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Singer’s Saving Grace — another supposed miracle which ain’t— at least not for me

KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
This has been an interesting, albeit a bit costly, experiment in searching for quick fixes for those of us sensitive to conditions which make our throats (and mouths!) dry and of course there is a direct effect in the vocal cords. So far I have tried various teas, lozenges, tepid water, and now special throat sprays. Could not find chamomile but did get hold of Singer’s Saving Grace. (I got the kind without alcohol.) I have the honey & lemon flavor which is yummy tasting! Makes throat tissues feel good for a little while, but pretty soon I was as dry as ever. Again, nice but no cure. For a few years I have used Fisherman’s Friend lozenges; they are pretty good. The straight menthol tasted awful but I got them in aniseseed flavor, with only part menthol. Not like candy but they do help me more than any other lozenges. Effects last a bit longer, maybe 20 minutes. I shall stick with them.

🌊 WATER is very helpful! Sunday was a busy day, and by afternoon I was sandpaper-y. No chance to carry any water...boooh. ☹️ Choir had a performance at the nursing home, of course the room was hot, I struggled and by the end I was hanging on for dear life. If I’d had water I know it would have helped me. However, in the evening I had yet another presentation, but the area was cool...PLUS I had a microphone...I dearly love a good mike...and besides I was carrying water. I was comfortable, relaxed, and more hydrated, so that solo went very well. I actually prefer solo work over group singing...more freedom, less pressure. In group setting there might be microphones but they’re far enough away that I instinctively feel I have to over-sing. If I am a soloist with a good mike right there in front of me, I can relax and enjoy myself more! And a little container of tepid water...I’m golden 😀 A friend said something about “coloratura “... ??? I don’t know much about those terms. I just know I like to play 😇

I am practicing diaphragmatic breathing—one thing I ran across elsewhere was advice to hold the upper body motionless while breathing correctly while singing. Good tip! I enunciate well, but I’m trying to open my mouth a little more and keep the tongue down. Doc said he wanted to see my tonsils! 😄

Just thought I would write this in case anyone with similar issues might benefit.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! 🎄⛄️🥂🍎❄️

Comments

  • Chris82Chris82 2.0 PRO Posts: 594
    Have you considered using a nebulizer to inhale saline solution? I’ve heard of people getting good and fast results with them.
  • KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
    Chris82 said:

    Have you considered using a nebulizer to inhale saline solution? I’ve heard of people getting good and fast results with them.

    Cool! Thanks, I will look into that! I’m narrowing my issues down, and what I described above is a biggie. For ages I’ve been saying if only I could get rid of the sandpaper feelings I’d get on a lot better. I’m considered a strong singer who projects well. My associates might not see any need of improvement. But I know!! I’m paying more attention to breathing and such. But when I’m trying to sing well in a hot or overly-dry environment (like when AC is on high) I’m pretty uncomfortable...and the most perfect breathing and other physical factors won’t save me then. Water helps but isn’t always available.

  • HuduVuduHuduVudu 2.0 PRO Posts: 1,818
    Do you have allergies?
  • KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
    HuduVudu said:

    Do you have allergies?

    Truthfully, I don’t know. But if I do, I would put dust first on the list.

  • HuduVuduHuduVudu 2.0 PRO Posts: 1,818
    My allergies caused me to have continuous laryngitis. It's tough to sing on that.

    You might want to go to an allergist/immunologist and test for airborne allergies.
  • KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
    HuduVudu said:

    My allergies caused me to have continuous laryngitis. It's tough to sing on that.

    You might want to go to an allergist/immunologist and test for airborne allergies.

    I live in the humid Ohio Valley where supposedly everyone has some kind of allergies, sinusitis, etc. It’s a standing joke but IMO nothing to laugh at. I have postnasal drip which can make me feel like I have laryngitis or even mild bronchitis some days. A nebulizer might help me. What I need is lasting relief or, better, permanent relief. Improvement in breathing technique is one thing, but as you know, if the passages aren’t clear, a singer will still have a problem.
  • HuduVuduHuduVudu 2.0 PRO Posts: 1,818
    Ohhh yah you have allergies all right. That is where the drip is coming form. Go to an allergist and get the panel of tests. My allergist did 87 tests on me. My back lit up like a stop sign. I am really really allergic to a ton of stuff. All grasses and most notably, for me juniper. I am also really allergic to dust mites and dander. I have just finished the ramp up on the allergen shots and am on maintenance so it is stretching out to once a month for the shots for me. Going through the ramp up is hell and it isn't fun doing the shot once a month either. Guaranteed my face breaks out and I crash (sleep), but compared to how I used to deal with this time of year this year is a miracle for me. I have three to five years of maintenance, but as I said I am already seeing huge improvements.

