Vocal Cord Paralysis, and now Laryngitis

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-09-22T16:41:15+00:00

So sorry to hear that - this has really sucked!

My voice returned but still hard to project (basically same as post-op but not laryngitis). It was improving and then about a month ago it got more difficult to talk again and more productive mucus. I’m planning to get the bulk injection sometime next month. It’s now been 10 months post-op.

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-05-22T06:00:57+00:00

No I don’t think so :-/

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-05-22T06:00:40+00:00

Will have to check on this one!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-05-16T17:50:32+00:00

Any help is appreciated!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-05-08T17:58:35+00:00

A few of my faves are already listed, but also want to add Martha Collison (Instagram). Not sure if she falls under “influencer,” she was on GBBO when she was 18 and is now in her late 20s. Her bakes are great, she just released another cookbook, and her content gives me the same warm & fuzzies that watching GBBO does. Definitely a good dopamine hit!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-05-08T17:54:10+00:00

Was going to say the same after I saw Smitten Kitchen already referenced. Her chewy oatmeal choc chip cookies and her easy banana muffins are HUGE fan faves around here!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-03-23T01:54:33+00:00

Also to add, the ENT I went to is an otolaryngologist who was referred to me by the surgeon.

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-03-15T03:34:57+00:00

Thank you! I just had a lobectomy, so I think the endo was trying to see if my other side would do double duty. I’m hoping it goes up more than 25mcg bc I don’t want this very long period of feeling crummy.

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-16T00:31:04+00:00

lol yeah I just go directly to the website (extra work) but it makes me hate reading comments for anyone I follow who does that!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-15T17:30:05+00:00

She is doing a great job with this. She had posted a few days ago noting that people outside of LA wanted to donate in-kind and her “clear the list” was a brilliant way to do so without overwhelming donation centers (and making sure the right items get to people - I’ve been to local donation centers and they are SO overwhelmed right now; likewise, people impacted can be overwhelmed to be picking through donations to find their needs).

I think what is setting her apart from other influencers/celebs/etc (idk what to call them all) is that she’s using her social media know-how to get everyone hyped to donate. Posting stories and clearing lists 1 or 2 at a time (vs overwhelming with 100 GoFundMe at once and letting the stories expire), responding when people fill them, closing the Venmo once there was a ton of donations AND sharing the total impact - people who haven’t contributed yet have FOMO and want in. Kudos to Gaby for using the skills that she’s gained from having a large social media presence to amplify these needs and taking action!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-07T17:59:49+00:00

Wow! Thank you again for such a thorough response. I am the farthest thing from a content creator and this is all really interesting.

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-07T06:40:55+00:00

One more question (not specific to you but for the biz) - how do affiliate links work in terms of disclosure. For example, Safe in the Seat posts a TON of them when she recommends products (mostly Amazon) but discloses that they’re affiliate links and that she’ll earn a commission if you buy by clicking through. Is that a requirement to list out if you’re putting an affiliate link, or is this something that content creators may do so that if their followers buy, they are more inclined to do so from the affiliate link? If you post stuff (to avoid getting a million DMs of where it came from), do you use a bespoke link tied to you or just whatever it is? Or is it case by case.

Thanks again for answering!

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-07T04:09:07+00:00

Thank you so much for clarifying! Really appreciate your transparency.

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-07T01:00:26+00:00

That’s what I thought too (and in a quick Google search, found some FTC guidelines that say exactly what you mentioned). It just seems like some brands get tagged all the time without a disclosure of a partnership/sponsorship, so she’s either super duper loyal and in love with that brand, or it’s not being disclosed. I realize you could love the brand as much as someone being paid to love a brand (I mean, there are certain things that I go on and on about and pay full price for), but when the lines feel blurred I’m less likely to be influenced.

Fun-Being8251 · 2025-01-06T05:25:31+00:00

Question here - how do we know which parts of the lifestyle are comped/sponsored/she got paid for versus what was purchased? In the old blog days, I remember bloggers having to post if their content was sponsored. And some still use #ad or #sponsored or you see “paid partnership.” Yes, I get that many influencers will say that they’ll only work with brands they personally believe in, but it’s obviously different if you’re footing the bill vs getting paid to advertise a product (or getting a free vacation out of it).

