“I Couldn’t even swallow a pill”: Samantha’s EoE Story
For years, Samantha adapted quietly. She chewed longer, sipped water with every bite, avoided certain foods, and assumed the discomfort was just reflux.
It wasn’t.
In this patient voice episode, Samantha shares the moment she realized something more serious was happening — and how that journey led to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
She opens up about the subtle symptoms many people overlook, the daily adjustments she made without realizing it, and what finally pushed her to seek answers.
If swallowing sometimes feels harder than it should, this story may sound familiar.
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms or condition.
This educational initiative was developed with support from Takeda.
Featured Videos
October 8, 2025
When Eating Isn’t Easy: Understanding Pediatric EoE
When a child has trouble eating, gaining weight, or explaining discomfort while swallowing, it can be heartbreaking for parents and confusing for the child. These may be early signs of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) — a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus that affects how food moves through the digestive tract. In this episode, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Joshua B. Wechsler from Northwestern Medicine shares what families need to know about recognizing EoE early, getting an accurate diagnosis, and navigating treatment options. He also offers guidance on helping children manage EoE at school, during meals, and in social settings — so they can live healthier, happier lives. See related episode: "Growing Up with EoE: A Family’s Journey from Childhood to College". Find trusted, evidence-based information and resources on EoE at gastrogirl.com. This episode is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron.
September 24, 2025
Growing Up with EoE: A Family’s Journey from Childhood to College
What’s it really like for a child to live with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jeni and her son Joshua, who share their family’s journey navigating the challenges of pediatric EoE. From the earliest warning signs to Joshua preparing for life at college, their story sheds light on the resilience it takes to manage this condition day-to-day. Together, we explore: - Why getting the right diagnosis can take time - The pros and cons of today’s treatment options - How parents can interpret symptoms when children struggle to describe them - Tips for transitioning from pediatric to adult care Whether you’re a parent, patient, or healthcare provider, you’ll walk away with insights, encouragement, and practical takeaways. Find trusted information and resources on EoE at gastrogirl.com. This episode is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron.
Let’s Keep in Touch!
Subscribe to get the latest news and content delivered straight to your inbox.
Listen to our
latest Podcast!