Help! Lost My Voice - Any Remedies?

[yummybytes]

So .. um. I MAY have lost my voice last Thursday at conference and PERHAPS it has not come back to me yet.

Anyone have nay tried and true methods to bring your voice back? I do not want to be sounding like nails on a chalk board at my upcoming shows. Really. It's just not attractive.

Tea and honey and lemon isn't making any impact at all. Neither is Riccola...

 

[chefbritt]

I lost my voice for five days back in may. I work with kids, so it wasn't easy. All they told me was to drink lots of fluids, avoid whispering or otherwise straining your voice, take something to help with congestion, and try not to clear your throat. Otherwise, you just have to wait it out. Hope your voice comes back soon!

 

[raebates]

Oh, Jen, I'm so sorry! Keep your throat moist. Don't talk at all if you can help it. That's about the only advice I have.

 

[smspamperedchef]

I work with kids too in P.E.!!! I lost my voice in May for about 2-3 weeks!!! It was so hard and frustrating. I drank more hot tea with honey you could ever imagine. Gargled salt water (YUK!) and everything else. Just waiting it out is your best bet. Lots of hot liquids, salt water gargles, etc. I did wrap a warm moist towel around my neck and that seemed to help some. Google it on the internet, that's what I did and there may be more tricks as well that I have forgotten. Hang in there and try not to talk much. I know that's real hard for us PC girls!!!

 

[chefann]

Tea is one of the worst things you can do for lost voice/sore throat. The tannins actually dry out your throat, making the situation worse.Keep your throat "lubed" by drinking lots of fluids. Plain water is the best. If you need some flavor, add a little lemon or honey. DON'T whisper - it strains your vocal chords more than talking naturally. So does clearing your throat - so avoid that, too.Sounds like you may have to have some audience participation at your upcoming shows. Make numbered "cue cards", pass them out, and have each guest do that portion of the show by reading the card. You can give them a little gift (like a Twixit or something) as a thank you.

 

[GourmetGirl]

Thanks Ann and Jenn... I am in this boat with you... I haven't totally lost it, but the more I talk, the more it hurts and by the end of a phone call (I work on the phones) I sound like a 50 year old chain smoker (no offense if any of you are...). To top it off I got a low-grade fever and have been kind of dizzy, especially at work when I was wearing heels... and I have a show on Thursday! I'll gladly take any advice one has as well!

 

[letscook04]

I guess you lost your voice from howling at the moon! LOL
I know I did!!

Try not to speak and you will get your voice back.

 

[yummybytes]

Thank you all for the advice... let's hope it makes its appearance again soon. I'll avoid the tea, keep drinking water, and try not to talk as much. Just pray for my kids to behave, please!

Great tips as well, Ann. It's a family show and a lot of them have been to shows of mine in the past so this might be a great way to shake things up a little