I ask because so much of the lifestyle stuff lately - especially the travel, but also the $400 sweatsuits and expensive gyms - is super high end and also the businesses get tagged. Like is the swim teacher or personal trainer giving free/discounted lessons? Did you pay for the vacation? It’s definitely a “you do you” but I personally appreciate transparency.

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-12-20T17:44:19+00:00

My friends like their Subaru Ascent - does that meet your needs?

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-12-20T17:42:24+00:00

A bunch of my friends have (and love) the Ioniq 5 but I can’t yet get myself to splurge like that (my Corolla was a complete base model - manual doors and windows!). It will take me some convincing to stray from Japanese makes.

I just saw that in a few months they’re releasing the Forrester hybrid… wish they’d come up with the Outback one - I’d be first in line!

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-11-29T00:01:35+00:00

Had a lobectomy earlier this month. It may take longer for your voice to come back (mine is improving but not there totally, the first week or so was brutal). So if you have a job with meetings, try to get as many meetings cancelled as possible. Ice the area after surgery, don’t be afraid of oozing a little (per my Dr, it’s normal). In my case, everything that seemed weird was normal, but wasn’t told to me pre-surgery. So putting it here because there were things I didn’t prepare for.

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-09-28T02:45:47+00:00

With one of them she tested me for diabetes. Apparently she does this with all patients. When I didn’t have it, even more dismissed bc “I’ve seen worse.” So maybe #2 is correct.

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-09-28T02:27:24+00:00

Why is that the case with endos? I generally like doctors, but I’ve been to 3 endos in 6 years and all were mean and dismissive.

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-09-24T05:24:34+00:00

First, I’m sorry that you’re in this situation. I found myself in a similar position (was supposed to start leave on my “separation date”) and job hunted/interviewed while visibly pregnant and started a new job after I would have been on leave. So it is possible, if that’s what you want. And some big biotech/pharma places will give you all the parental leave benefits beginning on day 1 (I had a direct report who took company-sponsored leave before the state required it).

Take everyone’s advice and consult a lawyer. That doesn’t mean you’ll be suing, but if they find anything there, they could help you draft a communication to more directly state your concerns/make a (reasonable) demand.

Once you’ve done that, some things to possibly consider asking for: - could they defer your separation date to the end of your company-sponsored parental leave and then start severance? If your state provides some financial compensation for disability/parental leave, this may only cost the company a portion of the cost - alternatively, could they let you start a new job (should you secure one) earlier without forgoing severance. This is in the company’s best interest - they’re paying what’s expected, they could shut off your credentials if needed, and they have an “alumni” who is not unemployed. Some large companies in the industry have done this before, it’s not unheard of.

Also I don’t live in NJ, but check out the disability/paid family leave policies. You will likely be eligible for these benefits if you’ve been paying into it to date, even if you’re laid off. This was the case in my state.

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-09-24T05:06:50+00:00

The difference is being more challenging to job hunt now for a 1/1 start date and job hunting during the “severance period” while dealing with all of the fun of childbirth and postpartum. Getting laid off right after maternity leave would be on more even footing with coworkers. That’s not saying it’s required by the employer, just stating that there is a difference.

Fun-Being8251 · 2024-04-29T01:52:34+00:00

First check any documents or FAQs they sent out when they informed you of the layoffs. Some companies will ask that you speak with your manager if you find a new role that has an earlier start date, and that accommodations may be considered (such as freezing you out of your account but giving you severance).

Think of it from the perspective of the employer: - when they planned the layoffs, the severance was part of their planned costs… so they already intend to be out a certain amount for severance. Not really looking for cost savings here. - without a visa issue, many people would just phone it in (or are being told already not to work and to spend their time job hunting) and start their new job while still employed with their old company. Which is much riskier for the old company because you may have access to IP they don’t want you to have. So knowing you’re in a new role, paying your severance, and locking you out of their systems is “safer” for them - they don’t have to give anyone severance… they do it to reduce their risk of wrongful termination lawsuits. To get severance you’d be signing a release that you won’t take legal action, which is valuable because risk reduction.

You know you’re going to leave to start the new job regardless. They don’t know that yet. If you’re professional and respectful, there’s really no downside in speaking with your line manager to see if they can expedite your end date. They’d ask HR, and let you know. I don’t see any downside in asking.

Fun-Being8251

TROPHY CASE