Perhaps I should have said a new/old possibility!
I have had severe GERD for the past 5-6 years (the vocalist "listserve"
was a lifesaver to me when I was first diagnosed!) which bypassed
heartburn and went straight to vocal hoarseness and eventually, spastic
coughing. Not fun, and prevalent as much in the daytime as when supine!
Weight loss did help, until use of another much-needed medication caused
me to gain quite a bit back and symptoms worsened.
I was then on Prevacid for the next four years, with an increase (per my
ENT) to 2 pills per day as symptoms persisted. Although not clinically
proven, I suspect that my constant use of the abdominal muscles for
singing during 35 hours of teaching each week, not to mention
performing, may have kept the situation aggravated.
This year, after another flare-up while still on Prevacid twice daily, I
decided to try acupuncture treatments. After about 5 months of
acupuncture and daily herbal supplements, I am much better than before,
and am taking no prescription drugs. My treatments are now only once a
month, and I am very hopeful that I am on top of this condition for once
and for all. I cannot explain why it works, but I offer my experience
as one more possibility for dealing with this disorder.
Sharon Szymanski
PS - My acupuncture practitioner is a former symphonic percussionist who
got into this later in life as opportunities dwindled in the music
field.
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