I had a Colonoscopy.
Not fun, but not horrible. I didn't feel any pain. My Dr. was awesome- because I have built a pretty great relationship with her over the last year out of remission- and the nurses were accommodating, professional, and lovely.
We arrived at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center [East Campus] at 1pm, for a procedure scheduled at 2pm [I was bumped up one hour due to someone else's cancellation]. As much as I ham it up, I was pretty nervous... But I was totally ready to get it over with and try to find some answers. This procedure can be very serious, so there are moments when you just have to get real. I mean, the sign behind me is for a Disease Center. When I stepped off the elevator and eyeballed that, I didn't feel like a special case or anything, I didn't even feel like I was a part of that 'scene'. <-- Really? Hello, Denial... my name is Alicia. Here's my bum.
Like, wait. I know I'm sick but a Disease Center? Is it like a Superhero Headquarters? I think so. But, let's keep that on the hush hush.
I suited up, in the fanciest of garments, and took my place in my small hospital bed. The nurse who attended before the Anesthesiologist introduced himself was SUCH a doll. I always get nervous for IVs, so she and Steve sang Paper Moon while I winced and had it inserted. Her name was Deborah B. She was so bright, so incredibly sincere, that she brought tears of happiness to my eyes in a moment that I was absolutely terrified for.
When you're scared, decide to man up and plow through the terrifying moments, and you have faith that things will get better, I believe that the Universe brings people and instances to you that will ease your thoughts- and shove that teeny guy inside you that wants to run from trying situations, right out the window.
I consulted with my Gastro Interologist, Sara Flier, an Anesthesiologist, and two other nurses who would be assisting in the procedure. [Since I had been vomiting, the team decided to do an Upper Endoscopy as well as my Colonoscopy, to get a closer look at what the problem was, no extra prep, and not a big deal.]
Once the Anesthesiologist had given me something in my IV to calm me [something that they do regardless of your nerves], put a line of oxygen to my nose, and a small, plastic mouth piece was placed in my mouth to guide in the scope without my biting down. It was strapped around my head so they could get a clear shot without having to adjust anything.
This did not go down my throat or make me gag in any way. Plus, I was really beginning to feel the oxygen and first calming drug.
I was starting to feel groggy, but I wasn't scared. I have had all sorts of hospital stays at this point in my life, and I am getting very good at sucking it up and listening to what's going on around me. Like I said, and often blog, knowing your body, and knowing what's happening to it at ALL times is extremely valuable- even in situations that are handled by your doctors. They are only participating at 50%, guys. The rest is your responsibility to cover.
And that was that. I slept like a baby for the entire procedure. The team was awesome, answered questions that I had annoyingly asked, and were really fun.
The Awakening
I woke up feeling as though I was having diarrhea. I wasn't. The scope was on its way out, and what I was feeling was the sensation of it leaving my body. No pain, and I'm sure that I had apologized to the staff about 8 times before I started crying with happiness/ confusion that it was over.
Drugs, man. What can I say? I was instructed to let out some gas [because the scope lets out small puffs of air as it is going through your Digestive Tract to allow for safe passage without perforation], and sleep some of the strange feeling off. I DID hear my Dr. say one word that upset me: Strictures.
As I awoke, Dr. Flier came into our room and explained what she had found. I will post the pictures from my actual procedure in my next blog post to better explain the severity of the situation. What she found were ulcerated areas, deep crater-like sores that had been growing for quite some time. That's pretty much old news to me, but the next part made me extremely uneasy. While attempting the scope, the team was not able to make it around my colon. My Transverse section was totally closed up, which has been what's making it difficult for food to pass through. Biopsies were taken, and I am waiting for results from the lab.
Dr. Flier told me that I should consider taking Remicade or 6MP. Both of these drugs have serious side effects, and can be difficult to work with. I am exploring options in Pharmaceuticals and diet. Something tells me that the part of my life that led me to this point is over, and I may be able to reach remission without getting on a serious drug plan. This is dangerous, and I am merely talking out of my, well, ass here...
I was told to have an MRI done this week to see if we can get some imaging from inside without having to scope again. I hate them.
But... all in a Crohnie's day's work, right? Oy.
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