Subglottic stenosis...

[aut4315]

I've had an excess of mucus in my throat for the past two years.  I have felt like I can't get enough air and get winded easily. The last 6 months, I've started coughing it up (yuck). I went to several ENT and came up with nothing. They tried to give me acid reflux medicine, inhalers, allergy medicine, and even speech therapy to help with my breathing.  Finally, I went to a new dr. She did a laryngoscopy on me and found out I had subglottic stenosis (narrowing of the throat). What's the surgery like and how long is the recovery?



This discussion is related to Excessive Thick Mucous in Throat-- HELP!!!.

[flmngjn718]

Welcome to my world! I am going in for my 3rd surgery for subglottic stenosis this month(since 2006).  A couple of years before my first surgery, I had symptoms of asthma, "what is wrong with me?", I kept thinking. I'd went to pulmonologist, allergist, you name it. Finally a SMART lung dr, figured out I had blockage in my throat, sent me to a specialist ENT in Madison, Wi. and I had my first surgery due to subglottic stenosis and probably related to acid refulx. I was really bad the first time, barely could do anything. Surely you've went online and seen pictures and pictures from the dr's office if they stuck the tube down  your throat they will show you visions of your throat and how closed up it's getting??? Yes, been there, done that and it's getting old and annoying.  So, I'm going in for #3 in a couple weeks. The first surgery was laser, outpatient, sore throat a couple days, and your somewhat back to normal. Mine too was supposedly related to acid reflux, HOWEVER, I rarely have symptoms of this heartburn they speak of so I've been untrusting that it's truly this reason. I'm now on and have been 40 mg Priolosec 2x day. Not sure it's working but I'd think with all these drugs I wouldn't keep getting blockage. To say the least, I'm going to see a gastroenterologist after my surgery to see if he will do an endoscopy and determine how acidic/damaged my esophagus(if anything).  For the most part I don't feel much for heartburn.  

The second surgery was balloon, about 3 days or so and a sore throat, put an ice pack on, outpatient. There is no incision, it's all outpatient.  There are invasive surgeries for this type of problem, however, my specialist said there is no guarantee they will work any better and the recovery is much longer.  This 3rd surgery I'm chosing balloon again, it'll be a little larger this time 18mm instead of 14mm(for what that's worth I don't know making the hole larger and hopefully last longer).  

Not sure that helped all that much but that's what I've been through so far. I wish my surgery would at least last longer than a year and up to 5 years. Everyone is different and the surgery you have, might last longer. You can shoot me an email if you want to discuss anything more or if I can help in anyway. I, too, am still looking for answers.

Take Care