You May Think A Cough Is A Cough But I Have A Story For You

I went to my family physician in November of 2000, with a terrible cough. I was diagnosed with bronchitis, prescribed an antibiotic and cough suppressant, scheduled an appointment to be seen again in ten days. With no relief, I returned to the doctor. I was given a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. The doctor said I had a bad case of bronchitis, should only last three weeks. I was prescribed a stronger antibiotic; a steroidal inhaler and prednisone cough pearls.

This continued through December, with no relief. I was coughing all day and night. I started having a lot of pain in my ribs and neck. I returned to the doctor and was told I had pulled some muscles in my neck and probably bruised some ribs from coughing so hard. I was sent home with pain medication, Tylenol w/codeine. On Christmas day, I was in so much pain I couldn�t move. I returned to the doctor on the 26th of December and was admitted to the hospital for chronic cough, severe neck and rib pain.

I had numerous test done including: bronchoscope w/biopsy, blood test, MRI of the head, EMG, x-rays of the chest, bronchoesophagoscopy, MRI of the body, barium swallow, ct scan, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and x-ray of my ribs, which I had fractured a few from the cough. All six of these tests came back with no problems. I was sent home after three days with a list of prescriptions to be taken. Including: Prednisone, Priloserc, Tessalon Pearls, Robitussin w/codeine, Motrin 600 mg. Tilade inhaler, Nebulizer machine every four hours with two different meds for that. At this point I am now taking eight different prescriptions and still coughing. I have now seen every doctor possible, my family physician, a Heart and Lung specialist, a Neurologist and Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and a Gastroenterologist. I continued to see these doctors through March of 2001, continuing to take all the prescribed medications. The end of March I chose to quit taking all medications and just live with the cough.

In June, I took my daughter to the doctor for a physical. The doctor could not believe I was still coughing. At this point, I asked the doctor if I could have an allergy to something, which was causing my cough. He then referred me to an allergist. (I thought that I had seen all of the doctors possible) I went to the allergist and had several more tests done, including: needle sticks in my back (about 60), injections in my back for a more thorough allergy test (about 45), AND a breathing tests. I did have several allergies, but not one could pinpoint the cough and the breathing test came back fine. I was put on allergy and asthma medicine, two pills, a nose spray, and an inhaler and back on a nebulizer machine with two medications every four hours. I saw this doctor for six weeks and she referred me to another ear, nose, & throat specialist. I scheduled an appointment with this doctor last week in September and was given yet another sinus scan, which came back fine. He prescribed medrol dos pack for seven days and Tylenol w/codeine, scheduled an appointment for the following week to discuss a sinus surgery procedure with me. I explained I was getting married and would contact the doctor when I returned from my honeymoon to have the procedure.

On October 1st, I had an appointment with AlignLife; my sister had referred me to them. I was given an exam and x-rays to return on October 3rd to review the x-rays. On October 3rd, just ten days before my wedding day, I was given an adjustment for a subluxation in my neck, to be seen two days later.

I returned to the office on October 5th with no cough at all. I feel like a new person. On October 13th I had a beautiful wedding and I was able to say my vows without a cough and my doctor was there to witness it along with my husband, family and friends who all thank him for coming into my life and giving me this miracle. For the first time in eleven months, I am without a cough.

Although the cost of my medical bills and prescriptions totaled close to $20,000 two things that upset me the most was, all the medications that went through my body needlessly, the length of time I was on them and the surgical procedure the doctor wanted to do on my sinuses, which was not necessary.

I am truly grateful to AlignLife.

Thank you, for your continued medical attention and support.

Sincerely,

Anna M Fitzgerald