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Dealt with symptoms of throat issues

Posted By Maui Boy (Lahaina, Hi) on 08/16/2012

I've dealt with symptoms of this for yrs now, and had a diagnosis of a vocal polyp about 7 yrs ago.. Hoarseness, constant throat clearing and lump sensation that won't go away. ENT recommended voice therapy, and some typical AR treatments without medicine.. (stacking 2 pillows, raising the head of your bed a few inches, not eating late, and no smoke or alcohol). I ignored most of those treatments, except stacking my pillows. Chalk it up as young, ignorant, and impatient... Well, it caught up to me 7 yrs later. I've always been in sales and restaurants using my voice and finally now I've had to take time off work as a waiter in the loud restaurant conditions. I've been to 2 different ENT's other than the original b/c he is so hard to book. I'm not very confident with them, all they do is tell me I have the kind of AR w/out normal symptoms and give me meds. So far I did Omeprazole for 3 weeks with no effect. I went back in and he said they have a 10% failure rate and to try Prevacid now. He didn't suggest voice rest, or voice therapy. Said I won't cause permanent damage to my voice by returning back to work... Just don't whisper, clear your throat, or talk loud b/c that is the worst to agitate your V cords.... Ya, dont talk loud in a restaurant full of talking people, and I have to clear my throat to get my voice out when it cracks. Is he an IDIOT?! I'm a bit dumbfounded.... any advice out there with successful results...

I've been reading alot about ACV curing AR. I guess one could have the problem of too much stomach acid or not enough, that will decipher what course of action to take, , , antacids for too much or ACV for not enough..... Sound accurate?

Replied by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/16/2012

Hi Maui Boy, Well, although I've never had vocal polyps, I can relate to everything else. It is really awful. I'm not a doctor person whatsoever so I never had them look at it. I find they only know how to prescribe meds for everything, not really finding the root cause. I tried a lot on Earth Clinic when I first discovered this site a few years ago. It seemed as if some would make a little headway but nothing earth shattering. I had problems with mucus, coughing in the night as if there was something in my throat, constant clearing of my throat or it felt like it was closing up, difficulty yelling over the music as I was teaching my ballet classes, then voice exhaustion/ throat irritation at the end of the night.

Then, about a year ago I started taking Chinese herbs because I was having issues with rashes. I was given them by a Chinese herbalist. I started to notice a difference in all the issues you described. But then, the rashes were fine and I stopped taking my herbs. The issue began to return.

Then again, a few months ago, I went back to Chinese herbs encouraged after hearing about all their benefits. This time I was given a couple of formulas and voila! The formulas had adaptogens in them and herbs to build the yin and yang jing. My voice became strong again. It keeps getting better over time and now I won't give up on my herbs. The difference is so incredible. See if you can find a good Chinese herbalist to diagnose you. I was told my chi was very weak and weak kidney chi. Thus, the weakness in the voice, throat, etc. Now, I barely have to talk and my voice booms across the room. It is absolutely amazing and even takes me by surprise sometimes how loud and strong it comes out! I find all this power coming from my center that pushes the sound out easily.

Anyway, just thought I'd tell you what I discovered because it wasn't anything about the local area, it was about building my jing back up. Wishing you the best, Lisa

Replied by John (Trang, Thailand) on 07/18/2013

Lisa from a Thousand Oaks, what is the name of the herbs used in the Chinese medicine you mentioned for 'Throat Cures' – for mucus and cough - either in Chinese or Pinyin. There is a nice Chinese pharmacy here with heaps.

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