Celebrating 3 Years Fully Natural and Today laryngitis Free

3 years fully natural since Big Chop in December 2008 ( see BC pic below)

I had such a Merry Christmas!  Especially after I got over a bout of laryngitis! 

I came down with laryngitis a week before Christmas after battling cold symptoms the week before.  It started as a head cold with allergy symptoms.  I was sneezing, had a runny nose and an itchy throat.  I then decided to go to the gym work out early the next morning.  I washed my hair, went out with it damp and the rest is history.  Yep, laryngitis a few days later.  If anyone reading this knows my family, just don't tell my parents that I went out with damp hair.  OMG! I'm grown but there are some things that I don't mention to my parents.  They would still be talking to me about how that's just not a wise idea.  (I'm not saying that damp hair causes colds, as I know people who wet their curls daily all winter in Chicago, but I'm not typically one to wet thoroughly in the a.m in cool weather.  Let's just say that I won't be doing that again, as my body with open pores can't handle it.  To each their own, as I said before some people can deal with it just fine.  As for me, I'm sticking to a light mist of condish and water from my spray bottle on cold mornings).

Anyways, just to break down laryngitis, it's caused by a virus.  Laryngitis is basically inflammation of the voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection.  The vocal folds become inflamed or irritated, which leads to swelling.  It also causes voice distortions such as hoarseness or total loss of voice.  My symptoms included fever, body aches, a bad cough, a painful feeling of having a lump in my throat and pain when swallowing.  I had a hoarse voice for 3 days and no voice for 2 days, and then a squeaky voice for a few days.  I was in shock when my doctor gave me the diagnosis after ruling out strep.  She said call me if you don't feel better within 14 days.  No meds!!!  When I asked her if she could give me anything, she said "no, it's a virus and should clear in 7-14 days with the return of my voice.  She recommended that I get some rest, rest my voice, use an humidifier to add moisture to the air, and drink lots of fluids.  I thank God that my voice was audible on Christmas day after vocal rest.  I tried my best not to do excessive throat clearing no matter how much mucous I had.  I also prepared teaspoons of honey with a squeeze of lemon juice which helped to soothe my throat and made me forget the pain of swallowing for the moment.  Heck I even tried swallowing apple cider vinegar in water ( a natural rememdy that I saw online).  That remedy might work for some, however it did nothing for my symptoms.

When communicating, I used a combination of sign language  and many gestures with my hubby and children and also used paper to write down notes.  My children frequently stated the following when I used sign language (Mom I know that you made us take a sign language class, but it would help us understand you if we remembered any of it) LOL!  So I relied mainly on gestures and writing.  I really got to get a double dose of how important it is to have a method of communication.  I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist and work with clients daily to help improve communication skills.  The past few weeks, I really got to put my own techniques to use.  I thank God for a voice and for alternative methods of communication.

Back to hair, I'm celebrating 3 years completely natural!  I big chopped in December 2008 down to 6 inches of natural hair.  Now it's  December 2011 and my hair has grown to APL (arm pit length) in some areas and BSL (bra strap length) in other areas.  A few days ago, I had it blow dried on warm air, ends trimmed, and flat ironed.  The stylist asked what I do to maintain my ends.  I responded " I mainly wear my hair curly with minimal heat". He only took about an inch off, and I should have told him that I hadn't trimmed my hair since February 2011.  It's been 10 months since my last trim.   I'd say I did good at maintaining length without excessive trimming this year.   I've been wrapping my hair at night to maintain the look, and my curls are still holding on the ends.  I can't wait to see what 2012 holds if I've reached max length or if there's more to grow!

Afro Puff few days after Big Chop in December 2008

Here's to great hair, a great year, and great communication!

Just curious:  Do any of you wet your hair thoroughly in the mornings in cold climates and temperatures?