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Vocal cord dysfunction

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Posted 12/24/2016 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all
I just wanted to see if anyone had any experience of vocal cord dysfunction? It's something that mimics asthma and is something that was put down to stress and anxiety with me before it was diagnosed.
I've written a blog if anyone is interested in reading it. Maybe we can help each other!
https://lesley1406.wordpress.com/
Posted 12/25/2016 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome lae...I haven't personally experienced anything like this but do suffer from Gerd and it does make me wheezy from time to time.
I'm sure someone will pop up with advice who has.
Anxiety can really make you think all sorts is wrong when it's just anxiety.
The top of the page has resources that are really helpful. I find deep breathing when stressed can really help.
Posted 12/25/2016 8:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi
Welcome to the HW forum.
I have never experienced your particular symptoms but I echo panicgirly anxiety manifests itself in oh so many symptoms , it can be so overwhelming at times. Also very scary.
Coping tools can be very beneficial to help calm and relax the mind which then calms the physical symptoms.

Keep us updated on your journey, you will get encouragement and support.
Wishing you well... Know that it is common to get these feelings and you are not alone xx
Posted 12/25/2016 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
I have been diagnosed with VCD. It started off just not being able to catch a deep breath. My doctor at first thought it was anxiety. He sent me off for tests and to the allergy doctor. She thought of VCD right away and sent me to a speech therapist. She put a camera down my throat and could see it. I had speech therapy teach me how to breathe properly for months. It helped.

I still struggle with it now and then and anxiety doesn't help.

I would say my anxiety set in deep when this happened and has taken a long time to calm itself.
Posted 12/25/2016 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all smile
Tela, sounds like you struck lucky with the allergy doctor knowing what it could be. What kind of exercises did they give you? I have one which is quickly breathing in through my nose and then pursing my lips and blowing like through a straw out in 3 puffs.
I can completely relate when you say your anxiety set in deep when it happened. It's a horrible thing. When i am having a bad day my head runs away with thoughts that it can't be that and it must be something else and i just can't get my mind off it.
Posted 12/26/2016 11:01 AM (GMT 0)
It took a few months before my diagnosis so anxiety took a deep hold. However, my allergy doctor wasted little time sending me to a speech therapist. Of course you have to wait a month before you can
get in there.

I recall a tiny straw exercise and a large one. Mostly she taught me how to belly breathe. I also visualize my throat opening and closing, as it should, using an image of a camera lens. I also breathe in thru my nose and with slightly open lips, in a 'o' shape blow out.

When I can't get a deep breath now I use the gulp of air technique to open up my throat.
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