Question: Doctor, I have a history of hoarseness that comes and goes but can last as long as months. Since September, 2015, I was hoarse when speaking. I went to my doctor and she gave me prednisone and it helped so that I had a couple of weeks before Christmas where I could speak. The day after Christmas, 2015, I was hoarse again and then in the beginning of April, I was having a problem with mucus and coughing to the point of not being able to speak. My husband even called the paramedics because I couldn't catch my breath. They treated me as having a panic attack. Before the EMT call, I had taken two types of antibiotics, a prescription cough syrup, and Prednisone. I still cannot raise my voice above a whisper. I saw an ENT and pulmonologist but the tests were normal. It is now the beginning of XXXXXXX and I still can't talk but I discovered that I can sing higher pitched songs but the inability to talk normally is still not there. What type of doctor should I see? I am retired, thank the Lord, but I still have a child and grandchildren, friends along with a husband, with whom I would like to communicate. Thank God for texting. Do you think I will regain my speech or will it require something more than those doctors proposed, which was nothing when they got the tests back (CT scan of sinuses and throat)? Thank you very much. Regards, XXXXXXX

I remained hoarse since the day after Christmas, 2015 until the episode on April 3rd.
I have been taking medications for acid reflux for years. I also have problems with my legs and back since I had two spinal fusions and other back surgeries from 2008 until 2011. My legs are stiff and often spasm. I have seen neurologists and orthos but have no help and no real diagnosis as they say I should not have this problem. I am very frustrated and discouraged. Thank you.

Thank you, Doctor. I have learned more from you than the doctors I have seen for my voice issues. I have been given many reasons for my back pain, leg spasms, and stiffness. Basically, I think it comes down to scar tissue affecting a nerve or nerves. When I see neurologists, they seem to be looking for diseases and dismiss my leg limitations. A pain doctor said she believes I have a structural problem but that is out of her realm. I see another pain doctor for my medications to control the worst of the problems--Percoset, Valium, Cymbalta, and Tizanadine. They help but do not cure. I don't know if I should see an orthopedic doctor or keep trying neurologists. My ortho surgeon said that I will probably always have a problem even if I have surgery again, with scar tissue. It isn't the scar tissue, it is the nerve or nerves that are being impinged by the scar tissue and there is some stenosis. This has been going on for 8 years and I feel like I have no life. When I go out, I have to go in a wheelchair because my legs will freeze up at times and then I cannot move. My last MRI was in 2014. They can't seem to find what is causing this. Thank you for your efforts.