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"Gave me a voice, and gave me hope"

About: Speech and language therapy / Speech & Language Therapy - East Ayrshire

(as the patient),

I was diagnosed with ME / CFS and apart from the pain and fatigue throughout my whole 

body, my voice was badly affected and I struggled to speak or be understood.

I attended Voice Therapy at Crosshouse Hospital and my voice therapist was Nicola.  I was given breathing exercises and I could not believe how much this helped my voice. However, more than that the exercises have helped me to sleep better which is a huge benefit to anyone who suffers from CFS / ME or who is lacking sleep. 

The breathing and sound exercises are extremely enjoyable and patient participation and practice is necessary for an effective recovery.  I never found this to be a chore and actually look forward to my practice time each evening and know this has been a benefit not only my voice but my overall well being. I think it is possible that breathing exercises would be a benefit to everyone.

Nicola is a dedicated therapist and without her help and experience, I would be struggling to speak and to be understood.  Due to her  therapy I have been able to return to work on a part time basis which has been a huge relief to me.  This has been crucial to my confidence and self esteem.  I know I am not cured from ME / CFS but I thankfully have a voice and I am now able to see some light at the end of what can only be described as a deep, dark tunnel.  Thank you Nicola for all your help and support. 😊

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Responses

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 5 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 11/10/2018 at 14:38
Published on Care Opinion on 12/10/2018 at 09:55


picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear Elinoreli,

Gosh, what a transformation to you really. Being able to get back to work part time must have been just incredible too. That is such a great accolade to Nicola and I will be delighted to pass this on to her; it will make her day I am sure.

I would agree with you on this one I think you are right that breathing exercises would be a benefit to everyone. we think we do it well because it is so 'routine' but as you have found out, there can be a bit more to it.

I hope you continue to benefit from all the techniques you have learned and you get to the light at the end of the tunnel soon.

Thank you so much for contacting us on Care Opinion, I am sure you will be an inspiration to others too.

Best wishes,

Eunice

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