Amos, I certainly feel for everyone dealing with the fires and the smoke.

Susan, you've identified some real voice issues that would be good to discuss here.

Kat, thanks, and I agree that women can't sort out health problems very easily when we get too busy. Hugs back.

McGrath, most men I am friends with will go to doctors when they are sick but don't take time away from work to heal and rest. I wonder if it doensn't take longer to heal because of that. Women do the same thing, mind you.

Anyway, I am glad that the doctor and I are now seeing a pattern with my voice problems....we are thinking that it could very likely be allergies that develop into voice problems. We are thinking mould allergy, which is worse in the fall up here in Ontario because of the autumn leaves all over everywhere and rotting. I love autumn, with its colour and the freshness in the air, and I like to go for long walks and let my feet rustle the crunchy leaves. And I love taking my school work out into the garden on any day that's warm/sunny enough, but where there are lots of decaying asters and black-eyed Susans and maple leaves.

I think that it is easier somehow to deal with something like an allergy, and take meds, and have hope for a solution to vocal problems, than it is to think (as I have over the years) that it was voice stress or life stress which is also common in the fall, being a teacher and all.

~b.w.