Someone remind me why I am in this predicament. Why on earth does an infection--even one that is just beginning and has no other symptoms yet, cause me to flare up so immediately, out of the blue, and so severely. It is depressing. I just get over one thing and then something else hits me.

I was doing good and went off my antibiotic (after 2 weeks on it) and now when I eat I loose my ability to talk. It's not fair. I know I am venting but this mess is crazy. I have swallow syncope and it is so rare that less than 50 people in the U.S. have it. I can't stand it knowing what I want to say and sitting there like a stupid chick, trying to talk and only getting a few sounds out now and then. I was talking fine till today. I am so mad. The vagus nerve seems to be the culprit and I'm already on several meds to slow its overstimulation. Why can't my body just be normal? Sorry yall--I am really venting. I want to talk!!! I know exactly what I want to say! I can type or write on paper but can't get my mouth to make the write word. My family sees me trying so hard and encourages me to stop trying to talk because it is obvious to them that it is a futile effort. It's not so obvious to me till I stammer around like an idiot for a while. Infection or surgery or other physical trauma sets it off or sometimes is just happens randomly. There is usually a reason though--even if they find it later.

Somebody help me. Just tell me it will be ok. I'd really like to hear that they could stop this phenomenon, but I'm not counting on that one. I just want to be normal me, not even all better, just let me talk.

Talk to me y'all!

Not smiling now, Smiles
(posted last night on the reg. talk section)

This morning I can talk again. I will not eat or drink anything this morning so that I can fuction a bit till it hits again. I could just scream.

I am at a loss of what to say I am so sorry for what your going through! I hope you will get better!!!!Being sick stinks!!!

Smiles--I feel for you. I can't understand what you're going through because I've not been there, but I do care. I'm sure having something that only 50 other people in the U.S. have makes you feel very alone.

You just vent all you want to, and we will hear and listen to you. Sometimes that's all we can do. Hang in there!

Have you thought about exploring alternate ways of communicating? I don't have specific suggestions, but know there are other methods that people who are speech impaired use for communication. I bet someone on here has some brilliant suggestions.

Smiles -

I also can't say I understand because I certainly am not experiencing what you are but you will be in my prayers. It is so unfair that you have to experience that. Swallowing is so second nature to most of us, I can't imagine it causing me to faint! Vent all you want - that's why we're here and hang in there - it will be okay.

Hey SMiles I am praying for you, you have also been in my thoughts. Email me if you would like too.. Lynn

Hi, Smiles. I was just wondering how you were doing. I hope you have experienced some improvement by now.

I was doing some reading and came across some articles on sjogrens syndrome. Have you or your doctors explored this possibility?

Smiles, I am praying for you right now. I know what you are going through must be very difficult. I do know Doc has been researching it for you. He is the best. Keep hanging on, don't loose hope. I care about you. Lynn

Mollie, I appreciate the info on sjogrens syndrome. I did look it up but that was definitely not me.

I was doing better but am now in another flare up. Going on 5 days now. Yukk!

Smiles

Hang in there smiles, we care. I care... Lynn

Hi, I remember reading something about this last December in a Readers Digest article. The creator of the comic strip Dilbert was unable to speak following laryngitis (sp?). He never regained his ability to speak until he did an internet search and found a Doctor who told him he had nerve damage from the illness. The solution was to rewire the damage by learning thru intense training to speak with his singing voice. When he speaks in perfect pitch the words can come out now. I hope this might be at least marginally useful to you. Before this therapy he was sent to a psychologist to find out why he refused to speak. Good luck to you!

Colleen

I am new to this form! I don't have exactly what you do; but I have both the swallow problem and I lose being able to talk! I have Sjogrens & POTS and a list of others! I know the stand their and it just won't come out! It happens when I am shopping, church and anywhere and everywhere! I have problems with swallowing and have stopped eating out in public! I am smell senative (I am also lossing my higher education and spelling is going out fast)it was never my strong point but now its a joke! I can tell you to be strong, life has a plan and when one door closes; watch for another to open! I have been marriaged for 25 years 3 daughters, (set of twins)!!! have been thru teenage PG (we adopted our grandson to raise) fire, bankruptcy and my illness all in the same year! Lost old job of 10 years when asked for time off for adopting an infant and told no!!!Yes it's against the law; but if they want to they will! New job, Mother in law dies unexpectedly, 2 years later sister in law kills herself and everyone comes to me to fix things!

My mom is sure I just don't want to spend time with her and she came to see my twins for their graduation into my home (I was at work) and told my kids this and that I was not sick I was just making things up (see my side of the family did not agree with us adopting our grandson; we did not ask them) So they have had very little reason to be in contact with us since 1999! (my folks are divorced) My dad and step Mom love my grandson and his now 18 mo & 5 mo sister along with all the rest of us! They support me and understand because they have been here when all the sudden I look 2 sheets to the wind and need to go to be, not lay down-go to bed!!! too much info


What I am trying to say is you can give up or you can find your way thru and see what comes along! I have this 8 year old grandson/son who is everything to my husband and I! We know he came to get me thru all of this! I have been sick for years but some how keep making my way up the latter at work and we were not doing so bad! Than all things changed and I had to learn how to run a family on one income! I had a son who wanted to be a cub scout so we joined and somehow I am the cub scout master, he wanted to go to church and now we are members! He shows me love and guides me thru the dark side of my life! He will be right beside me as I sleep and understands that I can't do everything like other parents; but he also tells me I do more than most! We do as much together as possible and just go with the flow!!

Now I could have jumped ship thru all of this; but I was and am stronger that this illness and I will make a difference in this world one day at a time! Hang in there! Look around the cornor and know yes there is a reason we go thru things!!! Just look and you will see! Bye Mo