I Couldn't Even Swallow A Pill: Samantha's EoE Story
The Gastro Girl Podcast
03/17/26
•38m
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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.
Previous Episode
Why Am I Always Bloated? A GI Doctor Explains
March 10
•42m
Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people experience frequent bloating without knowing what's causing it, whether it's normal, or when it may signal something more serious.
In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with gastroenterologist David J. Cangemi from the Mayo Clinic to unpack the real reasons behind bloating and what your digestive system may be trying to tell you.
Together, they discuss:
• The difference between occasional bloating and chronic bloating • Common causes including diet, IBS, and gut-brain disorders • How constipation and motility issues contribute to bloating • When bloating may be linked to conditions like IBS, food intolerances, or SIBO • Warning signs that should prompt medical evaluation • Practical, evidence-based strategies to safely reduce bloating
If bloating is affecting your daily comfort or quality of life, this episode offers trusted, physician-guided insights to help you better understand your symptoms and know when to seek care.
This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.
Next Episode
Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer—but it's not the only screening option. So how do you know when to get screened, which test to choose, and what to do next if results come back abnormal?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many people delay screening due to confusion or uncertainty.
In this Gastro Girl Podcast episode, developed in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Patient Care Committee, we're joined by leading gastroenterologist Dr. Aasma Shaukat (NYU Langone Health) and member of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer.
Dr. Shaukat breaks down colorectal cancer screening in a clear, practical way so you can make informed decisions and take the right next steps with confidence.
What you'll learn:- When to start colorectal cancer screening—and who should start earlier
- Why colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults
- How family history affects your screening plan
- Colonoscopy vs stool-based tests—what's the difference
- What abnormal or incomplete results actually mean
- Why follow-up testing is critical to prevention
- How to advocate for the care you nee
Early detection saves lives. Completing colorectal cancer screening—including follow-up after abnormal results—can prevent cancer before it starts.
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your individual care.
Explore more trusted digestive health resources:Visit GastroGirl.com or download the Ask Gastro Girl app for evidence-based digestive health guidance you can trust.
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