Introduction

My name is Kelly and this is my journey towards good health.

My issues started around January 1, 2013, when I started having light, cramping abdominal pain near my bellybutton. This progressed to random abdominal pain, which would go to any quadrant, and sometimes went to my back. Never severe, just annoying. Soon, I found myself unable to eat much at once without getting insanely bloated. Constipation and..the opposite were also perpetually present.

On the evening of February 2, I coughed and suddenly developed a tight, swollen feeling in my throat. This feeling makes it hard for me to breathe (feel like I'm unable to), eat (can no longer eat solids), and even drinking makes me feel like I'm going to drown. I have an irritating cough and a constant flow of burps.

I saw six different medical practitioners in a four-day period. My throat issue has been diagnosed as a neck strain, throat muscle strain, and GERD (varying diagnoses, all with varying treatment plans). I have been prescribed steroids, acid reducers, and muscle relaxants--none of which I can actually take, due to my swallowing issues.

None of the doctors I have seen seem to take me seriously, and none of them gave me a definitive diagnosis. I went to an ENT specialist, a GI specialist, two nurse practitioners, and a registered nurse. Heartbreakingly, I used to have the most amazing physician--but she stopped practicing two months ago.

You find me, now, searching for answers. What could it be? Could it be some kind of tense muscle in my neck or throat? Could it be acid reflux? Could it be LRD, the "silent" reflux? A hiatal hernia? Ulcer? Something else entirely? My endoscopy is scheduled for the 27th, and until then, I will continue trying to take whatever treatments that I can. I will not stop until a doctor takes me seriously, and I absolutely refuse to live with this problem, which is currently impeding my life in a massive way.

The abdominal pain is waning, because I no longer eat more than 300-400 calories per day. But, I am going to be scheduled for a HIDA scan to check for gallbladder issues, and I am also going to insist on a barium swallow or eating study to see if I do have some kind of muscle problem now, preventing me from eating.

The posts in this blog, therefore, will be focused on my journey towards a healthier, pain-free life, and the tests and office visits that I will endure in the meantime. If you have any questions, advice, or just want to make yourself known, please feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. I heartily encourage this blog to be a place for people who have gone through these issues, are currently going through these issues, or in general are interested in topics of healthcare.

Until then,
K