Endless vocal issues, seemingly with no resolution

[malo23]

Friends,

I posted here recently about my "vocal edema" issue. Here's where I'm at now.

I did what the ENT said -- actually, I did more vocal rest even than he suggested. I found a new teacher who doesn't push me, but who also seems a bit less knowledgeable in as many areas as my last teacher, with whom I'm still in touch. I've been doing gentle vocal warm-ups every day, for 30 minutes to almost an hour, including humming, lip rolls, gentle scales, etc. And yet...and yet... I still have a weird feeling in my throat, not exactly sore, but like there's something there (I avoid the temptation to clear it, since that is no good for the cords), and whenever I sing with my band during rehearsals (like earlier tonight), I don't have power in my voice like I used to, and I get tired quickly. Major problem for me, and very worrisome.

I have spent many, many hours over the course of the last year (before that, many years ago, I had a year's worth of lessons with an opera singer) practicing proper breathing techniques, placement, etc., and I really don't think I'm straining to hit "high notes," yet something must be wrong with my technique, otherwise I wouldn't feel tired/slightly hoarse after singing every time, no? I am really frustrated, and sad, because I DO care for my voice -- I drink tons of water, don't smoke, use a steamer, etc. -- yet NOTHING seems to improve my condition, or change the fact that singing makes my voice tired. I've also recently started taking digestive enzymes to help with any possible reflux, which I get (mildly) from time to time, but which I know can cause vocal issues such as the ones I have been having.

Is my voice permanently damaged, I wonder? The ENT last time told me there was a bit of inflammation in the cords even AFTER my vocal rest, a lot of post-nasal drip (which I've always had, and meds don't seem to make it any better), and not to worry about it (!!), but he isn't a singer and has no idea what kind of mental anguish all of this is causing me. I am worried that I am going to permanently damage my cords if I continue to sing, yet the other option as far as I can see would be to quit the band and give up what I love doing in order to keep my voice...yet not use it for singing, which is why I want/need to save it in the first place? A conundrum indeed. Or perhaps I am being extreme... And yet, I do not see a solution to the constant cycle of trying to learn proper technique --> damage I've been causing by the mere act of singing itself!

If anyone has any suggestions whatsoever, I'd be open to them. This is starting to make me very depressed, and I am desperate for a solution. Even thinking that maybe I should go back to playing the drums, which I did many years ago, since at least that didn't damage my body the way that singing seems to (though I much prefer to sing). I'm going back to the ENT tomorrow for the umpteenth scope to see if there's still inflammation. Sorry for the negative tone of this post. Just looking for solutions and finding none..,

[malo23]

ENT says the inflammation has gone down, but there is still a bit of redness on the cords ("nothing to worry about"). And yet, I still feel like there's something in my throat, my voice is weak, and it doesn't feel good to sing, sometimes even to vocalize. Anyone have any idea of what might be going on? Is it all "in my head"?

[ronws]

I predict you will still not get many answers because most of us are not trained and qualified for medical issues and any doctor you have that is any good would also advice you not to get advice from a forum of laymen.

 

That is, we cannot diagnose you better than a doctor can, as most of us are not doctors. However, there was a voice specialist here, Joanna Cazden but she would likely say the same thing I am, though she might have a list of other voice pros and doctors in your area, wherever your area is.

[VocalScience]

ENT says the inflammation has gone down, but there is still a bit of redness on the cords ("nothing to worry about"). And yet, I still feel like there's something in my throat, my voice is weak, and it doesn't feel good to sing, sometimes even to vocalize. Anyone have any idea of what might be going on? Is it all "in my head"?

 

Hi Malo23,

 

This Is Jamie Mckay, Ms Yampolksy Assistant of The Royans Professional Vocal School.

I have read over your post and feel that Ms Yampolsky will be able to help you with you ongoing vocal endeavor. We are receiving cases like this all the time, and have a high success rate dealing with them.

If you would like to find out more about us, please refer to our websites: www.vocalscience.com and/or: www.repairyourvoice.com.

Also, if you would like, you can give Ms Yampolsky a call directly at: 416-857-8741 and she will be able to shed the light on how to solve your vocal issues.

 

Sincerely

 

Jamie Mckay

Reputation Manager

[malo23]

Ron,

Thanks for the response. I do understand, though my doctor seems to think it's "nothing serious" and can only recommend more vocal rest, which doesn't seem to do anything except make my voice weaker temporarily. Need to find a vocal coach who a. won't push me too hard and b. can help me figure out what is wrong with my technique (likely something having to do with breathing/placement, which I've been struggling with endlessly, it seems). Cheers.

[malo23]

Dear Jamie,

Thank you for your response. I live in Japan, so it's not very easy for me to get to Toronto, though I've just ordered a used copy of Ms. Yampolsky's book from Amazon (it will likely take around a month to reach me). Any help I can get!!! May I reach her with questions directly through the email address listed at the site? Does she do training through Skype or FaceTime?