Interesting reading. I'm currently suffering with congestion and all the yuk that goes with it. I'm already conciously resisting the throat clearance that seems necessary and I'm off for another glass of water.
Craig, you still haven't indicated your age range...but whatever it is good luck with your recovery. Somewhere along the way you need to relax into delivering songs, as indicated above, and if you have to get used to a different range I'm sure you will still enjoy singing.
H.