"There's a myth that anyone who has a liver problem has brought it on themselves" This quote is from a Crohn's disease patient living with a blocked portal vein hoping for a liver transplant (Independent 31st Oct 2010)

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Gastroscopy Part II

Tomorrow (25th) I go to hospital for the 2nd attempt at a gastroscopy procedure. That's where they put a camera down my throat and into my stomach to check the state of both and assess the likelihood of internal bleeding.

This time I'm getting the same sedation as Part I, plus an anaesthetic throat spray, plus a drug called Fentanyl which I've only come across as strong pain relief for cancer patients - so not sure what the thinking is behind this last one.

I guess I'll be zonked senseless and sensation-less. I hope I can swallow as soon as I come round or it will freak me out.

At least it's at 8.30am instead of 5.30pm so I dont have to starve myself all day or get more and more anxious.

Will report back once home again.

Home again. Procedure completed this time. My GI consultant did the procedure himself, with the tube designed for babies - how cute!
No varices in the oesophagus. Signs of mildly dilated blood vessels in my stomach caused by the blood pressure changes. No immediate action needed, follow up in clinic.
So a relief to get that out the way and to know it doesnt need to be done again for 2-3 years.

I was heavily sedated with a variety of morphine based products so came home, had some porridge and went to bed for a few hours. I'm still 'not all there' and under hospital instructions not to cook (hurrah) for 24 hours as well as the usual no driving or using heavy machinery!

Have taken 2 days off work, so plenty of time to rest and be pampered.
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7 comments:

  1. Anonymous24 May 2011 at 19:56

    I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. I hope it all goes much better than last time.

    All the best,
    Anne

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  2. Carole24 May 2011 at 22:17

    Fiona, will be thinking about you tomorrow. I know you didn't like this one bit last time and hope, sincerely, that it is a better experience this time.

    Maybe the combination they are using this time will make the difference.

    Huge hugs xxxx

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  3. Steve Chamberlin25 May 2011 at 15:40

    I'm here with you too, Fiona. Hoping all goes well today.

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  4. Steve Chamberlin25 May 2011 at 15:43

    I just saw your update. Glad you made it through. Sleep well!

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  5. Anonymous25 May 2011 at 16:45

    Glad to hear it all went well Fiona! Just take it easy for a couple of days sedation can knock you sideways sometimes.

    Ina x

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  6. Fiona25 May 2011 at 17:10

    Hi Ina

    I know you have as bad a phobia as me about having an endoscopy. My reasoning behind going ahead with it was, better to be prepared than be whisked in as an emergency at some point in the future. Now my team knows what works and what doesnt I wont be risking a failed intubation when it really really is important to get it right.
    Hope you are keeping ok. How is the grandchild coming along.
    Fiona

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  7. Anonymous26 May 2011 at 12:43

    Hi Fiona,

    I would have gone ahead with the endoscopy first time round if they hadn't treated me like a leper. Glad it's all over and done with for you though. I think you've been very brave and deserve a treat lol

    I'm dodging away as usual. My wee grand bump is coming along very nicely 16 weeks to go...So excited lol.

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