds" or drugs as I more aptly call them these days too as I simply CANT trust them anymore! (That leaves me up "shit creek" though  )

 

Dunno WHAT to do Sandy...I feel like I'm brain damaged & find it so hard to think, remember, talk, walk, relate, you name it & I live totally by myself.  Yep I suppose holding out for the 2 year off mark is my only option really.  Hoping & Praying.  I've started reading that "Benzo Wise" book too & honestly, compared to what I've gone through, she BARELY suffered at all!!!  She had WAY more control of her thoughts.  I feel like a bomb has gone off in my brain & scattered any train of thoughts.

 

In the interim I'm trying to haul my butt out the door for walking as often as I can because SURELY thats GOT to help my body heal (I HAVE to feel like I'm doing something PROACTIVE as I know sitting on my butt aint gonna help & there are no white knights who will swoop in & help me).  I've also ordered a Philips GoLite Blu Light Box to try & get my sleep cycle back up the right way!! (Currently I get to sleep at 5-6AM its been like that for ages now, perhaps 9 months??)  I'm GRATEFUL I CAN sleep, but getting my sleep cycle back to NORMAL times I'm sure would help my brain/body/symptoms too ay?  I've quit Acupuncture now after 3 times of it.  I kept getting "electrical shocks"  .

 

I hope you saw those other things I posted here awhile back for throat stuff.  Perhaps try the Fisherman's Friend Lozenges or that natural Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe.  It may taste gross, but if it works & safely, why not give it a go???

 

drinking 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water helps.....

 

Hi Ruthie...I love those Fisherman's Friends Losenges...I have a bag of them sitting on my desk. I've tasted grosser than this.

 

Thanks for the other advice regarding naturopathic remedies.

 

About the Botox...NO WAY!! Can't even image that paralyzing throat muscles. I would overthink it and probably freak. I do that a lot...overthink things lately and scare the crap out of myself. It's been really bad since about the beginning of June. Didn't know I had so many fears and terrors. Unlike you though (you're very brace), I have only just crossed over to another benzo. The first one I was on had a half life of 250 hours, and the new one only 50. So the w/d symptoms come busting through about two hours after taking the new benzo. It wasn't actually a crossover either, as the drug stores were not stocking the old one and one day I was taking Fluorazepam and the next day Oxazepam. (I had taken the fluorazepam for 25 years). I know what you mean by exploding brain!!! I scare myself I have so many intrusive thoughts. I spent the whole summer on the front porch because I was too afraid to garden, or get off the porch for any reason. I have not cleaned my house since I don't know when...I keep caught up on the laundry. At first I wasn't even paying attention to personal hygeine...gone! It's so hard to understand what is happening. I am supposed to start a slow taper at the beginning of October and am really afraid of what that will bring. This site is great for reading about symptoms and knowing that we're not really crazy....just feeling crazy.

 

As I sit here and type my fingers are numb...no feeling in them, my lips are tingling and my eyes are burning. I feel like I haven't blinked in weeks!!

 

Please keep me informed of how you're doing Ruthie.!!! Take care. We all have big shoulders in here!!

 

Sandy

HI,

I can't believe there are other people with this problem, too. I have not just the hoarse voice, but I sometimes think that I sound the way people do after they have breathed in helium - voice is way up and squeeky. Funny thing is, I am not sure if it is my voice or my hearing of my voice. I can't sing right now either - can't hold a note. This has just been since the withdrawal symptoms.

I hope we can all hear about someone who is doing better. I am so impressed with those of you who have taken this problem to tests and see how it is going. I hope some of us can find a solution to this.

Hi Ruthie...I love those Fisherman's Friends Losenges...I have a bag of them sitting on my desk. I've tasted grosser than this.

 

Thanks for the other advice regarding naturopathic remedies.

 

About the Botox...NO WAY!! Can't even image that paralyzing throat muscles. I would overthink it and probably freak. I do that a lot...overthink things lately and scare the crap out of myself. It's been really bad since about the beginning of June. Didn't know I had so many fears and terrors. Unlike you though (you're very brace), I have only just crossed over to another benzo. The first one I was on had a half life of 250 hours, and the new one only 50. So the w/d symptoms come busting through about two hours after taking the new benzo. It wasn't actually a crossover either, as the drug stores were not stocking the old one and one day I was taking Fluorazepam and the next day Oxazepam. (I had taken the fluorazepam for 25 years). I know what you mean by exploding brain!!! I scare myself I have so many intrusive thoughts. I spent the whole summer on the front porch because I was too afraid to garden, or get off the porch for any reason. I have not cleaned my house since I don't know when...I keep caught up on the laundry. At first I wasn't even paying attention to personal hygeine...gone! It's so hard to understand what is happening. I am supposed to start a slow taper at the beginning of October and am really afraid of what that will bring. This site is great for reading about symptoms and knowing that we're not really crazy....just feeling crazy.

 

As I sit here and type my fingers are numb...no feeling in them, my lips are tingling and my eyes are burning. I feel like I haven't blinked in weeks!!

 

Please keep me informed of how you're doing Ruthie.!!! Take care. We all have big shoulders in here!!

 

Sandy

 

Hey Sandy - you might find the Apple Cider Vinegar recipe quite good.  The Cayenne is a kicker too.  Gargle with it.  It clears all the crap out of your throat (temporarily).  It does other stuff too, just generally good for us.

 

Yes please remember all the excess terror/fear/agoraphobia is just your brain on overload/overwhelmed.  It AINT you!!! And the longer you've been on it, just gives you more..thats why I started researching to get off the stuff.  You may well find things are alot easier for you seeing as you are doing a sensible taper.  I thought I was doing that too, but when I asked to change over to the Diazepam - the doc gave me 3/4 the wrong equivalency dose, which was hence a 3/4 cold turkey, but I had no idea of that at the time - I once again TRUSTED.  Ppl kept saying stabilize etc etc.  I was only cutting .625mgs per week but had no idea I'd already been 3/4 cold turkeyed.  ANYWAY thats in the past and I've dealt with the horrific consequences as best I can since then.  Some others didnt undertsand cos they werent cold turkeyed. they were able to sensibly taper properly.  So here's hoping an easier time for you.  Yeah thank GOD for this site thats for sure!!!

 

Yep I WONT be taking that botox thats for sure...my trust in drug/med "therapy" is just shattered now.  Am just hoping & praying it settles down as my CNS/everything else heals.  Cant wait til the extreme cog fog & god-awful depression subsides either!!!  Good luck to you matie.

By crikey is this the Ultimate/Condensed Lessons in Patience, Faith, Trust, Forgiveness, Letting Go, ALMOST Surrendering & Gratitude or what ??

 

I think I've almost let go of at least the voice one now.  I'm just hoping/praying it will get better as the brain/entire cns heals.  What I WONT give up on though is exercise/walking as that will DEFINITELY HELP to fast-track my body healing 3 dimensionally (mind, body, emotions/spirit).  Cant stand the Cog Fog & feeling so dumb/slow or being unable to understand (or remember!) what I want/need to...

 

Am trying to choose to listen to my Mum's gut instincts that I will be "dancing for joy" DESPITE what the doctors try to scare me with.  Good luck to you all benzo buddies xoxoxoox