It started with an ear infection. I developed a rash during the course of the meds for it (stopped taking the meds). Got the flu, infection went into my sinuses, doc thought my rash looked viral. Gave me augmentin. Had a dangerous reaction, got more sinus meds. Started coughing a lot, an asthmatic type cough my doc and I thought. He gave me abuterol. Cough got worse, and would get kicked off by smells...sitting in church became very difficult for me. I began to have to wear charcoal masks just to get through church. It got worse and worse, and I got more and more sensitive...my throat hurt a lot. And being kept out of crowds and church really bothered me!
One day I just broke down crying. But later that week, I found out I didn't have asthma after all, but a problem with my vocal cords having spasms that mimic asthma. I also had developed a fungal infection in my throat which was keeping everything irritated. And even though I had tested negative on an allergy screen, my main doc said that with all the deep itchiness I was feeling in my throat and ears, I no doubt was reacting to something, and he put me on allegra.
I stopped the abuterol, started sucking on cough drops and chewing gum for my throat, and learned a breathing technique that would stop the spasms. In less than 2 wks, I was back in church, with no masks able to breathe. It felt like a miracle to me!
I still get itchy in the throat and ears, but then I take an allergy pill, and the spasms haven't flared back up since.
Urgent prayer request from FReeper GretchenM:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1773590/posts
Thou art my everlasting Portion. Thy mercy endureth forever, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.