What is the name of your state? Nebraska. I had a total thyroidectomy for multidodular goiters and difficulty swallowing in December 2007. The general surgeon that performed the surgery told me he was going to use a special ET tube to monitor my nerves during surgery. After the surgery I found out he changed his mind and did not use this special tube. I have bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. I went to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor two months ago (March) to confirm this. My voice is soft and whispery, I have difficulty doing much in the way of activity related to shortness of breath. The first three months after surgery I was VERY whispery, it has gotten better but is far from normal. I can not sing, have trouble talking on a cell phone and hard of hearing people cant hear me. I cant raise my voice at all and certain words, letters are impossible to say. The ENT actually recommended I consider a tracheostomy if my shortness of breath does not improve. They are recommending that I wait 5-6 months to see if it comes back and then get another evaluation. Is there a limitation on the time I would have to pursue litigation on the surgeon that performed the surgery if I continue to wait? Do I even have a case or is this just an adverse outcome to surgery? I dont know if I should continue to wait or see an attorney now? Thanks for any direction. Peteys Mom