Five years ago today (on January 16, 2007) I had my SLAD-R surgery at UCLA Medical Center with Dr. Berke. I remain very satisfied with the outcome. I am on no medication, whether botox or any other prescribed medication, to help moderate vocal spasming. I have been back to work as a clinical psychologist on a FT basis since March 26, 2007 (11 weeks post-surgery). I have attended at Court probably 20 or more times successfully, and am dictating my reports using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9, voice recognition software.
As was the case pre-op I remain vocally sensitive to colds and certain foods such as caffeine, dairy products, chocolate, citrus, nuts and spicy dishes; the theme remains but it plays out at a different, much more manageable, level. For all intents and purposes I have a "normal" voice, and I would say that it is no worse and no better than it was one or two years ago. I always said that if I got five years out of the surgery I'd be satisfied.
I would be pleased to discuss my experience further with anyone considering the SLAD-R surgery. If anyone would like to speak with me directly please call me at my home number 250-860-6967; just email me beforehand at glea@shaw.ca to set up a time after 7 pm or on the weekend. I am in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada in the Pacific Time Zone (the same as California). If you have any questions feel free to write me at the same email address.
Best wishes to all,
Gary Lea
SD/AD diagnosed 1992 but developed circa 1970 related very likely to viral pneumonia; SLAD-R Jan 2007
