Croaky sound even though I'm not sick

Hi Camille

 I've been sick with a sore throat for about a month now and I've been resting - with no singing for a month - my throat is no long sore and I'm feeling comfortable making sounds (not head vocie yet because for some reason that seems to have gone for good) but its sort of like croaky and phlegmy at the same time e.g. when I try to do an exercise like a beginners level 1 or 2 warm up (yours and Abram's lessons). Given I feel much better and my voice has come back - including my clear speaking voice - do you know why croakiness comes on when I try to do warm ups? The croakiness stays away with lip trills and humming and that's about all - but as soon as I sing a note I sound like Patty and/or Selma Bouvier from The Simpsons. There's no strain or pain though. I pray this isn't permanent - any advice? 

Hi, Seann! So sorry to hear you've been sick, but glad the sore throat has subsided!

It's a great sign that you're achieving clear tone with lip trills and humming. My recommendation is to stick with gentle exercises like those for the time being. The voice can take a frustratingly long time to recover after illness sometimes, unfortunately. I'd ease into singing "open vowels" (if possible) by starting an exercise on a hum or lip trill and then repeating the exercise on a narrow vowel like OO or EE, or opening up to the vowel halfway through the exercise. 

If this hoarseness lasts, it's definitely worth bringing up to your doctor! The rule of thumb is: hoarseness for 2+ weeks (without illness) warrants asking your doctor about. 

I'm not a doctor, but you've got a lot of positive signs pointing toward recovery: clear speaking voice, no pain, and clear tone during semi-closed exercises!

Thanks! 

Sure thing!