I'm a Medical Mystery
Aug 19, 2008 General Nonsense |
Tonight (8/19/08) on ABC's series Medical Mysteries, airing at 10 pm EST in the US, I'll be included for about ten seconds. The segment is about people who have my bizarre speech problem called spasmodic dysphonia.
With spasmodic dysphonia your voice functions differently in every speaking context. People who have this condition generally can't order a pizza over the telephone but can speak perfectly to their cat. Ironically, the context in which I can speak best is while being interviewed about how I can't speak. So depending on how they edit the piece, I might come off as a fraud with no problem at all.
A month ago I had surgery to try and correct the problem once and for all. I won't know if it worked for 2-3 more months, after the nerves regenerate. I made a video of my pre-surgery voice so I would have a "before" version to compare to my post-surgery voice that I hoped would be normal. This exercise was wasted because as soon as the camera came on and I started talking about how I couldn't talk, I could talk perfectly. There wasn't a trace of a problem.
So you'll have to take my word for it that when the camera crews left, I couldn't talk well enough to pronounce my own name on the telephone. That's literally true.
Anyway, check it out.
With spasmodic dysphonia your voice functions differently in every speaking context. People who have this condition generally can't order a pizza over the telephone but can speak perfectly to their cat. Ironically, the context in which I can speak best is while being interviewed about how I can't speak. So depending on how they edit the piece, I might come off as a fraud with no problem at all.
A month ago I had surgery to try and correct the problem once and for all. I won't know if it worked for 2-3 more months, after the nerves regenerate. I made a video of my pre-surgery voice so I would have a "before" version to compare to my post-surgery voice that I hoped would be normal. This exercise was wasted because as soon as the camera came on and I started talking about how I couldn't talk, I could talk perfectly. There wasn't a trace of a problem.
So you'll have to take my word for it that when the camera crews left, I couldn't talk well enough to pronounce my own name on the telephone. That's literally true.
Anyway, check it out.
Votes: +2
Comments
User Name: Anfauglir
Aug 26, 2008
0
Scott,
There's presumably no physical reason why having a camera pointed at you would make your voice work that much better, so its presumably a mental reason. We're all familiar (and you discussed it yourself a few weeks back) how having a camera pointed at you stops you being natural.
When you're being filmed, you're aware of it, and go into what might be called "lecture" mode - this fits with what you have reported previously about being able to talk to a room of people, but not to an individual in conversation. There's thus a kind of mental shift you make when you prepare for public speaking.
I was wondering, have you tried talking to individuals while pretending that you are delivering a one-on-one lecture? To make the same mental "click" as if you are declaiming rather than chatting?
There's a risk that you may end up sounding like a boor, who is proclaiming rather than socialising, but might be worth a shot?
All the best,
Anfauglir
There's presumably no physical reason why having a camera pointed at you would make your voice work that much better, so its presumably a mental reason. We're all familiar (and you discussed it yourself a few weeks back) how having a camera pointed at you stops you being natural.
When you're being filmed, you're aware of it, and go into what might be called "lecture" mode - this fits with what you have reported previously about being able to talk to a room of people, but not to an individual in conversation. There's thus a kind of mental shift you make when you prepare for public speaking.
I was wondering, have you tried talking to individuals while pretending that you are delivering a one-on-one lecture? To make the same mental "click" as if you are declaiming rather than chatting?
There's a risk that you may end up sounding like a boor, who is proclaiming rather than socialising, but might be worth a shot?
All the best,
Anfauglir
User Name: ottebx
Aug 21, 2008
0
Just create a hat with a micro camera on it that's always faced at you and recording! You'll never have voice problems again!
User Name: rjf
Aug 20, 2008
-1
Interesting coming from an Atheist. I have Zero proof that you have this disease, therefore, it comes to the logical conclusion that you do not have this disease. The only evidence I have is that you say you have it, and people that report the condition say you have it, but it's never actually been proven to me. You don't have this disease at all. You're a fraud.
User Name: Fire@will
Aug 20, 2008
0
I happened on the segment in progress. With all the joy you have brought to so many people over the years, I can only sincerely pray for the best outcomes for you and your family.
And as a humble graphic artist, I envy covet that awesome drawing setup (but not the reason you had to get it).
And as a humble graphic artist, I envy covet that awesome drawing setup (but not the reason you had to get it).
User Name: ahardaway
Aug 20, 2008
0
HI Scott -
I saw the segment last night. As you can imagine, there are some fiery conversaions happening on VoiceMatters.net. I think everyone is generally disappointed that the segment was as short as it was. I mean, don't get me wrong, the coverage in iteself is a great thing. However, I know they could have easily done a 2-hour show on SD alone. Anyway, I hope your surgery is a huge success. There is one other member on my site who just had the surgery as well (a couple of months ago) and she is seeing very positive results!!!!
I saw the segment last night. As you can imagine, there are some fiery conversaions happening on VoiceMatters.net. I think everyone is generally disappointed that the segment was as short as it was. I mean, don't get me wrong, the coverage in iteself is a great thing. However, I know they could have easily done a 2-hour show on SD alone. Anyway, I hope your surgery is a huge success. There is one other member on my site who just had the surgery as well (a couple of months ago) and she is seeing very positive results!!!!
User Name: Zowie
Aug 20, 2008
+1
I just read about the Alexander technique. Have you tried it?
