Through the the lens of a lion heart and faith in the Great Spirit, I began to gather a party of forces and friends 5 weeks ago, Bilbo Baggins’ style, to set out on the quest to find out what is causing my vocal chord paralysis and to see what can be done to heal it.
Off I went, with high spirits and energy, to meet what must be met and to seek out help from as many sources as I needed. I was prepared to slog through medical journals, speak with people in-the-know, and do my own mind=body-heart-prayer-meditation work. I knew that I would either uncover new psychological material or continue working on old thought patterns that I thought had been released, all with the understanding that this would lead to healing.
In my own personal myth, I was a heroine on a heroine’s journey. It was epic, it was the stuff of soaring John Williams’ scores and Enya soundscapes. And it may be, but I am also profoundly sad and not sure of who I am anymore. I am back into Rolfing to release fascia and pressure around the laryngeal nerves and in the chest/shoulders and psycho-spiritual counseling. Both are “heavy.” Recently, I had a long therapy session, and in the days afterwards felt as if I had been sitting in my own poo for several years.
Medically, a cat scan has shown very little, although I am seeing my ENT this week to talk more about it. His recommendation is to have a saline injection on a Friday, and see if I can sing over the weekend. If that is successful, and I think “WOW, I MUST be able to do this again!” then I am a candidate for surgery that he can perform. (Ironically, I have helped several singing and speech students who’ve had vocal fold surgery sing again.) But Doc says that even with successful surgery I probably won’t sing more than a song or two at a time, and probably not any arias or extended forms of song.
But I think that the surgery won’t ever be completely successful if I haven’t dealt with any belief or thought patterns that could potentially bring on the situation again. I am wondering how surgery can fix a neurological blockage, since the vocal cords themselves are fine. Another question for the doctor I suppose.
Physically, I have continued off and on with the “Somatic Voice Work tm The Lovetri Method” vocal exercises for which I am certified. They do strengthen my throat, and I have a few tiny sounds that are accurate pitches reappearing in my middle voice. Yesterday a few higher notes made an appearance. But they are single pitches and can not be sustained. It is mind-numbingly hard work. I am making adjustments to my teaching and recharged my Chatter Vox, which is a headset microphone with a small amplifier that is belted around the waist. I used it about 15 years ago when I was teaching large groups of people with The Washington Vocal Consortium.
So right now, I am in the thick of it. SIGH. At times like this, I think I would like a boring office job as I imagine it would be easier to keep working while dealing with this inner terrain….perhaps I am wrong. I have returned to sewing, after a hiatus of 10 long years, and it feels like the best therapy in the world. And a mighty fine substitution for a Ben and Jerry’s run.
What a poignant journey you are on my friend. You are meant to find the answers so be sure you are keeping records so you can publish your breakthroughs when they come. You are a pioneer and many will benefit from your experience. You have my admiration and moral support for what it’s worth.
It´s very inspiring to follow your journey. I think you are very wise to work at it from several angles, as these issues are so often complex. I really admire your determination.