"Speech & Language Therapy at Dumfries Royal Infirmary"

After a severe bout of coughing lasting over nine weeks, my voice disappeared totally. I was left with a very high pitched squeak which didn't improve with time.

As I run my own business from home and am involved with dealing with customers over the phone, this proved very problematic to me.

Having had a camera put down my nose and confirmation that the vocal chords were fine but the muscles weren't working properly, I was then fortunate enough to be referred to an adult speech and language therapist at DGRI. She has worked with me over the last 4 months encouraging me with exercises and all the time explaining what was happening. She did the exercises at the same time as me which was very helpful as not only did I know exactly what she wanted me to do but I was very self conscious of my voice.

I am delighted to say my voice is back to normal most of the time and after another visit today we have agreed that I will continue my exercises when required and if I need to go back and see her again or need advice I can contact her again.

I had no idea what the effect of losing my voice would mean, not only in my working day but socialising and just basic communications were such a struggle and I am incredibly grateful to the therapist for her help and advice