November 12, 2008

Dr. Tano Welch,

As you are aware, I had suffered with a very persistent, wracking and almost paralyzing cough for 5 years prior to seeing you.  I had been to numerous doctors, including pulmonologists, allergists, etc. in three different states; but to no avail.  They seemed to focus on treating my symptoms (post nasal drip, cough, allergies, etc.)  with medications, but not looking at the underlying causes.  I have been on heavy doses of prednisone and every antihistamine, decongestant, inhaler; cough medication, nasal spray and antibiotic on the market.  I most recently was told I had Reactive Airway Inflammatory Disease (RAID); and I should just avoid anything that would make me cough-and continue to use antihistamines; allergy meds, inhalers and codeine cough medication.  Unfortunately I continued to cough all the time-cold weather, moist weather, cleaning products, smoke, talking, laughing etc.- all made me cough, and when the coughing got really bad, I would vomit.  How attractive!

This made it impossible to hold a job, as talking made me cough.  I couldn’t be out in public as smoking and auto exhaust made me cough.  People were always staring at me as though I had SARS.

This past July, a friend referred me to you.  I was skeptical, but by then, willing to try anything.  I remember coughing throughout our first meeting and the testing procedures.

I knew, in advance, what many of my “triggers” were, and they did show up on the test.

But I discovered there where many others, particularly flora allergens that I reacted to.

To date, you have treated me for all of my major and several minor triggers.  I am thrilled to say that although on occasion, something will trigger a cough.  I am 90% better. I am off almost all of my medications, can carry on conversations and be around others without coughing. My husband, our relatives and friends are all totally amazed at the difference in my health, as is my primary care physician.  I cannot believe the change.

Thank you Doctor Welch, you have made a profound difference in the quality of my life!

Sincerely

Jeanne Cormier

Original on file at clinic