back to work...2 more wks

[KellyG999]

Hello all my sjs friends. I have been on FMLA for 8 weeks now. I have two more weeks before I have to go back to work. My terrible throat swelling episodes have calmed down but not gone completely. I am tired of seeing doctors and getting my hopes up that something can be found to explain the sudden swelling, choking, dry episodes in my throat, even when I have saliva in my mouth.

I had an MRI to check the tumor on my lower spine. Thankfully, it is not growing. But they did find bulging discs and bone spurs in my neck. The neuro completely dismissed the idea that maybe they are part of my throat issues. I am tempted to get a second opinion on that. Seems suspicious to me.

I am so afraid to go back to work. I hope I don't get as bad as I was before going out. Thanks all for listening. Take care,

KellyG

[Shade]

Hi Kelly,

I have to agree with your neurologist.  What types of docs have you seen for your throat problems?

8 weeks just fly by when you're going to the doc all the time.  Glad you are feeling some better and hope that your return to work goes smoothly.

Take care,

Shade

[KellyG999]

Shade - I have seen my PCP multiple times, as well as 2 ENT's, 2 Rheumatologists, 1 Neurologist and a GI doc.

The most recent ENT was convinced they were panic attacks and prescribed Zoloft. I am on 100 mg a day, mostly to prove him wrong. I have been on it 6 weeks with no change. If anything, I am more depressed and upset than ever. It doesn't help that the short term disability insurance company stopped paying after 4 weeks. I keep calling but they say it is still "under review." Sigh.

[A66eyroad]

Wait. What? An ENT diagnosed you with panic attacks?  Isn't that something a little out of his area of expertise? 

[KellyG999]

I know. I feel so dismissed and misunderstood by the doctors. This same ENT also admitted seeing redness and swelling with the scope. He decided early on I was a type A person with more stress and anxiety than I could handle. My PCP only went along with it as far as allowing the Zoloft because of ho depressed I've been.

[irish]

kelly, I am wondering if you are having muscle spasms in your throat not swelling. It is much easier to see swelling on cat scan, etc but muscle spasms will come and cause the choking feelings and make swallowing difficult.

I would most certainly get a second opinion on those filmsof the neck. The films show things that could cause muscle spasms in your neck and also in your throat. Stop and think about what is happening in your throat. Seems like swelling and spasms could be something that may be hard for a person to differentiate. Good luck. Irish

[Meld256]

Hi Kelly,

Thank goodness the tumor is not growing. In regard to the throat problems, you know irish might have a good point. (as usual) 

I'm so sorry your short term disability has stopped and is under review.  I went through that and it is almost unbelievable that they will stop it when we are obviously ill and not able to work.  Just more stress that you don't need.
I found out these insurance companies are trying to hang onto every cent.  Please make sure you have all your doctors comments and all testing results if you need to fight it.
Keep us posted.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melinda

[KellyG999]

Irish and Melinda - thanks for your kind words and wisdom. You know, it very well could be muscle spasms. I don't know - the doctors don't know. THat's why I've been labeled as an anxiety ahed ttack person. Actually, I have had panic attacks before and I know what they feel like. Usually when I get my throat episodes, I am just doing something routine - not all stressed out and upset. (until the attack hits, then YES, I panic...)

I will look into the spasm idea. My sister has a GI doc who actually diagnosed her with spasms which have narrowed her throat, and had to be stretched out. I'll call that doc today.

KellyG

[gold55]

why does it seem that a lot of people on this forum are on Zoloft for depression?  Is that a better choice for SS people or is that mostly the doctor's first choice for anti-depressants??  I know a lot of these drugs cause dry mouth....does Zoloft have a less drying side effect?

[KellyG999]

Gold55 - love the dog reference on your signature line. My two dogs have been true friends and constant companions since I've been ill.

I am very sensitive to anything that might be drying, but Zoloft has not had that effect. I do have odd/vivid dreams and my pain meds are not working.

I believe Zoloft was selected for me since my ENT suspected anxiety and panic were causing my symptoms. Guess what? No effect - just as I told him. I know what anxiety feels like.