Karen,
I had the surgery 10 years ago, it took a long time to get to the point of agreeing to the surgery, but the story is exactly like yours. I was out of work for 6 months before doing the surgery.
To answer your questions:
1. How long before you returned to work?
1 week
2. Any problems with your voice after?
None what so ever
3. Breathing or swallowing problems?
None what so ever
4. How long did it take to feel "yourself" again?
This is the one that got me – I did not do the proper follow up so for me it took over a year, with a lot of complication. I urge you to get the proper follow up. If so you should be back to yourself in a matter of weeks.
5. When did your energy return?
About 2 weeks
6. Do you feel any improvement in your moods?
Completely myself again.
7. Did you start looking forward to things again?
All the time.
