A.  Problem

B.  Problem lingers

C.  Problem disappears

That’s me and my esophagus.  It might be as long as a year that I’ve had swallowing problems.  And lots of belching.  Certain foods seeming dangerous, such as popcorn and pizza.  Getting a stomach medication from my doctor and hearing him say to eat slowly and drink lots of water.

At one point I asked Dr. Lagae if I could choke in my sleep and die.  He assured me that the gag reflex would prevent that from happening.

It’s been a long journey … of discomfort and fear

Many months ago, a gastroenterologist put a “snake” down my throat and looked around.  He saw some constriction in the esophagus but no major problem.

But the problem got worse.

So Dr. Cesmeli did it again about four weeks ago, this time under general anaesthetic, thank God.  Lo and behold, he found a fungus growing on the tube.

“I have a medication that should fix you up in a week or two.”

No real change after a week and then I headed to London, armed with my Nilstat liquid.  I finished the meds on Thursday, November 14, just as the Rouleur Live cycling convention was starting.  The beauties of London life had taken over my soul.

***

I woke up this morning with assorted thoughts … but one was shining:

It’s gone!

No more trying to swallow every minute or so.  In London I hadn’t been eating particularly slowly or drinking a lot of water.  I can’t remember burping much.

I hadn’t noticed

My year-long struggle disappeared and I was too busy with other stuff to see.  But today I’m celebrating.  I want vibrant good health to be my normal, not some body upset. 

I guess my age has a lot to do with symptoms here and symptoms there.  Oh well.  Comes with the territory.  But it’s important that I cheer for the victories.  So …

Yay!