Friday 27 February 2009

Thanks giving

There are so many things to be grateful for. Sometimes, life throws different obstacles our way but the way ones handles these obstacles determines how they come out of it. It helps to believe in something or even have faith in something. I have lots to be thankful for. Every day, I know that some one looks out for me. Some one makes sure that nothing evil happens to me. I feel so special and loved that someone is watching over me. I cannot question the existence of God. I know in my life that God is alive and he lives. I am most grateful to God for knowing that his love is ever with me and my prayer is that you find that out for your self too. Have a fabulous day!!!!

Sunday 15 February 2009

My experience with Endoscopy

I just had an endoscopy done and I can say what an experience it was. I have been having problems with my chest and upper abdomen. The doctor told me that this is just acid reflux. What this basically means is that acid finds its way back to my guts. This can be pretty uncomfortable and sometimes painful. I sometimes get this burning sensation in my chest. My mind went through different scenarios. I was always at the net looking at other people’s symptom and comparing it to mine. Sometimes, the net does not really help as it has much information that can be pretty scary and not necessary the condition one has.

My doctor arranged for me to have an endoscopy because all the medication she has prescribed has not really taken care of the uncomfortable feelings I have in my chest. I must tell you that I was so scared. I thought of refusing but my doctor is just fantastic and she explained the procedure and that I have nothing to worry about. She said it has to be done so I can know what is really wrong with me.

I told my mum who joined me in prayers. She was scared of the procedure for me. Well, when anyone hears that some pipe will be going into their loved ones guts, that can be pretty frightening. My mum was pretty supportive and always encouraged me with prayers.

I got a letter from my consultant who sent me a leaflet of the process, my appointment day and a paper to fill in about my medical condition. I did all that. When I got to the hospital for the endoscopy, I was shaking like a leaf. I was so scared thinking of how I will cope with a pipe with camera going down my throat. An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of one’s body is examined internally using an endoscope. Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as your throat or anus. I had a gastroscopy which meant putting the camera through my mouth down to my guts.

Some minutes before the proceedure, I was taken into this room were the proceedure was explained to me and I was told about the anaesthetic. I was told about the local anaesthetic, which will be sprayed into the back of my throat. I chose that because I want to be alert throughout the procedure. I was asked when I last had a meal. I told them about 10 hrs ago. In my leaflet, it said that one should not eat at least 7 hours before the procedure so as to have clearer visibility.

I was later called for the procedure. The nurses were fantastic. They made me feel relaxed. They made me laugh and when the consultant came to begin the procedure, I was so relaxed even though I was a bit scared. I was sprayed with the local anaesthetic. It felt minty. I was then told to rest on my left side. A mouth guard was placed over my teeth before the consultant put the endoscope into my mouth. When I saw the pipe my heart stared racing. I thought I was going to pass out. I was asked to swallow so as to help the endoscope pass into my oesophagus and down towards my stomach. I can honestly say I felt the pipe going down my throat to my stomach. The sensation nearly gave me a panic attack but I was surprised I was breathing and calm. Sometimes, I felt like throwing up and all I could hear was me burping. The consultant said this was normal as air was pumped through the tube and into my stomach to make it expand and the stomach lining easier to see. I will not say the procedure was painful but it was really uncomfortable. I am grateful to God for the life and the health given to me and I appreciate every day. Have a wonderful day and hope this is good information to those who want to know about gastroscopy or endoscopy.