Okay, I am over 50 now and I need a colonoscopy. For most people with minimal health problems, this is just an inconvenience for a few days. For someone like me who has several medical issues, this becomes a scary ride for a whole week. Because of this scare, instead of asking my primary for the script. I decided to see a gastroenterologist.
Got the referral and saw the doctor this week. Due to my history of gluten sensitivity, gastric reflux, frequent regurgitation and being over 50, he ordered the works. So, now we are looking at the next two weeks of various forms of altered diet, fasting, colon cleansing and altered medication and vitamins.
Here is my disclaimer. I will do all the tests the doctor recommended and report back to you on how it went. Please understand that my view on these exams and processes may not be the same experience you will encounter. Also, if it causes me too much pain, aggravation or fatigue, the tests will not be performed again any time soon. Let me rephrase that, once these are done, unless I am diagnosed with some kind of severe problem, they will not be performed again for a very very very long time, if ever.
The doctor has lined up another esophogram with pill, stomach empty test, colonoscopy/endoscopy with biopsy and anesthesia, celiac blood work and manometry. So, what are each of these ….
Esophogram- I have had twice before. You usually fast and they take x-ray pictures as you drink some funky white stuff. This time I am to have the pill which is filmed as my esophagus moves the pill down.
Stomach empty test – Never had it. Doctor is concerned that my food is sitting in my stomach too long causing the regurgitation when coughing. This involves basic fasting, eating an egg and x-rays every hour for 4 hours to see the egg dissolve in stomach and pass to small intestine. This was big fuss because I can’t eat bread anymore. Finally got a hold of the lab, I can bring my pan de bono or pan de yucca. I am assuming it is like an egg salad sandwich with some kind of tracer in it.
Endoscopy/Colonoscopy – I did not realize what a complicated process this is. Due to my possible Celiac and colon polyps, he is having it approved with biopsy and doing both ends at the same time. Biopsy is to cover removal of any polyps in the colon. I also think he is going to take stomach lining biopsy also. This is the true test for celiac. This requires a 5 day process which includes no vitamins or herbal supplements, 3 day modified low residue diet and 1 day liquid only fast and cleansing. By the end of the 6 days, I will probably feel like poo and want to eat an elk.
Manometry and PH balance test- Never had this. This involves no gastric meds for 5 days. I don’t know if I can do this. But, I will try once. It is a 2 day process. You go in one day and they measure the esophagus strength and width. The same day they insert a small ph tracking device for 24 hours that measures the amount of acid in the esophagus. During that 24 hours, you keep a detailed diary of every thing that passes your lips and bodily movements. This is being done because of the GERD and problems I have with big pills due to Sjogren’s.
There it is. I will be getting back to you as each one happens. The stomach empty is in September. The rest in the next couple of weeks. I ask for your prayers of patience for me with medical staff. I get very fatigued and easily agitated at medical offices. All the fasting and going without my medication will cause fatigue also. I do have several friends who will be my chauffeurs during these procedures since I will be in no condition to deal with city traffic.
I know this is going to slaughter me financially. I am prepared the best I can be for this. The facilities will get a payment every month for the rest of my life if need be.
Somehow, God will see me through it all and the finances will work out also.