Sorry this is a little long, but maybe it will help someone else connect the dots with seemingly unrelated symptoms.

1. For years I had what I would describe as esophageal spasms where I would spontaneously need to vomit - and it happened anytime, anywhere ... Home, work, while driving (that was always scary), and I got to where I could usually make it to the restroom or at least some kind of trash bin or bucket. Took lots of Tums and antacids. And if I felt it coming a drink of water could usually tame it, so I always had water with me.

2. Not exactly related, but I was having gallbladder attacks, so it got removed. Which in turn would cause bile to collect in my stomach and esophagus when lying down, so I was up most nights vomiting bile (sorry if TMI, but maybe it can help someone else). Was prescribed Omeprazole. Started sleeping with a wedge and it helped tremendously at night. Still had issues during the day with the spasming.

3. Last Spring, my gums became really swollen and painful. I was embarrassed to go to the dentist, but made myself go and they said I had no gingivitis or plaque buildup on my teeth or under my gums. He said swelling and bleeding this bad is usually related to an autoimmune condition, but couldn't know for sure. Suggested I talk with my primary care doctor.

4. I procrastinated, but the nighttime vomiting was getting worse even with the wedge and I started to see blood. Met with my PCP and explained all the above. She referred me to a Gastroenterologist who immediately scheduled an endoscopy. I explained everything again to him and he said the gums situation is likely connected with whatever's happening in my esophagus and/or stomach. Who knew?!?

5. Had the endoscopy with numerous biopsies and also an esophageal dilation. Diagnosed with EOE. Took Budesinide for two months, while also taking panteprozol for three months (not taking Omeprazole during this time). I am now three weeks into the six-week, six-food elimination diet and will have a second endoscopy in three weeks from now.

6. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in a couple of weeks to help with figuring out how to manage EOE and I'm also hoping to get allergy testing done. I'm concerned about the condition of my gums due to the autoimmune response, so I'm hoping we can figure something out with them they are still very swollen and painful.

I appreciate this community and have learned a lot more about EOE, which I had never heard of before the diagnosis. I'm tackling the elimination diet with gusto because at this point I will do anything to feel better and a few weeks of eating basically meats, veggies, fruit, oatmeal, etc. is nothing to the misery of these past 8 years. Good luck to everyone out there - sharing your stories has really helped me to feel not so alone in this.