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Five years before correct Diagnosis.
2-25-98
It all began during the summer of 1992.
After suffering years with gastritis and not knowing what gastritis actually was, I was
stricken with a sudden feeling of throat irritation and impending doom. I was taken to the
closest emergency room where they felt I had acute Epiglottitis and was life flighted to
the Presbyterian University Hospital of Pittsburgh. Now for a person at the young old age
of 30 this was pretty dramatic. I was evaluated then released after undergoing several
tests. One including a fiber optic exam. The final diagnosis was sinusitis along with
gastritis. I was placed on antibiotics and Tagamet and released. This was the beginning of
a long and frustrating road to recovery. I continued to have throat irritation along with
shortness of breath. I was seen by a Pulmonologist who diagnosed me with mod/severe
asthma. With my history of allergies and having had a grandfather who suffered with
asthma, this seemed plausible. However, pulmonary functions tests were within normal
range. I did undergo a barium test (upper GI) to evaluate the gastritis which was
inconclusive at the time. Over the 2-3 yrs I had seen several doctors for the same
recurring complaint (shortness of breath and a feeling of something stuck in my throat). I
went to an ear nose and throat doctor who stated I needed endoscopic nasal surgery for my
polyps and felt this could be causing some of the throat tightness. I then proceeded with
the surgery. Another 1-2yrs passed with the same symptoms. I was treated several times
with Prednisone and put on several daily inhalers for asthma. The doctors then informed me
that I had asthma and would need these medicines to control my symptoms and must learn to
live with it!!! I was following all the instructions given by my docs, checking peak flows
daily (which always stayed in the normal ranges)and was becoming more depressed and
frustrated.
The year now was 1996 and I had just bought a computer for my children. I had an Internet
service (aol) and started searching for answers. I started joining in weekly chats and
corresponding with several people from the asthma support group. I learned that (which I
always thought) this wasn’t typical of true asthma. I then learned about a Hospital
in Denver Colorado, National Jewish, which specialized in asthma. October of 1996 I was
evaluated and underwent extensive tests which showed I had severe gastric reflux disease
and very, very mild asthma. They performed a 24 hour probe which confirmed the reflux. I
was then started on Prilosec and told to take this for 3 months. If my symptoms did not
improve I should be evaluated by a Gastroenterologist. After being on the Prilosec and
modifying my diet, I felt somewhat better, but not completely. I then saw a
Gastroenterologist and had the battery of tests which confirmed I had severe reflux
disease and Barrett's Esophagus from long term reflux. I learned that the asthma symptoms
were coming from the reflux. At this time my medications were changed. I was given
Prevacid which helped considerably, but did not get rid of the symptoms completely. The
long and short of my story is to make sure you find a doctor who is thorough and
persistent in searching for a solution. I had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery this fall
(Oct 1997) and am presently off of all medications. I am now on a regular diet and no
longer suffer from the shortness of breath and throat irritations. I am just upset that
this wasn’t properly diagnosed back in 1992.
Well that's my story and if it prevents anyone from going down the same path then I am
glad I took the time to write it. I would just like to conclude that my reflux symptoms
weren't heartburn, like in the past, but included shortness of breath, throat tightness
and nausea.