VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[kkuhlken]

Ok, so yesterday, I was minding my own business in my office at school during lunch period when I had a sneezing attack. About 15 sneezes in a row, and not your garden variety ahchoos, more like mini nuclear bombs.

Since then, my vocal folds are not wanting to work. I have a revision to submit ASAP, and I have to announce a neighboring school's football game tomorrow night. I am also the chorus teacher at my school, so today was fun!

Any thoughts on how I can hurry through this bout of no-talk-itis? Not sure if I sprained a cord or what...
_________________
My full name is Karl Kuhlken (think Macauly Culkin...it rhymes)

Suave, debonair, a ladies man. Sophisticated, urbane, well heeled....no, wait...that's not me

[Mike Harrison]

IMHO, because something is clearly not right, you don't want to risk making things any worse. I would get to see an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor ASAP.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

[Dayo]

Happened to me once and it was scary. I'm guessing you just overstrained. Rest is the cure and I'm sure you'll be right as again in a day or two. Maybe not the answer you want though. . .
_________________
Colin Day - UK Voiceover
www.thurstonday.co.uk

[Lee Gordon]

If you have somebody on call to fill in for you on the football announcing, now would be a good time to give him a shout (or, a whisper, in your case).
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

[Lee Gordon]

If you have somebody on call to fill in for you on the football announcing, now would be a good time to give him a shout (or, a whisper, in your case).
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

[Yonie]

ENT doctor, NOW! Lee's advice is also very good. Hedge your bets, instead of hoping for miracles.

[Jason Huggins]

Ya'll beat me to it. ENT! I wouldn't chance it.

[Ed Fisher]

[Bruce]

Here's hoping things are better now. I concur on seeing the ENT doc. For future reference, it sounds like the allergen that hit you and your body's reaction to it really inflamed the soft tissues in your upper respiratory system. Taking an over the counter antihistamine (Benadryl, Zyrtec etc. or their generics) and an anti-inflammatory pain reliever can't hurt and might really help until you see an expert.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[ccpetersen]

I had the same issue, but not just in one day. It was a problem for months. Finally went to an ENT and she diagnosed multiple allergies inflaming nose and throat. I have cats, but even more, we've had a LOT of rain this year and the mountain flowers and trees have just OPENED up, sending clouds of pollen out.

Those soft tissues take a while to heal. I'm taking OTC claritin (generic) and some prescription inhalers. THey cured much of the problem in about a week, but i's a long-term therapy.

By all means, rest up!
_________________
Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

[Ed Fisher]

If it's a matter of a cold or sore throat, a Doctor can give you a steroid shot that can clear it up temporarily. (although it's not recommended. but is sometimes used when a major performed MUST perform. Some Doctors will do it...but they DON'T like it.)

All it does is make the symptoms disappear.

But damaging yourself by sneezing, yelling, screaming...even CLEARING YOUR THROAT IS A BAD THING. (according to Doctors when it comes to your vocal chords)...That's...a little different. You're not talking inflammation or infection... you are talking a physical INSULT (injury) to your body.

Rest and LOTS of fluids. (your vocal chords need plenty) is about the best I can recommend.

(However it should be noted that it has done nothing for Rod Stewart's speaking voice.)

Also...I think I'd try to lean a new way of sneezing in the future. Sort of like the little old ladies you see who have to sneeze in a crowd. It's somewhere between STIFLE....and a conscious effort NOT to Self Explode. I'm not sure how they do it....but I"m convinced that it must be an acquired skill. Perhaps if you slipped one of these "proper" aging grand dames a few bucks they could teach it to you.

Just a thought.

[kkuhlken]

Hey y'all, i appreciate all the help and suggestions I got.

Since it is the end of the month and I am a teacher - a visit to the ENT was not possible. (I know, I have to take care of the golden goose in order to keep getting the golden eggs)

I did pump myself full of fluids, choosing the green tea (decaffeinated) and honey route. I must have had 10 cups yesterday...alternating with cold water. Plus a little gargling with warm salt water.

While it wasn't fully back, yesterday afternoon, I felt it was to 60%. I went ahead to the football game (I was young, I needed the money), but took a former student along to the box who could jump in to announcing if I needed to stop.

Long story short, I am at 75% this morning and should be able to complete my revision (the client has been very patient and understanding) and another booking tonight.

I will also add a daily antihistamine to my morning regimen.

And, not rule out an ENT visit should this happen again - I will sock the copay away now.

You guys are teh awesome!
_________________
My full name is Karl Kuhlken (think Macauly Culkin...it rhymes)

Suave, debonair, a ladies man. Sophisticated, urbane, well heeled....no, wait...that's not me