My instrument is currently in the shop for repairs.
Recently I wrote a blog post about how voice is not often seen as an instrument, and how it has been part of my focus when live-stream performing to really show that it truly is.
Then I had a medical episode that proves why the voice is such a precarious instrument at that.
I have something called Hereditary Angioedema - aka HAE (as well as Crohn's Disease and several other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders). HAE has often affected my internal organs as well as external limbs, which means it affects my voice. It is a tricky disease without being a vocalist, but trying to manage the illness and also be a singer is an interesting balancing act. One of the telltale signs of an impending attack is a change in vocal register. Suddenly my voice will drop or become raspy, and I have a more difficult time with projecting or hitting specific notes (along with the common complication of having difficulty breathing properly). There are times when my voice just will not open up, and while nerves also do this, HAE plays a role, especially since any reduction in the ability to breathe is particularly impeding to singing.
Last week I was having some peculiar symptoms and the running theory is now that I had had an HAE attack in my lower intestines, and potentially my stomach and esophagus. The whole attack left me with esophagitis (inflammation and ulcerations in my esophagus). Because the esophagus is so close to the trachea and my vocal cords, it is possible that there was some swelling and/or inflammation in that area as well.
That means that I cannot use my instrument right now. My throat is very sore, so my instrument is 'in the shop'.
With voice, I cannot just rent or purchase a second instrument while my main one is fixed. I have one vocal instrument, and when it doesn't work, that's it!
So I am forced to take a break until the inflammation settles down. The swelling has been taken care of by the IV treatment I received last week Thursday, but the fallout from the swelling will likely last for several weeks. That means at least a diminished capability to sing for the next few weeks. Hopefully I can get my competition songs done in time without further damaging my instrument.
I love (and currently miss) My Musical Life
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