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help,having vocal fold issues

getdazgetdaz Pro Posts: 30
edited December 2014 in INTRODUCE YOURSELF

I made the transition from drummer to lead vocalist recently,man its fun and I am really enjoying it.i knew I'd have to take this seriously though, to front a semi pro  band,thats when I found kens program,  wow amazing ,gods blessed him what a talent..while I have had no formal training at all apart from kens course heres the problems I am having  after doing the warm ups,and after gigs I go hoarse cant hit certain notes properly etc ,very frustrating indeed. I knew some thing was;nt right. 

I have just had a second opinion from an ENT  specialist heres the situation

on examination,both folds have irregularities on the medial edge of the vocal  folds in the striking zone the right side being more prominent than the left.on the left there were two lesions and a right vocal fold lesion,also some swelling (oedema).

in short I have bilateral vocal fold  lesions in the striking zone,OUCH,these are typical for lesions related to overuse or misuse I do suffer from asthma allergies.and had my  fair share of respiratory tract infection,prolonged coughing etc.

the specialist has recommended me to seek out a singing teacher/voice coach for proper technique  ,reducing the vocal work load ie gigs ,waming up etc.{I know I should be warming up very  gently as ken has instructed on the dvd ).

the doctor also   added that if the lesions are persistent,despite vocal coaching, vocal rest etc to intervene with treatment like(BILATERAL VOCAL FOLD INJECTION WITH STERIOD).

I want to take a web cam (Skype) lesson with ken some time and sort out where I am at.would  these lesions be a hindrance to me progressing further in singing? I am currently doing vol 1 at the moment even these warm ups the longer ones can be challenging with my current vocal health.

any feed back on whats the best thing to do   would be much appreciated, it would be good  to get kens feed back  on this as well.

thanks  kind regards  daz.

Best Answer

Answers

  • Ken TamplinKen Tamplin Administrator, Moderator Posts: 446
    Hi Daz,
    This condition can become quite serious.

    First off, I would not do ANY steroids until you have exhausted all other avenues.

    The only way I can really tell what is happening is to physically hear/see you.

    There are so many factors in this.

    For example: are you taking asthma medication? (this is also a very important questions with regard to great management and your use (or over-use) of air.

    Do you suffer post sinusitis or other phlegm related issues?

    Also:  many singers have irregularities on the medial edge of their vocal folds in the strike zone. This does;t mean surgery or steroids, often times it's just inflammation.

    Do you have a copy of the strobe the ENT took during phonation?

    I would recommend booking a session so I can take a look at what is going on.

    I would also be careful about too much singing until you know how to safely move forward.
    -KT






  • getdazgetdaz Pro Posts: 30
    hello ken.
    sorry for the late reply merry xmas happy new year etc. i had to check everything out with the doctor etc,and thanks for answering my question,awesome to hear from you.
    here goes.
    I am taking SERETIDE asthma inhaler,which is a preventive medication.i take this when i need it.i dont use ventolin any more ,just the seretide.

    I checked with my doctor and i dont have any sinusitis,now that i cut out all dairy foods, i dont seem to have phlegm problems now.,not to the extent i did before.

    I do have allergic rhinitis though,so i take antihistamine tabs daily   for pollen house mite dust allergies etc.

    yes i have a copy of the stroboscopy,the file though is 60 mb pretty big they tell me to send via email.
    I could send it to you in the post by air mail if you like i just need your address, or is there some other way?,i have another copy so you can keep  it if you like.
    I wanna have an online lesson i just have to get skype sorted out and you can check me out that would be good.
    hey can i still do light warm ups though in the meantime with this condition is this wise or not? i dont want to blow my voice or have to    resort to steroids if i can help it.

    looking forward to hearing back from ya     thanks man kind regards daz    (new zealand)


    .
  • Ken TamplinKen Tamplin Administrator, Moderator Posts: 446
    Hi Daz.

    First off Seretide (Fluticasone/salmeterol) is known for the following side effects)

    • inflammation of the nose and throat
    • difficulty speaking
    • hoarse voice - rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth after inhaling your dose may help stop this from happening
    • infection of the mouth or throat - rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth after inhaling your dose may help stop this from happening
    • irritation of the throat
    • breathing difficulties
    • combine that with an antihistamine and you are completely drying (dehydrating) your voice and entire respiratory tract. Have you tried any natural remedies for asthma (and how bad is your asthma?)  Things like Bromelain — An enzyme extracted from pineapple has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that lasts a few hours.  Half a pill (250mg) under the tongue (to more quickly absorb the enzyme into the bloodstream) is quite effective. Fish oil — Keeping a favorable dietary Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid ratio is extremely important in managing inflammatory conditions. (raw garlic is also quite effective). Evening primrose oil — This oil supplies a fatty acid (GLA) which can have a positive anti-inflammatory effect.  It’s a traditional treatment.  A beneficial effect is from a about a 1000mg dose. Magnesium Citrate — Magnesium helps keep smooth muscle fiber and intercostal muscles in the lung relaxed. 
  • Ken TamplinKen Tamplin Administrator, Moderator Posts: 446
    Second, there are some excellent natural things for allergies as well: 

    1. Apple Cider Vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy that is often suggested for a variety of health conditions. Its ability to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for allergies. It is also said to help digestion, weight loss and more.

    2. Neti Pot and Saline Rinse

    3. Quercetin

    Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that is said to help stabilize mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine. It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce inflammation. It is best used as a long term remedy and many people start taking it about 4-6 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms.

    As with any herb, you should check with your doctor before using, especially if you have a liver problem.

    4. Nettle Leaf
    Nettle leaf is another natural antihistamine that can be very effective as it naturally blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine. It grows in many places and can be made in to a tincture or tea, but for allergy relief, capsules made from dried nettle leaves are the easiest and most effective option.

    Nettle leaf can also be used in combination with other herbs to make a soothing herbal tea for allergy relief. It is often mixed with peppermint leaf and sometimes red raspberry leaf to make a refreshing allergy relief tea.

    To Use: Either make a tea or use capsules for acute relief of allergy symptoms.

    5.Probiotics

    Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to a stimuli. New research links the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies.

    6. Local Honey (local to your area)

    Local bees that pollinate in your area carry strong antibodies which are reproduced in both Honey and Bee Pollen. It must be from your indigenous area or it will not work
    .


  • Ken TamplinKen Tamplin Administrator, Moderator Posts: 446
    7. Stinging Nettle. Often used as an allergy treatment, this botanical contains carotene, vitamin K, and quercetin. There’s some evidence that using stinging nettle after the first sign of allergic symptoms can help a bit. Be sure to choose extracts of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf, not the root, which is used to treat prostate troubles. Despite its common use, however, there’s not much research backing up stinging nettle’s effectiveness as an allergy remedy.

    These are just a few and combinations are also very effective.

    I hope this helps.

    It's a bit tough trying to get your voice strong if it is being so heavily compromised by prescription medication...
  • Ken TamplinKen Tamplin Administrator, Moderator Posts: 446
    you also asked "hey can i still do light warm ups though in the meantime with this condition is this wise or not? i dont want to blow my voice or have to    resort to steroids if i can help it." but until I can hear the actual condition of your voice and understand what you are referring to as a "light workout" and can't advise either way...
  • getdazgetdaz Pro Posts: 30
    edited January 2015
    g'day ken.
    yeah thanks for all the info above,these herbal/natural  remedies sound like the way to go.with a little help i got my strob video sorted out  for you to take a look at,it aint pretty man.yeah no wonder my voice is raspy and lacks range etc.
    please let me know what you think.


    kind regards  daz. (nz)

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