Wednesday, March 9, 2011

GI Testing Done

I returned home today from MD Anderson. The trip went well. The hotel was absolutely beautiful. (Thanks for sharing your loyalty points, sweetheart!) And, the people were very kind as always.

The IV was a little cantankerous ... but just a little this time. The nurse thought she hit the vein on the first stick, but then after she started the IV drip the area was burning and stinging really badly. At first I just tried to deal with it, but I realized it needed to be pulled when I started to develop a large hard lump on my arm. The 2nd attempt was very smooth. Thankfully. No stinging. No burning. No weird lumps. Whew.

The Endoscopy center was running a few hours behind schedule. Several of my fellow patients were very grumpy. I can't blame them. It's not fun to be starving and dreading a test. I think that's why Dr. Miller seemed so surprised that I was still cheerful when he came into talk with me. But, Dr Miller, the nurses & I had fun prepping for the test.

Once they started the meds, I really don't remember much else, except someone saying something about a pressure bag and someone asking the nurse to give me more meds. The next thing I remember is when I met my escort nurse, Dayo. Since I had been sedated the hospital requires that an adult escort me home. Dayo escorted me back to the hotel. She was very kind and took good care of me.

The report paperwork shows 19 biopsies of the GI area. I didn't sleep very well last night. Weird dreams and just very restless. I left the hospital at 4.30 this morning. I thought I might just rest better at home. I'm surprised by how sore I am tonight. I feel like I have a lead weight in my gut, and my throat is incredibly sore. It feels a bit swollen ... not like a sore throat though. Just weird. I'm pretty sure this will all go away with a good night of sleep, and that is exactly what I'm planning to do now.

Thank you for all your love and support. I appreciate the notes, emails & calls. (And, no, my dear friend, I don't mind you asking me. I'd repeat it anytime for you.) And, as always, an extra special thanks for all your prayers!

PS I almost forgot to say ... results should be back by next Wednesday.