    I was on the course about a year and was having a ton of problems with my singing especially the high end of my voice (I am male). I had to stop pretty much everything to get through the ramp up, singing included. I haven't started work outs again, so I don't know where my voice will be, but in the little singing I do I can hear the change. I will probably start again first of the year some time. I want to give my voice a chance to heal, I really pushed my voice not knowing about the laryngitis, so I want plenty of time to recover. I will have to start over again, but I think it will be worth it, because this time I will have a different voice ... literally.

    BTW the allergen shots are a permanent solution with a very high rate of success. My wife was helping me look for an allergist and she ended up going in herself. She had a ton of allergies herself, but more interestingly she had severe asthma (as well as I do). I will probably find that you have bad asthma also. The good news is that once you get far enough along on the shots you can stop all of the asthma meds. I just stopped my inhaler last week. I hated it because it dried out my throat and hurt.

    Hope I didn't overwhelm you with a bunch of stuff. Just wished someone had told me a long time ago that a lot of my problems where being caused by my allergies. It is crazy how many things that are affected.

    Anwhoo good luck with it. :)

  • KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
    HuduVudu said:

    Ohhh yah you have allergies all right. That is where the drip is coming form. Go to an allergist and get the panel of tests. My allergist did 87 tests on me. My back lit up like a stop sign. I am really really allergic to a ton of stuff. All grasses and most notably, for me juniper. I am also really allergic to dust mites and dander. I have just finished the ramp up on the allergen shots and am on maintenance so it is stretching out to once a month for the shots for me. Going through the ramp up is hell and it isn't fun doing the shot once a month either. Guaranteed my face breaks out and I crash (sleep), but compared to how I used to deal with this time of year this year is a miracle for me. I have three to five years of maintenance, but as I said I am already seeing huge improvements.

    I was on the course about a year and was having a ton of problems with my singing especially the high end of my voice (I am male). I had to stop pretty much everything to get through the ramp up, singing included. I haven't started work outs again, so I don't know where my voice will be, but in the little singing I do I can hear the change. I will probably start again first of the year some time. I want to give my voice a chance to heal, I really pushed my voice not knowing about the laryngitis, so I want plenty of time to recover. I will have to start over again, but I think it will be worth it, because this time I will have a different voice ... literally.

    BTW the allergen shots are a permanent solution with a very high rate of success. My wife was helping me look for an allergist and she ended up going in herself. She had a ton of allergies herself, but more interestingly she had severe asthma (as well as I do). I will probably find that you have bad asthma also. The good news is that once you get far enough along on the shots you can stop all of the asthma meds. I just stopped my inhaler last week. I hated it because it dried out my throat and hurt.

    Hope I didn't overwhelm you with a bunch of stuff. Just wished someone had told me a long time ago that a lot of my problems where being caused by my allergies. It is crazy how many things that are affected.

    Anwhoo good luck with it. :)

    Oh no, I appreciate your input! I thank you. I am certain I have allergy problems but, I don’t think I have asthma. Doctor always says my lungs sound fine. I’m an outdoorsy type and avid gardener. In the warm season I might sneeze a little when grass is mowed. And when I am around certain flowering trees, their pollen makes me cough a lot. But otherwise, I can spend hours outdoors without, the list goes on any problem at all. My postnasal issues are likely caused by dust. Not sure about dander. I’ve had pets all my life and the only time their dander made me cough or sneeze was when I was dealing with a cold anyway. But when possible, I will get tested for allergies. I’m sure at least half the population in my area go for testing, or if not, they should! I could not afford to do anything that would prevent me singing. I do a lot of it, whether it’s a good day or I’m a bit raggedy. Some people might think that’s just part of my voice quality, a hint of roughness in spots. But I don’t like that; I want to sound just as smooth as Barbara or Celine...or Connie Francis, there’s another one...or...oh never mind, the list goes on 😁
  • KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
    Krystal said:

    HuduVudu said:

    Ohhh yah you have allergies all right. That is where the drip is coming form. Go to an allergist and get the panel of tests. My allergist did 87 tests on me. My back lit up like a stop sign. I am really really allergic to a ton of stuff. All grasses and most notably, for me juniper. I am also really allergic to dust mites and dander. I have just finished the ramp up on the allergen shots and am on maintenance so it is stretching out to once a month for the shots for me. Going through the ramp up is hell and it isn't fun doing the shot once a month either. Guaranteed my face breaks out and I crash (sleep), but compared to how I used to deal with this time of year this year is a miracle for me. I have three to five years of maintenance, but as I said I am already seeing huge improvements.

    I was on the course about a year and was having a ton of problems with my singing especially the high end of my voice (I am male). I had to stop pretty much everything to get through the ramp up, singing included. I haven't started work outs again, so I don't know where my voice will be, but in the little singing I do I can hear the change. I will probably start again first of the year some time. I want to give my voice a chance to heal, I really pushed my voice not knowing about the laryngitis, so I want plenty of time to recover. I will have to start over again, but I think it will be worth it, because this time I will have a different voice ... literally.

