*CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO THE POST ABOUT MY SURGERY*
Sometimes things don’t happen as quickly or as easily as you hope. Over the past 6 months I keep re-learning the lesson that things don’t always go the way you plan.
I went to Wake Forest University to their Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders several weeks ago to get a second opinion on what has been causing my voice to have to many problems.
CLICK HERE FOR MY POST ABOUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY VOICE
The doctors were very nice and confirmed my diagnoses of Muscle Tension Dysphonia. They felt, like my ENT in Asheville, that my allergies and asthma are contributing factors to triggering the voice problems. They suggested that in addition to working with my allergist, I meet with some of their speech pathologists to work on ways to cope. Unfortunately, my experience with their speech pathologists wasn’t as great as my experience with their doctors. Their approach to therapy was not one that was going to get me back to work with a stronger voice. I needed another option.
My doctor in Asheville (who is awesome!) did some digging and found a wonderful speech pathologist who works with cancer patients at the new beautiful Mission Cancer Center. Before she took the role at the cancer center, she got experience re-cooping professional singing voices and professional speaking voices. Jackpot- Really? There is no place like Asheville! Luckily she was willing to take on the project of “fixing” me and I have been meeting with her several times a week to bring my voice back. She may be my angel.
Meanwhile, remember those allergies and asthma I mentioned? I am also working with more doctors (they are also awesome) to get them under control including some new medications. I promise you—I have tried it all! I just seem to have a pretty severe case that keeps spiraling out of control. (Has anyone else never had asthma trouble before moving to WNC?) Unfortunately, I had a pretty big set back the week before last, with a brand new sinus infection (yay-me!) which put my voice back in bad shape. That definitely wasn’t on my agenda and has delayed my return to work.
I am finally getting to the bottom of this and when I do come back I will be a healthier version of me! I am a fighter. I will be thrilled if I never take another sick day again. Something tells me it will not be that easy. If I’ve learned anything, I know I’ll continue to blow through my “PLAN-A, PLAN-B & PLAN-C.” But even if it takes to “PLAN Z” to find some answers, I’ll make it work.
Lynn says
I am experiencing very similar symptoms and have been searching for a good ENT. I would gladly welcome any suggestions? Thanks!!
Brenda says
I too have thought of you. Things are just not the same in the early mornings without yogurt sweet smile.
By the way,what is the story about the charm bracelet you wear everyday
Always praying for you.
Walt says
Jason Boyer answered my query, concerning your absence. I figured it had to be something serious, to temporarily take out of the TV world. I'll keep you in my thoughts, and will look forward to your return. May God be with you during these days.
Jeff Harwood says
Way to go Julie. You hang in there.
shelia evans says
well i finally found you and your blog. my parents have been worried about you and the fact my mom watches you and the weather every day. i will tell them whats going on.best wishes to you for a speedy recovery. i myself have lived here my whole life and was stricken in my late 30's with bad allergies. but light meds and shots for over two years has me healthy with only having to take one pill daily as a preventative measure... thank god for allergy partners... best of luck to you..shelia evans
JulieWunder says
Tell your parents hi for me and I'll be back as soon as I can!
Yes- allergy partners have been a big help.
Thank you for reading!
Virginia Bradshaw says
Praying for your healing and return to work.
I miss you. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Sorry to hear about your Mom. Praying for
You, Your Dad and Brother too.
Les and June McCary says
We have been missing you and wondered what was up ?..We had recognized a little voice strain, but thought it might be over use at a ball game, or allergies, etc. Hope you are well soon, we miss you at our early cups of coffee in the mornings...almost every day.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much!
Tiny says
God Bless you get well soon. Miss you in the mornings
Tiny says
Take care and God Bless you. Get well soon. I miss seeing you in the morning
Karen Hannah says
Julie, I have had relatives that have had to move out of this area because the allergies and pollution get trapped in these mountains! Keep fighting girl!
Joe says
Julie, reading about your allergies I had to leave a comment. I suffered with what I thought were allergies for almost 8 years. Air Force doctors could not figure out what was going on and made diagnoses after diagnoses. Once I got out of the Air Force, my new doctor referred me to a dermatology clinic who conducted “patch” testing on me. The patch test revealed that I was hyper allergic to many of the preventatives found in everything from shampoo and conditioners to deodorants and lotions. I was especially allergic to a chemical called Quaternium-15….found in of all things Johnson’s Baby Shampoo that I had been using since my daughter was born…I liked the smell of it. Anyway, my dermatologist instructed me to stop using all of my shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and lotions and within 10 days for the first time in almost 8 years my allergy conditions were completely cleared up. The web site http://www.truetest.com has a lot of information concerning allergies associated with chemicals found in many consumer products. Hope you get well soon.
JulieWunder says
wow! that's crazy! It's amazing what can make us so sick. I've been through all sorts of tests and they havent found anything like that yet. wow.
Thanks for the heads up though! I'll ask!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
Julie, was just wondering how you were doing. Sending well wishes your way. Hope you're on the right track & on the mend real soon. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you Robin!
angie brown says
prayers going up for you!!
angie brown says
prayers going out to you!
Rebecca Whitson says
I am praying for you. I pray that the doctors will be able to help you heal. May God Bless you.
Nanette says
Oh Julie, I am so glad you are getting the medical care you need. Praying God is putting the right doctors and those that have the right medical know-how to get you back to where you nee to be. Stay strong!! I've been missing you in the morning to let me know my daily weather!! Many tight hugs!! God's healing to you!!
Nanette, Franklin, NC
Jay says
Please tell me the SP is Patty, she is one of the best at MHS, and I have known her for a while, she is patient with her patients, and is a fun person to be around....
JulieWunder says
🙂 It is-- she is awesome!
Madeline St Onge says
Julie I pray for you every day ans hope this gets all fixed soon and for good. My husband has really bad asthma and breathing problems since we moved here from RI
Feel better soon
JulieWunder says
Your prayers help. Thank you!
Mary Thirtyacre says
Hi Julie,
The allergists at Western Carolina Allergy Partners are wonderful, especially Dr. McAnn. Have you ever seen him?
My allergies started about 6 years after I moved here from FL. I am doing a lot better, especially with the cessation of my 5 year long chronic cough.
JulieWunder says
I am working with Allergy Partners-- yes!
Libby Back says
Julie, I developed asthma about 8 years after moving to WNC and in my 40's. My Mom developed asthma in her 40's as well, so I don't know if that was genetics, coincidence or anything to do with the area? And while I do have a few allergies, the non-allergic rhinitis (weather changes, pollutants and irritants, such as perfumes, smoke etc.) affect me more than anything. As far as your asthma goes, I would highly recommend you see a pulmonologist. Dr. Clary, in Hendersonville helped me tremendously, and my allergist is Dr. Elliston in Asheville. Together, they helped me so much in getting my asthma and sinuses under control. I wish you the best in getting better. You are so missed on the weathercast! Libby
JulieWunder says
Thank you Libby! I am working with an awesome allergist, ENT & Pulmonologist! The team is getting to the bottom of the problem! so many doctors-- sigh!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Oh Julie, I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this! But al least it sounds like there's hope. You ARE a fighter--one of the things I love about you. 🙂
Joe says
Your Gnocchi with Grilled Grapefruit and Asparagus sounds really good. Have you checked out http://www.food52.com ? You might want to enter some of your recipes in their on going recipe contests. Joe
Megan Zacharias says
So happy that you have found someone that is willing to take on your case and understands exactly what your goals are! Sending lots of positive thoughts your way and that you continue on your road to recovery.