Three of us were recently singing Happy Birthday to another family member
via cell phone. Suddenly a raucous
off-key sound marred the ending. I
was startled then horrified.
I was the source of that noise!
Under pointed questioning, Husband Walter admitted that my
“singing” had been that way ever since my stroke. He explained that he didn’t tell me earlier because he wanted me to enjoy singing as long as I could.
But what about those poor people around me whose ears I
assaulted?
There was a sense of loss. But I can join in our church’s songs of worship
SILENTLY, and that is still worship.
After that conversation I wondered if I might lose my voice
all together as an effect of stroke. I wouldn’t like that, either. I love to
talk.
Anna, gifted, gracious and thorough speech therapist
But an evaluation by Anna, a speech therapist at my neuro
rehab center, put my fears to rest on that possibility. She said that most
likely my pattern of breathing has changed, and I am not pushing adequate air through
those vocal cords consistently. At least, I think that is something like what
she said.
She gave me breathing exercises to use my “breathing muscles”
and give me more control over the strength of my voice.
After I plowed through several Internet articles on the anatomy of breathing and singing, I was amazed at the number of muscles and their
complicated interaction involved in breathing.
Now I better understand. Of course
there were breathing changes due to stroke. I assume the stroke zapped those “breathing muscles” on my left
side along with all the others that were affected.
The exercises are already making a difference in the strength
of my speaking voice. But one other exercise I have added to what Anna assigned
is to limit my out-loud singing to times when I am home alone.
That exercise is mandated by the scriptural command to love thy neighbor!
Sorry to hear about your voice, but knowing your stickability you will make a good job of strengthening muscles and so forth. Incidentally, because of breathing problems and hypertension, I sit in church and that enables me to sing a little - but very softly. FREDA from Dalamory
ReplyDeletethis is sad, but your stroke did not harm you humor at all. i laughed long and loud at the closing paragraph..love they neighbor is hilarious.. maybe the breathing will help you with the singing. hope so.. you can always get a little recording of Happy birthday and play it for them.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this, I am sorry. I also never knew that stroke changes your breathing pattern this long afterwards. Well, it has not changed your hearing, and you are well otherwise. I hope these exercises will help. Walter made a wise decision! I love singing out really loud in church, and I think now that you know about it and are working on it, it will come back, like so much else has come back for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet to put a somewhat humorous spin on this loss of singing ability. My singing leaves a lot to be desired, and our worship band is LOUD so I can sing along quietly. Your therapy sounds like it will have excellent results.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad. David graduated with a degree in music education, but when he sings karaoke, he is always off key. Lol.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who lip syncs Happy Birthday, I feel your pain and totally understand "love thy neighbor."
ReplyDeleteStill it is much harder to have been rich in voice to suddenly become poor. I have always been poor. I do hope the exercises give you back an acceptable singing voice. If not, lip syncing works well.
Walter continues to shine.
I might have mentioned that I had the same issue. A speech therapist told me she could help, but I never could sing anyway. Dianne
ReplyDeleteJust lovely pumpkins, but even better, wonderful new voice. I too had to go to a speech therapist. It's certainly fascinating stuff. Get stronger fast.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel too bad, Linda. I can't carry a tune in a bucket. Glad to hear that the exercises are helping your voice though :)
ReplyDeleteI admire your stick-to-it attitude. It's wonderful that there are speech therapists who can help with the breathing exercises.
ReplyDeleteKeep at it and
Make a Joyful Noise.