I had Spastic Dysphonia

I developed Spastic Dysphonia in 1994. 

It got steadily worse over the next eight years. I can empathize with all those who have it. I understand the frustrations of not being able to talk. I loved talking, sharing ideas, expressing my opinions and singing. Frustration was compounded because I have had a management executive position for the past ten years.

I was diagnosed after suffering for four years. I was started on Botox injections. Even that was frustrating because it only gave me a normal voice for about two weeks. After the initial depression and frustration, I came to accept this as a life-long handicap and decided to make the best of it. I remember praying, “God, I don’t know what your reason is for this, but I accept it. If, someday, you see fit to give me a normal voice, I will put it to the best possible use.”

I think God gave me this tragic time in my life to teach me the value of my voice. What a beautiful gift it is. How important it is in communication. So much in life depends on the spoken word.

On a of number of occasions, I said, “God, if I am ever able to speak again, I will not refuse another speaking engagement or request to chair a meeting.”

Two years ago, I happened to look up on the TV screen. A lady who sounded as raspy and hoarse as I did spoke of a new operation that had been developed in California that cured a condition she had. This condition was called Spastic Dysphonia.

I immediately called my specialist in Vancouver and was told, “Yes, this Doctor has started coming to Vancouver.” He was working with my specialist to perform the operation that cured Spastic Dysphonia. I immediately asked to be put on the list. I had to wait about eight months. I had the operation in April 2002. I heard myself say, “Thank you, God, for medical miracles. I can now talk without people asking me to repeat constantly. I don’t have to get others to read my reports because I am having a bad voice day. I am able to speak better with each passing day.”

My Doctor said it took a year to get totally back to normal, but I am doing so well after six months. I am keeping my promise to talk when asked, and to chair meetings. This is a true story. I believe at age 62, I am one of the oldest to have had the operation in Vancouver. Again, thank you, God, for medical miracles. 

- Delphine Terbasket 
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.