Vocalist.org archive


From:  Kate Reid <radishes@r...>
Date:  Fri Jun 21, 2002  5:18 pm
Subject:  Affects of steroids on the voice


Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has any comments concerning the long-term use of
corticosteroids on the voice (I would particularly appreciate comments from
doctors on the list!). After nearly a year of passing out and having heart
palpitations on nearly a daily basis, I have been recently diagnosed with
orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a disorder that causes the heart rate to
increase and blood pressure to drop dramatically when the patient changes
position. I have tried treating my condition with increased fluids and salt,
but my health is worsening and I'm finding my enjoyment of singing is decreasing
because I'm constantly afraid of falling down whenever I stand up for any period
of time. Additionally, because my pressure drops whenever I lie down, I
frequently go entire nights without sleeping more than a few minutes.

My specialist has recommended that I take Florinef, which is a corticosteroid
used to regulate blood pressure and retain fluids and electrolytes. As I've
said, I've tried very hard to regulate this thing by myself without medication,
but singing is just becoming too difficult (particularly during the hot summer
months) and I'm starting to think that taking this medication might be
worthwhile. My dilemma, however, is that I'm only 18-years-old, and I'm worried
that taking steroids long term (like, daily for the rest of my life!) could
adversely affect my voice. The dosage is 0.1, or 0.05 mg per day (depending on
individual tolerance). Can steroids, particularly ones like these that are
DESIGNED to cause water retention, cause edema? I know many singers take
Nasonex and Flonase for allergies, which have about the same dosage of
corticosteroids, so perhaps I am worrying needlessly. I thought I would check
in here before my next appointment with the cardiologist. I'm sure he is going
to suggest that I take this medication, and I need to know whether I should be
hesitant about trying it. Warm regards to all,

Kate



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  Replies Name/Email Yahoo! ID Date  
19439 Re: Affects of steroids on the voiceJohn Messmer, M.D.   Fri  6/21/2002  
19445 Re: Affects of steroids on the voiceKate Reid   Sat  6/22/2002  
19442 Re: Affects of steroids on the voiceSharon Szymanski   Sat  6/22/2002  

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