wellinghall (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wellinghall) wrote2006-04-11 08:44 pm
wellinghall) wrote2006-04-11 08:44 pm
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What they said
I hope the cuts below work - if not, feel free to stop reading now.
I went to the doctor this morning because I've been, well, bleeding. He examined me and said that although he couldn't see or feel anything, I might have a polyp. So he is referring me for a colonoscopy. He then wasted time by giving me a choice of hospitals, and more time by getting me to sign a form saying I had been given a choice of hospitals - I wouldn't mind so much, but the hospital I want to go to (St Mark's in London, where they specialise in this sort of thing) wasn't even on the list. And the colonoscopy means (a) the horrible prep of clearing me out, and (b) the even worse IV. I hate needles!!! Not to mention no solid food for two days! I also went to see him because St Mark's say they want a blood sample, to check for anaemia and liver function. This is being done after we get back from holiday, which means I've got a week and a half of nervous anticipation. I hate blood tests so much that I have to have a sedative beforehand, and even that doesn't do enough to quell the terror.
And then this evening, I went to see the physiotherapist. Under her tender (!) ministrations, I am getting better slowly, but only slowly. She thinks I need to undertake a much more rigorous and varied exercise program - things like walking (a lot), as well as special twisting-and-bending (also a lot). It's also increasingly clear that I need to cut down on my computer use.
Hugs would be good at this juncture ...
I went to the doctor this morning because I've been, well, bleeding. He examined me and said that although he couldn't see or feel anything, I might have a polyp. So he is referring me for a colonoscopy. He then wasted time by giving me a choice of hospitals, and more time by getting me to sign a form saying I had been given a choice of hospitals - I wouldn't mind so much, but the hospital I want to go to (St Mark's in London, where they specialise in this sort of thing) wasn't even on the list. And the colonoscopy means (a) the horrible prep of clearing me out, and (b) the even worse IV. I hate needles!!! Not to mention no solid food for two days! I also went to see him because St Mark's say they want a blood sample, to check for anaemia and liver function. This is being done after we get back from holiday, which means I've got a week and a half of nervous anticipation. I hate blood tests so much that I have to have a sedative beforehand, and even that doesn't do enough to quell the terror.
And then this evening, I went to see the physiotherapist. Under her tender (!) ministrations, I am getting better slowly, but only slowly. She thinks I need to undertake a much more rigorous and varied exercise program - things like walking (a lot), as well as special twisting-and-bending (also a lot). It's also increasingly clear that I need to cut down on my computer use.
Hugs would be good at this juncture ...
Re: advice on bl**dy bl**d tests
The advice about being hydrated and warm is excellent, as is the bit about relaxation exercises etc (I find I'm not very good at that sort of thing, but I will try it).
Blood test at the same time the IV line goes in is interesting. I had that done at St Mark's last time, as I was voluntarily (!) giving blood for genetic testing and research - that shows how much I want them to find a cure for PJS!!! It was worse than just an IV, but better than separate blood test and IV. Can I steel myself to talk first to my GP and then the endoscopy dept about this? I mght do so. I hadn't thought about them taking it afterwards - I like this idea!
Sedatives. First time I was on Lorazepam. this helped a bit. St Mark's gave me two (!) Temazepam. I was quite happy beforehand, until they approached me with the needle, then I was still terrified.
Now, my GP has prescribed Lorazepam, and clearly thinks Temazepam is far too strong. He recommends one for each of the blood test and the IV, but has prescribed me five in total, to see me through future occasions as well. Hmmm, five tablets divided by two occasions sounds like about two and a half tablets each time. Sounds about right to me.
Many thanks for all the advice.