Vocal cord dysfunction

[MsEVP]

I`m trying to find out if this horrible problem is as common as they say.

Anyone else suffer, or suffered, from it at all?

Tina

[sqad617]

No, I have never suffered from it, but what do you want to know about it?

[MsEVP]

Squad, I`m just being curious. They say (the people who write about it) that the problem is more common than people know and yet I`m the only one that I know of who has it from time to time!

In other words, I just wanted to come across some sympathetic ear with whom I can exchange thoughts and possible solutions.

Cheers

[sqad617]

OK EVP.....fire away.

[MsEVP]

Fire away, what?

[MsEVP]

Do you mean you`ll be a sympathetic ear? Bit difficult if you`re not prone to it, or was there something else I missed..

[sqad617]

What do you want to know about VCD?

[MsEVP]

Okay, then.
I know that when I get it, could be walking around Tesco`s, or sound asleep in bed, I find that I can suddenly not breathe, either in or out. Quite a horrendous feeling. Then, since I`m obviously still here, after some time some air goes in, (like breathing air through a straw) and I slowly come to.

My first episode came 3 years ago when I was 69. I`ve had about 6 altogether, and, of course, I`ve read all that I could find about it.

It can be diagnosed in the ER as: asthma, anaphylaxis, hysteria, and many medical people do not recognize it for what it is:

the vocal cords go into a `closing-up` spasm: the throat closure occurs inside the larynx.

There is no asthma in my family.

I`m interested, of course, in the possible causes, and treatment.

Won`t write more, as I had difficulty in getting through here,

Cheers, Tina

[sqad617]

Tina.

I have assumed that the diagnosis of VCD has been made by a consultant ENT surgeon following stroboscopy and laryngoscopy.

It is a frightening condition for the patient, but I have never known a death from this disorder and in answer to your question, it is relatively uncommon.

Before we enter into treatment, I will await your reply.

[MsEVP]

Morning, Squad:

Are you an MD?

Your assumptions are wrong. Diagnosis purely my own and my own GP wasn`t familiar with VCD. I try to avoid surgeries and hospitals as much as possible and try to believe in mind over matter.

I don`t dwell on it and try to imagine that it will never happen again, but it`s nice to hear what you say that mortality rates from VCD are non-existent!

Thanks, T.

[sqad617]

Yes.

Tina......very dangerous to make that diagnisis without the investigations that I have mentioned.

We cannot go on to discuss treatment, as the diagnosis is open to dispute.

[MsEVP]

Ta, Squad, for your interest and input.

I`m content to leave it like this for now

Que sera sera,

Cheers

[sqad617]

No problem...anytime.