@arandompenguin, have you had an ENT do a nasal endoscopy where you make sounds while the camera is near the vocal cords? I was so resistant to believe my shortness of breath could be related to the vocal cords, yet that is what the problem is! After having a tracheotomy, I can finally breathe. Of course, my problem of bilaterally paralyzed vocal cords may not be yours, but it may benefit you to check out your vocal cords. A person can still eat, drink and speak with many vocal cord problems. Also, the majority of vocal cord problems can be solved without having a tracheotomy. Best wishes to you.