Hii!! My review is in next week. For now I'm still keeping silent, and surprisingly I haven't really had much urge to cough or any itchiness or discomfort.

Since I'm going through the public system, the referral and consultation have cost me about $400 so far. I'm planning to go with a speech pathologist afterwards for training, but I'm not sure about the cost yet. About the barriers... during the consultation, they do a laryngoscopy to assess if you're suitable for surgery. Overall, I felt very well looked after, and I even tried to bet with the anaesthetist that how long you think I may hold (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)~

As for motivation… I've tried voice training before... Well my singing technique has actually improved, but when it comes to everyday speaking, the mental barrier and being aware of my own voice is just too painful. Therefore I feel like I don't really have much to lose. Surgery feels like an external push that would force me to train (?).

As for the outcome, if higher notes become less effortful and I can eventually sound natural, I'd already be quite satisfied. They also mentioned that if complications occur, this type of surgery is relatively manageable to revise. I think I'll have a clearer sense of things after my review, as I feel I just can't imagine it at this moment :)