    BTW the allergen shots are a permanent solution with a very high rate of success. My wife was helping me look for an allergist and she ended up going in herself. She had a ton of allergies herself, but more interestingly she had severe asthma (as well as I do). I will probably find that you have bad asthma also. The good news is that once you get far enough along on the shots you can stop all of the asthma meds. I just stopped my inhaler last week. I hated it because it dried out my throat and hurt.

    Hope I didn't overwhelm you with a bunch of stuff. Just wished someone had told me a long time ago that a lot of my problems where being caused by my allergies. It is crazy how many things that are affected.

    Anwhoo good luck with it. :)

    Oh no, I appreciate your input! I thank you. I am certain I have allergy problems but, I don’t think I have asthma. Doctor always says my lungs sound fine. I’m an outdoorsy type and avid gardener. In the warm season I might sneeze a little when grass is mowed. And when I am around certain flowering trees, their pollen makes me cough a lot. But otherwise, I can spend hours outdoors without, the list goes on any problem at all. My postnasal issues are likely caused by dust. Not sure about dander. I’ve had pets all my life and the only time their dander made me cough or sneeze was when I was dealing with a cold anyway. But when possible, I will get tested for allergies. I’m sure at least half the population in my area go for testing, or if not, they should! I could not afford to do anything that would prevent me singing. I do a lot of it, whether it’s a good day or I’m a bit raggedy. Some people might think that’s just part of my voice quality, a hint of roughness in spots. But I don’t like that; I want to sound just as smooth as Barbara or Celine...or Connie Francis, there’s another one...or...oh never mind, the list goes on 😁
    otherwise, I can spend hours outdoors without, the list goes on any problem

    Sorry, my stupid tablet is being weird today! In the above sentence about being outdoors, “the list goes on” doesn’t belong there!
  • cwcwcwcw 2.0 PRO Posts: 412
    edited January 2020
    @Krystal,
    I am late to this post, but as an allergy sufferer living in Ohio (nothing like what Shane is dealing with) I feel your pain. After an awful spring in 2000 of dealing with my seasonal and not-so-seasonal allergies, I finally saw a doctor who prescribed a simple daily regimen of Allegra and Flonase. They did and still do wonders for me 20 years later. I also use a nasal saline spray in the morning and evening just to flush out any allergens hanging around in my nasal passages.

    Thankfully all those medications are now OTC (some of them generic) if you would like to give them a try. I am not a doctor, but that they are OTC and as long as you are generally healthy, any of these meds should be fine following the recommended dosage and heeding any warnings noted on the package, but consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

    A little more info.
    Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec (and their generics) are the main 24 hour, non-sedating oral antihistamines. Their active ingredients are different and you may find that one works better for you than the others. My wife and I use generic Allegra, the kids generic Zyrtec.

    Flonase, Flonase Sensimist, and Nasacort are topical (spray), non-sedating nasal steroids. They do not have side effects like other steroids, like weight gain, puffiness, etc. These meds are amazing, but they take a 7-14 days of daily use until they are in full effect.

    For much of the year I am just using Allegra daily, but I also add Nasacort or Flonase for major flare-ups as needed. That said, you may prefer the topical spray over the oral antihistamines for daily use.

    Bottom line is that there's no reason to deal with allergy problems if you don't have to, especially for how relatively inexpensive it is give them a try to see if they would help. Those types of medications have been a huge blessing for me and perhaps they could give you the relief you want...that and lots of water. :)


    Best regards,
    Chris
  • KrystalKrystal Member Posts: 34
    @cwcw

    Hi there...I haven’t been around here much lately either 🙂 I probably should inquire further of my GP to see if I can find out more about my issues. I rarely have a full blown cold, which in the past usually led straight into a sinus infection. I’m on supergreens now, to boost my aging immune system. And so far this winter I haven’t had any colds at all despite the sicknesses at work and elsewhere. So the daily dose must be helping. But I still have the nagging postnasal drip. Not severe, since i dropped cows milk and most sugar, that helped. But there is still enough of a prob to invite the frequent throat clearing and cough. I tried Flonase only once, it caused nausea. Occasionally I use saline solution but effects don’t last. I seem to be somewhere in between Claritin / Flonase and salt solutions.

    Plenty of water is crucial. And Fisherman’s Friend lozenges are good. But too many too often can make your tongue feel numb! I had a solo this morning which should have been a piece of cake. But my mouth felt oddly numb. I was hydrated and had taken my lozenges before. Everything should have gone fine. But I felt numb and also, too dry. I suspect it might have been the Mucinex I had at breakfast; along with the lozenges maybe it was just too much.

    I think, bottom line, my troubles stem from dust, also too much dry air and/or artificial heat. Air conditioning too, yikes!! Certain weather changes also affect me, but I haven’t quite pinpointed exactly what they are.
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