Dr. Bassem George Chahine, MD

 
I have suffered for over seven years with various ailments such as extreme congestion, both lungs and upper respiratory, and also stomach ulcers.  I soon found out I had a lot of ulcers that developed into chronic acid reflux.
            My gastroenterologist prescribed Omeprazole to control the production of acid.  This was after several years of seeing a pulmonologist who was sure I had asthma, and treated me for it.  I was also seeing an otolaryngologist (ENT) to determine why I lost my sense of smell in addition to the complaints of consistent phlegm, congestion and coughing.  Bottom line, I was getting nowhere fast and then lost my voice.  The ENT did, however, figure out that the loss of my voice was an infection caused from the medication for “asthma” (Advair).  Year after year, the conditions just became worse.  
            Before seeing my gastroenterologist, I was referred to an allergy center.  After two days of testing and 97 plus injections, it was determined that I was not allergic to anything I was tested for. I was diagnosed with non-allergic rhinitis, for which the doctor told me I was “allergic to air.”  He prescribed Nasonex and recommended two squirts in each nostril once a day for the next 25 years or until he tells me to stop.  Over the years, Nasonex did not provide much relief.
            One day, I began seeing another pulmonologist referred to me by my loving wife.  After many months and some extreme changes, I was getting better, however, not to the satisfaction of my doctor.  He referred me to another allergist and provided two names.  
I made an appointment with the first name on the list.  As a few days went by, I happened upon the list and carefully read the names of each.  My gut instinct was to contact the other doctor.  If there is one thing I have learned over the years was to “trust my gut.”   I did.  
            After scheduling the first available appointment, I went to see Dr. Bassem Chahine, an allergist who came highly recommended.  His staff was very friendly and I felt welcomed.  When I met the doctor, I knew this warm, friendly welcome came from Dr. Chahine’s philosophy of patient care.  
            I explained to Dr. Chahine in more specific detail the past seven years of non-stop suffering.  He listened intently and was very concerned.  After an hour or so, Dr. Chahine diagnosed the root cause of all my ailments.  Not only did he explain to me how he reached his conclusion, but he taught me how to better take care of myself.  
            During this review and conclusion, I felt like I was listening to a"father" of health care, a genuine passionate doctor – the real deal.  Dr. Chahine spoke to me as if I were one of his family members.  I felt the passion in his concern for my condition as he took the time and patience to ensure that I understood what was happening to me.  He then recommended I try a specific medication and to stop cold the consumption of three things for which I agreed.
            The next three days changed my life.  I have gone from chronic coughing fits lasting 45 60 minutes two or three times a night, every night.  These coughing fits were so violent that my ribs and back ached all the next day, like being run over by a truck.  When blowing my nose, I had more mucous than anyone could imagine. It was humilliating to work all day in my condition, an 8-hour nightmare, day after week after month, after year.
            After following Dr. Chahine’s recommendations, the first thing I noticed was that I did not wake up in the middle of the night coughing and blowing my nose.  I was not producing any phlegm.  By the third morning after brushing my teeth and blowing my nose, suddenly I could smell my deodorant and even the coffee!  Wow, I had not smelled coffee in six or more years.  I felt like I had a new lease on life.  No more wheezing all the time – or at all.
            After the first week, I felt like a new man.  I felt healthier and younger.  I could inhale deeply without coughing, and exhale completely without wheezing once.
            Dr. Chahine is my new best friend and I do not make friends easily.  I am writing this blog because I am proud to know him.  I will continue to follow his instructions and follow through with the procedure he recommended that will benefit me for the rest of my life.
            I look forward to sharing that adventure with all.