"Voice Disorder - Paralysed Vocal Cord"

I was diagnosed through ENT with a paralysed vocal cord and referred to speech & language therapy. I attended weekly sessions at the Biggart Hospital in Prestwick, South Ayrshire with Fiona. I worked with Fiona for 9 months to help with this condition and recover. 

I attended sessions weekly with Fiona and at the start had little to no voice. She gave me specific individualised exercise every week to do daily in order to try and close the vocal cords and bring my voice back. The exercises progressed over time and built up from sounds to words to sentences.

When I was ready we then moved on to projection of the voice as this would be essential to me going back to work as a teacher.

As well as Fiona giving me the help in terms of vocal exercises to strengthen and build my voice back, she also gave me confidence and reassurance for life and living while being off work. I felt guilt going out and being seen when off work but Fiona helped me accept that it was important to still have a life despite being unwell. She was a massive emotional support as well as helping me recover and start back work appropriately with the correct phased return. 

The help I received from Fiona and these sessions was invaluable and she has been a crucial help at one of the most difficult times in my life and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done.