I survived drinking the gallon of noxious prep that I needed to consume before my colonoscopy today. Actually I didn't drink the entire gallon. I gave it a good effort, but I was only able to choke down (literally) about 3/4 of the jug.
I do not ever want to have to swallow that stuff again. Thankfully it looks like I may get my wish. The doctor said that my lower scope looked good. There were a few issues, situations to be aware of, but nothing serious. He recommended that I come back and have another colonoscopy in 10 years.
Right. I'll go put that on my calendar ASAP . . . not.
Unfortunately the news was not so good for the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Try saying that three times, fast or slow. Really, just try saying it once. Basically it means that the doctor sticks a scope down your throat to check out your eosphagus, stomach, and doudenem (the first and shortest part of the small intestine, also where chemical digestion takes place).
The test showed that I have esophagitis and a hiatal hernia -- fancy words that mean I have heartburn and reflux. Gee, tell me something that I don't know.
Dr. Z prescribed Omeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor. Over the counter it is more commonly known as Prilosec. I am less than thrilled about having to take this prescription, especially after reading some of the side effects: headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, trouble awakening and sleep deprivation (how can you have trouble awakening if you're sleep deprived?), increased risk of hip fractures, and inflammation of the kidneys. Additionally I can't take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other type of NSAID.
I have to return to CDH in approximately 2-3 months to have a second esophagogastroduodenoscopy, presumably to see if the prescription is making a difference. I guess if there is less acid produced, the ulcers at the base of my esophagus will begin to heal.
So today was filled with mostly good news. I survived . . . to face another endoscopy. : /
No comments:
Post a Comment