"Frederick Matthias Alexander was a Shakespearean orator who developed problems which resulted in losing his voice. After doctors informed him there was no physical cause, he carefully observed himself in multiple mirrors. This revealed that he was needlessly stiffening his whole body in preparation to recite or speak. Further, Alexander observed that many individuals experiencing voice problems tightened the musculature of the upper torso, especially the neck, prior to phonation in anticipation of the act of voicing. He suggested that this pattern rotates the head backwards and downwards in relationship to the spine, disrupting efficient overall body alignment; later termed a "startle pattern." He attempted to change this reaction, using both direct and indirect means. After identifying substitution strategies and improving his ability to choose a new response, he found that the old pattern of voice loss not only ceased, but he continued to improve towards his original intention to become a better orator." source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Technique
"Frederick Matthias Alexander was a Shakespearean orator who developed problems which resulted in losing his voice. After doctors informed him there was no physical cause, he carefully observed himself in multiple mirrors. This revealed that he was needlessly stiffening his whole body in preparation to recite or speak. Further, Alexander observed that many individuals experiencing voice problems tightened the musculature of the upper torso, especially the neck, prior to phonation in anticipation of the act of voicing. He suggested that this pattern rotates the head backwards and downwards in relationship to the spine, disrupting efficient overall body alignment; later termed a "startle pattern." He attempted to change this reaction, using both direct and indirect means. After identifying substitution strategies and improving his ability to choose a new response, he found that the old pattern of voice loss not only ceased, but he continued to improve towards his original intention to become a better orator." source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Technique
User Name: KevinKunreuther
Aug 19, 2008
0
Why was your wife's name turned into gobbledygook on the blog like it was profanity?
User Name: KevinKunreuther
Aug 19, 2008
0
I just saw your bit on ABC-TV (you have a real beautiful wife in !$%*!$%* your voice didn't sound that OK to me in the interview, it sounded like you needed some help. At least you're not blue like that dope who took colloidal silver. Now there's an idea for a future Dilbert arc. Some character takes a folk remedy and develops a permanent noticeable side effect.
User Name: rburr
Aug 19, 2008
+1
I am speaking completely from ignorance here Scott, but, if your voice can come back and be completely normal on a moment's notice and be based entirely on the context, wouldn't vocal chord surgery be the wrong solution? It does not sound like a physical problem to me, so how would a knife help you? I know absolutely nothing about this disorder though and am quite sincere in my ignorance. Either way I wish you a complete recovery, no matter how it is achieved.
User Name: KevinKunreuther
Aug 19, 2008
0
Scott,
Would it be safe to say your disorder is the Schrödinger's cat of medical diseases? It's *almost* like quantum behavior. Here's to your health, your voice and hearing you laugh about disorder one day on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me...!
Would it be safe to say your disorder is the Schrödinger's cat of medical diseases? It's *almost* like quantum behavior. Here's to your health, your voice and hearing you laugh about disorder one day on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me...!
User Name: michael vassar
Aug 19, 2008
0
Maybe just pretend you have a camera crew? Hire a Camera Crew? You have kids now, they might work cheap, so just buy the cameras.
User Name: cosmiquemuffin
Aug 19, 2008
+1
I have SD as well, and am looking forward to the show tonight and to your progress with your surgery as well, Scott. I decided not to have Botox since it took my power to manipulate my voice away, which is how I currently manage it. I find a "character voice" (currently a cross between breathy Marilyn Monroe and Kermit the Frog, open up the back of the throat) and speak in that mode, and unless I'm really tired it usually works.
As to Scottique's question, yeah, getting tipsy helps but so does the refractory period after exercise, staying away from caffeine (sob) and general meditation. Relaxation definitely helps, not sure if that is because that reduces the spasming or it opens the back of the throat to diminish the impact of the spasms, or both.
Honestly, Scott, you should write about your SD journey. It could help so many people (and I bet a lot of non-SD folks are interested as well!)
As to Scottique's question, yeah, getting tipsy helps but so does the refractory period after exercise, staying away from caffeine (sob) and general meditation. Relaxation definitely helps, not sure if that is because that reduces the spasming or it opens the back of the throat to diminish the impact of the spasms, or both.
Honestly, Scott, you should write about your SD journey. It could help so many people (and I bet a lot of non-SD folks are interested as well!)
User Name: BritSwedeGuy
Aug 19, 2008
0
I think you and Terry Pratchett are about neck and neck now.
Or one part of the brain and another part of the brain.
Or one part of the brain and another part of the brain.
User Name: Some Moist Robot
Aug 19, 2008
0
Could you have had someone film you on the phone trying to order a pizza for your "before" video?
User Name: Scottique
Aug 19, 2008
+1
Maybe this question sounds disingenuous, but I know you're always up for a wacky solution.
I have a casual friend who I've met and befriended through a series of parties thrown by a mutual friend. In the course of his day-to-day life, he has a stutter that renders him, on a regular basis, almost entire unable to speak. However, I didn't know about it for literally months, because when he gets drunk, the stutter goes away entirely.
I know spasmodic dysphonia and stuttering are different problems, possibly with entirely unrelated causes, but: does getting plastered ever help you in situations that would be hardest normally?
(Yes -- Scott)
I have a casual friend who I've met and befriended through a series of parties thrown by a mutual friend. In the course of his day-to-day life, he has a stutter that renders him, on a regular basis, almost entire unable to speak. However, I didn't know about it for literally months, because when he gets drunk, the stutter goes away entirely.
I know spasmodic dysphonia and stuttering are different problems, possibly with entirely unrelated causes, but: does getting plastered ever help you in situations that would be hardest normally?
(Yes -- Scott)
