Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Question for all: I am a singer and this fall, my voice began to have times of hoarseness and then i pretty well lost my singing voice. Broke my heart. THAT was a loss I never wanted to live with. Now, it seems to come and go and somehow its connected to my RA flares. Anyone else deal with this?
Sorry you've lost your singing voice. I've lost mine, too, but mine loss may have actually been a boon for the rest of the world.
What I discovered, early on in my RA career, was that I developed a lot of nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, irritation in my throat, and congestion in my lungs. I developed a raspy voice, and fewer windows of opportunity to sing melodically.
However, Last week, I had an appointment with my ENT, who prescribed an inhaled nasal spray called ipratropium bromide. This, according to things I've read is used for Perrential Allergic Rhinnorhea (PAR). Allergies, immune system, seem to go together. Anyway, I'm only a week into using this drug, and it's amazing. I have absolutely no idea how it might affect you, ot anyone else, but feel like I should share this.
I don't suffer from flares, never have, so my good fortune may not apply. In any case, I wish you well.
That may help you. And assuming this is RA related, getting good treatment can get your voice back to it's beautiful tone!