Katjean,I don't understand your doctor at all. There are many, many illnesses and disorders that have no cure, so only the symptoms can be treated. You deserve relief from your symptoms. You have a right to expect it.
Botox injections are not painful and are the best treatment currently available for SD. If they work for you, then you can go back to work dispatching. Don't give up without even trying Botox! It may take a few times to get the dosage just right, but it works to some degree for the majority of people with SD. Many people are able to talk completely normally for months after an injection.
Make sure you are seeing doctors who are experienced treating SD. The best place to look for medical professionals (ENT doctor, neurologist, speech therapist, etc.) with experience diagnosing and treating SD or other voice disorders is the NSDA website at www.dysphonia.org (there's also a link to the NSDA site at the top of the SD bulletin board page), then click on the Healthcare Referrals link on the top menu. There are many excellent doctors in VA who can help you.
Good luck!
Lori
AB/SD and VCD since 2003
Dallas, TX
