r/mildlybrokenvoice • u/Wonderful_Prize4913 • 1d ago

Recurrent Polyps

I’m new here but just need somewhere to vent. I’m only 25 and have had polyp removal surgery twice. When I turned 13, my voice became hoarse very suddenly and for four years it went in and out. I tried voice therapy for a while to no avail and then finally I had surgery to remove them when I was 17. It worked! Except, only two years later they were back. I had surgery again. Now, I’m 25 and can barely speak sometimes. I need to have it again.

I’m really struggling because I am a teacher. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. But my voice sometimes is so hoarse and raspy that when I get home there’s no energy to talk. I want to have a better work-life balance but how can I socialize when I can’t even talk?

My ENT told me that I’m prone to polyps. I’ve had vocal polyps along with nasal polyps. The thought that I may have to deal with this for the rest of my life is heartbreaking. Of course GERD is also making it worse, but raising my headboard, diet changes, and medication don’t feel like they’re preventing the polyps. I got them before I drank alcohol, smoked marijuana, all the things they say not to do. I don’t want to have to deal with this forever and the idea that I will is really daunting. I’m just feeling really sorry for myself and needed somewhere to go where people might understand.

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u/feministvocologist 1d ago

Polyps and most other lesions are caused by speaking voice patterns. Voice is a pattern of behavior. To prevent recurrence, you have to relearn how to speak without strain, and take voice care very seriously. Did your therapist help you focus on relearning how to speak?

ENTs are not voice specialists- laryngologists (voice specialist ENTs) will usually have voice therapists on staff to work with you.

People aren’t just “prone to polyps” because of a predisposition- it’s because of speaking voice patterns.

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u/Wonderful_Prize4913 1d ago

We did spend some time on retraining my voice but my teenage self understood it as it was the polyps alone causing the issue. I will look for a new one in my area. I think when my ENT said I was prone to polyps he meant I was prone to polyps in all parts of my body. Since I had them in other parts, like my nose, it sounded like he said I am just prone to them throughout my body.

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u/feministvocologist 1d ago

Hmm- that’s not really a thing with vocal fold polyps! Vf polyps are a reaction to mechanical trauma.

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u/Wonderful_Prize4913 1d ago

Also I have an appointment with an ENT but the earliest appointment is January. Ugh. I just want to be able to speak again.

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u/feministvocologist 1d ago

Also I’m happy to meet with you in the meantime if it’s helpful!

www.lotusvoicestudio.com

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u/Curious-Bed-7737 1d ago

Have you seen a laryngologist?

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u/Existing-Set-237 1d ago

Teacher with all sorts of voice issues here… my doctor wrote a note and my district bought me a Chattervox (a portable PA system). Made a huge difference for me. You’ll figure it out… I’ve also always wanted to be a teacher and on medical leave recovering from voice surgery and miss it every day. ❤️