Kendall, When I had vocal problems a few year ago (sounds as if yours could be similar, I hope so 'cause mine turned out fine) the surgeon and technician told me people have actually learned to sing with that flexible scope up the nose and down the throat. Makes it possible to watch your vocal folds on TV in real time.Some of us narcissists are easily entertained.
They also told me that videotapes of celebrity voiceboxes tend to circulate among their colleagues. I never thought to demand royalties for mine. Maybe its not too late for you to offset some expenses ?
Seriously, I got through three laser surgeries with no problems (and pretty modest recovery times). I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but it works.
What I would suggest (others may have thoughts on this) are two things:
1) If you aren't dealing with malignancy, check out alternatives to more surgery. I think I owe my recent painless singing to speech therapy and staying hydrated, not to the surgeries;
2) Personally, I would (and did) avoid the old-style "scraping" of the "vocal cords" with a surgical tool at all costs. That technique - which an HMO did try to sell me on not that long ago - has trashed voices.
As with everyone else, my thoughts are with you. Let us know how you are doing. God bless.
- George ::-.--O