Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley has finally found her voice after a nearly two-year silence due to a partially paralyzed vocal cord. The partially paralyzed vocal cord condition left her unable to speak above a whisper for over 18 months, causing her to withdraw from social functions and turn down job offers.
Williams-Paisley was diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia, a condition where the muscles in her neck tense up to help her vocal cords hit each other. The diagnosis led to a year-long journey of physical therapy, medication, and alternative treatments, including antidepressants, hypnosis, and even an astrologer.
Despite her efforts, her voice still didn’t return until she underwent a medialization laryngoplasty surgery in August, which successfully moved her weak left vocal cord closer to the right. Immediately following the surgery, her voice was back, and she has since returned to work hosting the reality show “Farmer Wants a Wife.”
Williams-Paisley credits her husband Brad, 52, and their two boys for being supportive during her ordeal, as well as her experience working at The Store, a non-profit grocery store they opened together in 2020. She also attributes her newfound voice to her regular meditation practice and doing vocal warm-ups.
The actress has learned valuable lessons from her experience, including the importance of using her voice and not taking it for granted. “I feel empowered now,” she says. “I don’t want to leave things unsaid. I never want to take my voice for granted — and I want to be brave in using it.”
Source: https://people.com/kimberly-williams-paisley-opens-up-about-2-years-she-could-not-speak-exclusive-8762266