It was 9 years ago that I took advice from a friend to go to a throat doctor. What I found out was I had a polyp on my vocal chord. I had to have surgery. I thought I was not going to do what I love. In the past, I did not take care of my voice. I was drinking, not warming up, yelling and screaming. With the help of a great voice teacher and therapist, my voice is now stronger and better than before. I will never forget that day. I have changed my habits. I stop drinking sodas and coffee. I stay away from dairy from products only when I am singing. I drink lots of water and vocalize for 20 minutes everyday. This has made my voice stronger and made the singing very easy. Take care of your voice.