A Grateful Patient

This middle aged man was under the care of the department of gastroenterology at a major university here in Michigan for over four years when we met last year. I spoke to the local sleep apnea support group in Battle Creek, Michigan; he was in attendance because he was intolerant of his C-PAP. He now controls his GERD with a single daily dose of medication, wears his nasal C-PAP all night, every night and no longer develops nausea at the smell of fatty foods cooking as he had for years. He moved away two weeks after the removal of his gall bladder thus I wanted to know how things worked out. His situation indicates how crucial attention to detail is when confronted with multiple symptoms involving multiple systems.

Dr Barrett:

Thank you for your calls to check up on my progress. It seems unbelievable to think that my asthma symptoms have disappeared since removing the gall bladder. My new pulmonologist here in Ohio cannot accept that in my recent past I have had a full asthma diagnosis. Furthermore, I have not experienced the larynx spasms or laryngitis. This is the first winter in at least ten years that I have not had multiple bouts of pneumonia and bronchitis.

My first introduction to the concept of possible connection between my chronic sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, asthma, and esophageal reflux came to me through the sleep center physician and staff in Battle Creek, MI. After consultations with Dr Barrett, extensive reading and serious consideration of his recommendations, I accepted his proposed therapies. After several months of increasing and decreasing pharmaceuticals and laboratory testing, it was determined that my gall bladder was diseased and my team of medical professionals fully agreed that a cholecystectomy was necessary. Within a few months the asthmatic symptoms have dramatically diminished and my pulmonologist ordered that I totally discontinue the use of Symbacort.

Prior to the above discoveries I restricted my attendance in most all public gathering places and especially encountering fragrances, humid environments, any firesides, and airborne particles. In addition to sleep disorders and respiratory dysfunctions, to mention a few, I have cardio-vascular disease, celiac spru disease, degenerative bone disease, and minneres disease. It seemed very remote that I might find relief for my newest of diagnosis, asthma but I am delighted with my results to date. Furthermore, it has been a pleasure to work with Dr Barrett and his staff.



Sincerely,

Richard G.