Gutteral Screams So Bad I Lost My Voice.

[Fadeaway]

I am really worried I did serious damage. 2 days now and I can barely make a whisper. I was on night of being wide awake so the crazies were setting in hard. I had an appointment monday to see my dr. and it was the only appointment I could get for weeks. My husband scheduled a job interview same time as my dr. appointment. I mean I get it you really can't say no when you are desperate and that is the first interview you have been able to snag but damn.

I know from experience the e.r. won't give me anything for sleep except a xanax which doesn't stop the racing thougts.

So I was in a bad bad place feeling suicidal but I knew it was just from lack of sleep but was worried I wasn't going to be safe for much longer. I laid down in the bedroom to read because that was the only tool I had left at that time. He got mad because the light was on, and I was hurt that he wasn't even the least bit concerned about me knowing I hadn't slept in like 130 hours and was hallucinating. So I started banging my head and put a hole in the was, he started yelling at me for the wall and I spent hours in just raw guttural screams that I couldn't stop until something snapped in my throat . That was 2 days ago, no sign of improvement and i am getting scared.

well he got the job. at least..

 

[hodge]

Oh, wow, I'm so sorry, Fade. Maybe you should see your doc again. In the meantime, don't try to talk. Use a writing pad. Maybe try tea with honey in it. I've always heard that's good for healing voice damage. Glad your husband got the job, though.

The only thing aside from Belsomra, which is super expensive, that I've found for quieting my mind is lavender oil. I put a drop on my pillow or prayer blanket and it really helps. Doesn't help me sleep, but at least quieting the mind is a big thing.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I would go to the nearest clinic or ED right away. If you've done damage to your vocal cords it needs to be looked at immediately. Whatever the issue is, ignoring it won't go away.....

 

[StarChild]

Dear @Fadeaway, I strongly second what @She Cat wrote. I worry, that your vocal cords could heal bad and might develop problematic scarring...

ETA: Sleep masks are available for men as well...

 

[joeylittle]

I spent hours in just raw guttural screams that I couldn't stop until something snapped in my throat .

It's likely you popped some blood vessels in your vocal folds, and you could just have extensive swelling which is causing the laryngitis, or you could have a hemorrhage. When a hemorrhage of the vocal fold occurs, an area of the tissue fills with blood; you won't spit up blood or cough blood. It's a bit like the kind of fluid build up that can happen with a badly sprained knee or ankle (only on a smaller scale).

It's not life-threatening, but it's moderately serious. It's the most common 'instant' vocal injury - most vocal issues come on over time, this one is often described like a sudden 'pop', and people can usually identify when it happens. It's caused most commonly by significant vocal strain.

You'll really need a referral for an ear, nose throat doctor (ENT) for the diagnosis. I've known a few people with them, and they've all been treated different ways. I think absolute rest has been the common denominator, which is never easy, but kind of the only way it heals.

If you can schedule with an ENT directly (without a referral) and your insurance will handle it, just go that route.

I'm sorry, this is probably very scary. But once it's diagnosed, you should feel better. Very few vocal injuries require surgery. If you happen to have long-standing vocal damage that you are unaware of, that could be involved in the problem. But, if you don't sing or talk for a living, you've got lots of options. The voice is pretty resilient.

ETA: you probably could get a referral from an urgent care as well.

 

[Fadeaway]

I would go to the Dr. if I could actually get in or had transportation to go. Which is a huge source of frustration. Living in the area of town that I do, there are no medical centers near by.

 

[joeylittle]

Not 'liking' because I like it...ugh, transport is tough.

I can tell you pretty confidently that you need to not talk at all - don't even try, and don't attempt any kind of phonation (so no whispering). Carry a notepad, pre-write some common phrases. Keep hydrated, and avoid liquids that are hot-hot or cold-cold. If you have a lot of soreness, take whatever analgesic you tend to use. But most important is no usage.

 

[Fadeaway]

I am doing a lot of honey and lemon tea.

 

[joeylittle]

Whatever feels good is good :). Just not super-super hot. I'm sending you as many positive vibes as I've got (not many, let's be honest, but I'll give em all to you :))

 

[StarChild]

Drinking sage or chamomile tea or sucking sage bonbons is also very soothing for an inflamed throat... Important: The tea should not contain artificial flavors.

 

[Fadeaway]

@tree hugger I used a combination of sage chamomile and mallow root tea. All fresh and organic. :) My voice is coming back. On the other hand I want to kill my husband for taking this new job. I know he hated his last job but at least it was a straight 40hours consistent pay check. The new job is 11am-10pm commission pay. I hate the insecurity of commission pay.