Posted 2/26/2010 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Background, I suffered from LPR for almost 18 months before being diagnosed. At that time my larynx was terribly inflamed. Within 6 weeks of treatment, the larynx had improved dramatically. What we didn't discover for another 4-5 months was that my trachea was also inflammed and narrowed from the inflammation. At the beginning of the year I under went a brachioscopy where a mass of inflamed tissue was removed and my trachea was dilated. My breathing immediately improved and I was better than I had been for many many months. Four weeks after the procedure I had another CT scan which showed that there was still some tissue sticking out into my trachea causing stenosis. I was referred to a second ENT for consult about the possible need for a tracheal resection. At my first visit, he was a bit unsure about what procedure should be taken, so he put me on steroids for inflammation and then presented my case to his tumor board. At that time, the general consensus of the board was that he had done the right thing and to treat my condition conservatively. At a two week follow up, he scoped and the stenosis is still present. He immediately jumped to wanting to do the resection.
He has referred me to a gastro for analysis as he knows the source needs to be corrected before any surgery or else the surgery is in vein.
What greatly concerns me is that I am still doing extremely well and have noticed no limitations to the current state of the "stenosis". A resection is major surgery which will forever alter my airway. Why the rush to the surgery? If I am having no complications, why cut? I know what "crisis" is like as I lived in that state for months, so if/when I got to that point again, I would know it HAD to be addressed.
Anyone been in a similar situation? I'm confident that it will continue to improve and do not see the need for the surgery at this time.
Looking forward to hearing from many of you!