"Problems with a constant cough and loosing my voice"

I made a doctors appointment to discuss the on going problem regarding my persistent cough and loosing my voice whilst talking. There were no obvious signs. My throat and airways were clear and i was generally in good health.

Blood tests were all good. The next step was an appointment with Ear, Nose and Throat where a camera was inserted up my nose into my throat where it was discovered that the two tiny muscles that operate the voice box were sticking!

I was referred to Joanna at the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service.

Joanna was very good, explaining what the problem was and what could be done to fix it. This involved shoulder and neck exercises (Muscular Relaxation Exercises) along with voice exercises (Resonant Voice Therapy) Every thing was explained in great detail and was followed up with a "Booklet" explaining everything in great detail.

I followed Joanna's instructions to the letter and was amazed at how quickly my voice improved and the coughing stopped!

I had a follow up phone consultation two weeks later. Joanna was very pleased with my progress and gave me some more information to follow. She then spent some time discussing my life style and what effect that might be having on my voice. She explained and discussed how stress could be a strong contributor to my experience. I wasn't ready for that one as I didn't think I had any stress issues, but after talking it through, I realised she was making a lot of sense.

So Joanna signed me off as the problem appeared to have been resolved.

After a few months the problem started to return, despite still doing regular muscular and voice exercises. During the intervening time I had had an operation for an enlarged prostate, which was successful.

I made another doctors appointment and had a face to face consultation. Once again nothing obvious could be found and further blood samples were taken (to all come back fine). But the doctor asked me if I suffered from acid reflux or heart burn to which my answer was no. She seemed to think that that might not be the right answer and suggested prescribing a PPI to which I declined. She also said many people suffer from acid reflux without knowing it. I left it at that until a couple of weeks later, when I started to get an acid taste in my mouth and thought that my doctor was probably right in her diagnosis (she always has been and I should have listened to her again!) I contacted my surgery and told them I felt the doctors diagnosis was correct and could I be prescribed the medication (Omeprazole), which they did straight away on a one month trial.

Meanwhile I received an appointment from the Speech and Language Therapy Service with an appointment with Janet, organised by my doctor.

As with everyone who has helped me with this on going problem, Janet has been marvellous. I had been told to have a week or so break from the Omeprazole to see if the symptoms returned, which they did.

Janet talked me through the next stages which was to take alginate antacid such as Gaviscon once a day before going to bed or up to four times a day if required. To adjust my diet and avoid acidic foods and drinks and if the problems persist to speak to my GP about longer term reflux management. She was very thorough in the way she explained everything, from the diagnosis, causes and recommendations as to deal with the problem. I received a care plan along with advice for patients taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).

I had a follow up phone consultation with Janet where she checked up on my progress and what to do going forwards. We also had a very good discussion regards to STRESS! and the part this plays with our health. The old problem coming back to haunt me!! I found this part of the consultation of great importance and the way Janet put it across was excellent. I cannot sing her praises high enough, as with all the others involved in my predicament. Thank you all.

I now need to get in touch with my GP to explore longer term reflux management.

The hardest part is how I deal with the stress side of my life. Janet gave me excellent advice. It's now down to me to find a way to implement it.