Re Older stutterers.....

[sandra]

[Hi everyone ! Can I please ask whether there are any 50 year old plus people out there ?! I've just found this site , One question I'm interested in is, has anyone used an electronic device, like SpeekAmp ? If so, have you had any success with it ? I'm a ''young''pensioner ! I've had this stutter since a child following being made to change from being left handed to right handed upon starting school. Thankfully this trend was stopped long ago. Interestingly, after many years of going round and round in circles trying to get an accurate diagnosis for worsening minor health problems I've been diagnosed with a rare Muscular Dystrophy which after a muscle biopsy showed a problem with my skeletal muscles.... which means that the more I talk, walk etc my actions go out of synch. Anything repetative my head isn't ''keeping up''. I can't do ''fast''. My stutter has been worse since I've had this problem. I don't know what you guys think, but, I don't think my stutter is always down to lack of confidence . Group situations are a big problem, as I find a lot of people talk very fast which tends to make me try to join in and then I get stuck........blocked.... because I've tried to speed my speech up. I was interested to read the posting from the young lad who says his hands/fingers can ''stutter''... YES ! Is it when he's using them too fast/too much... repetative actions ? My Neurologist found that I can't do fast repetative hand movements. I do get rather fed up of doctors who clearly do not understand what I'm describing !! I'm NOT stupid, but one does tend at times to feel like other's think I am !! Any info on electronic devices would be much appreciated. Thanks, Sandra

[Jamester]

Hey there Sandra!

Glad to see you here. I just turned 50, does that count as older? I have never tried an electronic device since I have many silent blocks and some sound needs to be generated for them to work. There are some people on this forum that have had success and hopefully they will respond to your post.

I believe that stuttering is a physical problem exacerbated by the way we feel about our stutter but until they find the causation, I don't believe there will ever be a cure.

Jamie (female)

[sandra]

Hi Jamie, Nice of you to reply . Yes, I'm sure it is a physical problem ! I'm usually very confident and have even spoken to large groups of people, and been on tv talking about antique clocks !! Most people are very supportive and patient if I suddenly stutter/get ''blocked''........ but I've let a few rude people get me down... and I'm angry at MYSELF, for letting them ! Best wishes, Sandra

[Standingtall]

Hi Sandra, I am almost in the mid-life crisses age, and i have hearing loss, so an hearing aide is not too far in my future, hope that counts. If not, Well, i will say welcome. :D

[Dianne]

Hi Sandra I'm 46 and live in New Zealand-new to the forum and never even heard of devices that could help stutterers until I read about them here.Can't advice you on there success rate but wish you all the best in finding answers.

[sandra]

Hi Dianne. Lovely to hear from you ! I seem to have got a lot more confident since I've found this site and heard from and read other who have posted comments. This is a great way of sharing experiences. I think I'm going to '' pas '' on investing a lot of money on an electronic device for the time being and try some of the tips that others have said have heplped them first. It's strange, as I can have days when I'm very fluent, then others when i'm struggling all day ! I'm sure it's nothing to do with lack of confidence at the time. Have a good day ! Best wishes Sandra

[catfish1257]

Hello Everyone, I'am 50 years old and have been a stutterer for 42 years. I hope those speech devices work because I hope to get one soon. And I like to know is there a good way to over come stuttering. I'am tired and I can't take it anymore.

[bwelling]

Sandra - welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a lot of experience from points of view that only few could have. You will be a good contributor. As far as stutter devices go. Look into Fluencypal It is a DAT (delayed auditory tech) device that works from a cellphone. Certain Nokia phones will work. I have tried this device. The great thing is it's only $20. check out the site http://www.fluencypal.com/index.html

[Hans]

Hello Everyone, I'am 50 years old and have been a stutterer for 42 years. I hope those speech devices work because I hope to get one soon. And I like to know is there a good way to over come stuttering. I'am tired and I can't take it anymore.

Hi catfish,
Don't know about the mechanical help. In answer to your question:" is there a good way to overcome stuttering?"

There are good ways. I followed one of them, but it probably won't be for you. It takes a lot of work and you are tired already.

[Hans]

It's strange, as I can have days when I'm very fluent, then others when i'm struggling all day ! I'm sure it's nothing to do with lack of confidence at the time. Have a good day ! Best wishes Sandra

Welcome, Sandra.
They gave me my Senior card last year for reaching the ripe old age of 60. A trip by public transport costs me $2.50 all day. I'll have to try it one day soon.

Sandra, you say that you are a confident speaker on most days. Do you maintain eye-contact when you stutter? If not, then you share a lack of self esteem like most PWS. Any and all methods to build up your self-worth bank account will assist you. Come to think of it, I'll make a deposit right now. I love you.

[Dusty]

Hi Sandra - I fall into your category with a thump! (being over sixty) I am using a device called a VoiceAmp at the moment with really good results. I don't use it all the time - it is not a cure, but an aid - when the need arises. It is really good to use on the telephone and one to one conversation. I have yet to have the device calibrated properly and find it sometimes difficult to use in a noisy environment. However I am confident I will overcome this.
It is impossible for anyone to measure the effect your stammer has on you - only you know that, and when I use my VoiceAmp I know that once started I have a very good chance of remaining fluent untill I finish. Magic! and only I know how good it feels!