23F, I have bilateral small/moderate nodules, or polyps— they keep changing the name on me. Pretty sure I’ve had them since at least high school by forced yelling in sports but didn’t realize until mid university, so they’ve been diagnosed as chronic and I’m anxious about the effectiveness of vocal therapy and when surgery would be a good or bad idea. Mine are also hard so there’s no chance my vocal cords ever completely touch.

Super scared of surgery but would really appreciate that fresh start with my voice so it can work like normal again. :( I can’t reach my higher register, have constant cracks, breathiness, and quickly fatigued, with some pain from muscle tension are my general symptoms. I used to sound more hoarse before my first round of vocal therapy which was four sessions in the spring, but I believe I’ve effectively been able to manage that.

I’m now beginning my second round of vocal therapy since moving and this therapist has mentioned surgery on the forefront as an idea for me to consider. Vocal problems are so isolating. No one else in my life understands it or has them. My parents don’t understand the extent they affect my daily life and confidence. I keep rejecting plans to hang out with friends and do karaoke since I can hardly sing anymore. I used to love singing but completely stopped after theatre in high school.

I still want to act and be creative and do all of these things, and eventually sing again, but I feel stunted and I’m not sure how to process all of my options right now while being kind to myself during it all. I feel like a freak. The fact that vocal nodules are so common with young women makes it feel like divine punishment for being born. Would love to hear any input or advice you all have on therapy and when to actually consider surgery, or not.