Free to Speak: Overcoming Spasmodic Dysphonia by Connie Pike

I have just purchased this book from Amazon and so far have found it really informative and helpful. The author is a certified speech and language pathologist who herself had SD but was able, with a natural approach to treatment, to largely overcome the condition. The book does not pretend that there is an easy fix, but gives those patients diagnosed with SD, HOPE of significant improvement without the need for drugs, botox or surgery.

I will be starting the exercise regime listed in the book this week, so will keep you posted of progress and any exercises that really help. Has anyone else read this book and found the exercises useful?

Hello, I just found this site. I had never heard of that book before. How are the exercises going? Are you finding them helpful?

To be honest I have not been practicing as much I should be due to lack of time When I first got the book I did practice everyday for a few weeks, and I found the exercises did help to get my voice out more effortlessly.

It's a great read, and because the lady who wrote it was a speech therapist who developed spasmodic dysphonia, she knew how to tailor her exercises to make sure they were beneficial for people with SD.

Have you read any other books? and do you do a voice exercise routine?

Being pretty new to this (knowing what is "wrong" with me), I have not yet started a voice exercise routine (though I plan to), and the only reading I've done so far has been on the internet. What I have done so far is work on becoming a stomach breather. I'm doing better, but if I have to take a quick, deep breath, it still comes from my chest.

I will keep you posted.

I got and read the book, and now I too am trying to find time for the exercises. I know she recommends taking a leave of absence from work and talking as little as possible. I'm not sure how feasible that is for most people, though. Somewhere I've got to find the time if I ever want to get better...