Hi, I also went through a period when I found it difficult to speak. My advice is treat it like any other physical exertion. Don't push it and pace if you need to. I think it's quite common with CFS but it's always a good idea to check out symptoms with the doctor if you're worried. It's probably just a sign that your energy is really really low. I know it's really frustrating and difficult.

YES! When I am really fatigued, sometimes my first indication is that I lose my voice. I am a singer, so this has always bothered me a lot. Every family gathering, I lose my voice. Also, I stutter sometimes. So, I guess that could be considered a speech problem. But, yes, you are not going crazy. CFS really does make some people lose their voice a lot. I'm really sorry. I know how you feel. It's terrible to discover a new symptom and think, "Really, I have THIS now too?" There is very little that I can say on the positive side of this issue, but the one good thing I have found is that I speak a lot less than I used to. I measure my words. I'm careful because I literally don't have the strength for idle chatter. If I say something these days, it's because I really mean it. Hold on to hope, dear one. We are in your corner. Much love.

Thank you both so much!! My anxiety level has gone down now that I know others with cfs also deal with this. However, It breaks my heart that you both are dealing with this. I REALLY, REALLY appreciate your time, and sharing. I had to leave work 3 years ago, and have been bed-ridden for a year so the isolation and loneliness is hard at times. But today I feel less lonely. Thanks!!

OMG! Thank you journey4me! I thought I was getting alzheimers or some sort of dementia. There are times when my words come out wrong. I find it embarrassing as all get out. It has been happening for a few years now.

Ugh.

But grateful for you bringing this up!

I'm bed-ridden too...the isolation and loneliness are awful. This site keeps me sane! You're not alone!

Catherine, I can totally relate to the embarrassment that comes from forgetting things so often. When my memory lapses (or brain fog) started I forgot my home alarm code. I stood there starring at it and went blank. The alarm went off and the cops came. I couldn't tell them the code. I thought they would arrest me, but my husband showed up in time. I guess I will have some good laughs at all this one day.
I won't so bad to be done with the grieving and self-pity portion of this sickness. I like the following quotes:

I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. - Maya Angelou

People who find meaning in their illness have better medical outcomes. - William Collinge

Thanks new friends! Stay strong and know a breakthrough could come any day!

I love that quote by Maya Angelou. Your alarm story is sad/funny. I have had lots of those moments too--losing the car, getting lost in town, forgetting important dates and numbers. It makes me feel a bit better to have you all commiserate for a moment on that. Many blessings.

Yes, definitely. Even when my brain seems to know what I want to say it's like it can't make the connection to my mouth. It's mostly when I'm stressed. It's like the adrenaline of being stressed cuts off my words. So I just smile and nod a lot...makes me look like a really good listener.
As far as quality of my voice, that has been bad for several years. I've never been certain if it is CFS or my Hashimoto's but some days I whisper or croak, it's terrible.
I am strongly considering paying someone to tutor me in sign language. I've looked for classes for years and there are none nearby.

YES. I am a corporate trainer/consultant who spends a fair amount of time in front of groups. I get the hoarseness you mention fairly often, and sometimes, like today, I have problems with word-finding. I KNOW the right word but I struggle to spit it out. It is connected to the brain fog we all talk about.

This voice problem always happens during a crash. I hate it but I do the best I can.

I've had problems with speech and facial expressions since the first year I got hit with the illness. For me it's painful to move my face/mouth on bad days so I've learned to talk by not moving my mouth as much, not making facial expressions as often and talking a little more through my throat. It's totally a M.E. symptom. If I do anything to much it flares up. I've lost the ability to sing besides in a whisper which was a pretty big passion of mine. Pretty much the only thing I've found that helped was rest and not being expressive or speaking. I mean, there are things that mask it and make it easier, but I would pay for it later. I'm very sorry you are experiencing it!

Yes! A definite for me, too. In the beginning I found it hard to speak like I didn't have enough air to speak; I was also afraid that I was losing my voice forever or something medically was terribly wrong. On other days, I had enough wind but hardly any sound would come out. I'm told to speak up and when I do, then my voice comes out in a hoarse sound striving to speak up and be understood. Over the phone people think I'm whispering so they whisper -- one said to me, "why are WE whispering?" I didn't know what to say. I'm afraid to speak at times because I'm afraid to find out what kind of a day I'm going to have with my voice.

I know exactly when I'm about to crash as I suddenly become hoarse and even my daughter can recognize the signs.

I also have problems with words; inserting wrong word and word recall, especially nouns, names, etc.

Also if I'm in a social situation, if I'm across from someone who talks too much, my brain just shuts down, to the point that I have to lay my head on the table. It can be overwhelming.

Put me on the list for this too...hoarseness, stuttering, confusion...all that fun stuff. I find it best to get by with few words...otherwise I seem to run out of gas and can't talk well at all.

Talking takes a lot of physical energy. We take it for granted, but it is physical exertion. Seems as though any repetitive movement makes us grow weak...and talking is repetitive movement for sure. After a while I feel like I can't get my breath.

Sorry you are going through this!

I am racing for time, so please forgive me if someone else has already asked you...

Have you checked your thyroid? Aphasia can be a symptom of hypothyroidism (with related glucose intolerance and adrenal issues), as is chronic fatigue..

Please be careful about your choice of doctors. Many are just not that skilled in diagostics. There is a website called Stop the Thyroid Madness that will help you figure out which tests you need.

I have had similar symptoms and it is very very scary.

Hope you feel better!

My voice changes. The worse I feel the worse it gets. My best friend can tell how badly I'm doing from my voice a lots of times. Even had an incident early on the was similar to a TIA but wasn't where my speaking was effected. I sing and I can tell a difference to if I go to church.