What they said

[wellinghall]

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 ...

Comments

advice on bl**dy bl**d tests

[tovaglia.livejournal.com]

Sounds horrible. I can only offer you my unqualified sympathy and also some uncalled-for, non-evidence-based advice based purely on my personal experiences.

Feel free to ignore all of this as I'm sure you have heard all this before, but: Insist on having someone you trust taking the blood test. This is not an unreasonable request. (But if you don't trust anyone, I'm afraid you'll have to pick the least untrustworthy person in your view!). I think that the more experienced hospital phlebotomists are slightly better than most GPs or practice nurses - just because they do it all the time. Not sure how phlebotomists would feel about sedated people in their dept but maybe whisky might have an equivalent effect? Local anaesthetic cream is an excellent idea and much used for children and needle phobic people (Emla is popular), but make sure you apply it liberally, well in advance (an hour is good), covered by an occlusive dressing, over each of your 2 best veins. I haven't seen local anaesthetic sprays used - most of these work by cold, I think, which would make the veins constrict. Relaxation exercises/ breathing exercises / meditation techniques are very strongly recommended to help control the "terror" feelings. In fact most people having blood taken can be heard quietly whistling something complicated to distract themselves. Re: sedatives, your body may gradually build up a kind of "resistance" so you may need a higher dose to achieve the same effect (warn the colonoscopy people about this too). Lastly, make sure you are really well hydrated prior to any blood test and that you also wrap up warm.

But presumably you have to have a scope whatever the blood test results come back as - so why can't you get the bloods done at the same time as the colonoscopy, if it's not too long a wait until this gets done? They might be able to take the blood for tests through the same line (butterfly/venflon) as being used for the sedation which you will need. Or failing that, can't they take the blood while you're zonked out afterwards? (bit more risky though cos its a bit like being drunk and you might end up swearing at whoever is doing it, but you probably won't remember a thing afterwards). I should think a lot of endoscopy depts would be happy to take an extra blood test while they're at it, if you ask the right person nicely in advance.

Re: advice on bl**dy bl**d tests

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

Thanks for all this good advice, tovaglia.

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.