The story of Christina
I was diagnosed with subglottic stenosis (narrowing of the windpipe) in February 2012 at 4 months pregnant. It was confirmed idiopathic after blood work was done. I was sent to see thoracic surgeon in Halifax for balloon dilation in April 2012 and could breathe again! After a couple months my breathing was beginning to become restricted again. Thankfully I was able to deliver my baby without having another procedure. About 7 months later I was referred to ENT in Halifax who performed laser surgery in May of 2013 and was symptom free for a few months but like the first time my breathing slowly became more restricted. I am booked for third dilation in April 2014. Chances are I will have to keep doing this yearly unless I want to have a resection which is not something I want to do. This is where they remove part of your windpipe, and it’s not always successful and some still have to have dilations after. This condition is pretty rare, affecting mostly woman, however some men and children have it. It’s something that needs to be known and research needs to be done.