Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Good advice

Thanks to the latest bit of advice, here is how I have gone about this via doctors.
I have seen neurologists. They are both "perplexed."
The first time this happened, I did see a speech pathologist. I have tried to use her techniques, but I cannot make the sounds. Yesterday was so bad I couldn't talk.
I have had 2 CT scans, MRI, MRA, both with contrast and without.
I had a full neuropsychological battery in December.
My internist has been my primary contact. Just today, he referred me to the Cognitive Neuropsychological Unit at JHU.
I will be seeing my psychiatrist tomorrow.
Keep the tips coming, folks. Thanks for all the support.
L

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Help Me Speak Again

Hi there.

I need help. My voice has disappeared spontaneously and I can no longer speak clearly. It's been over two months now, and no doctor has been able to figure out what's wrong. I need to reach out to a larger community to figure out what's wrong, and I am doing so via the Internet. I am looking for any help or advice you might have.

Here are the facts:
I am a 24-year old female living outside of DC.
I am diagnosed with depression and Bipolar Disorder II, and take 6-7 meds a day to manage the symptoms.
In October, I drove a car into a pole. At the time, there were no physical injuries and I did not go to a hospital. Three days later, I was left without my speech for the first time. It lasted approximately 6 weeks, during which I did standard speech therapy. The speech returned as spontaneously as it had disappeared.
I had no problems with my speech again until mid-May, when it once again disappeared. We did neurological scans, but they all came back clear. I've been getting chiropractic adjustments for a month now. I am in the process of seeing a new psychiatrist, as there is also a possible new diagnosis for my psychiatric symptoms.
Right now, I can sometimes pronounce, but for the most part it is sounds that don't make sense to most people. I can understand other people, and I can write and read perfectly. By the time evening rolls around, I am slurring my words so badly it is nearly impossible to understand me.

I will post updates, but please email this link to all your doctor friends who might be able to help.
Thanks everybody,
L