Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Test 3: A Pouch-O-Gram for Me -- Check


Doesn't a pouch-o-gram sound like some nice little package you are going to receive with goodies in it from someone who likes you, you know like a candy-gram or a tele-gram? Well, hate to break it to you but no, it's not a sweet little treat;)

So here's the breakdown of today's test. First off my original appt was supposed to be at 1 p.m. but they called at 7:30 a.m. and said they had a cancellation for 10 a.m. So, yeah, I'm already done and home before it was even supposed to begin. 

Because I'm all about explaining and setting the scene, here's just a little background before I tell you what the test actually was. I had this same test back in March, before my second surgery to make sure there were no leaks in my j-pouch. That experience was less than pleasant because the radiology team first off did not know what test they were supposed do, when they found out they seemed very confused my by "special" anatomy and many tears and much pain on my part ensued, but I made it through. But as you can imagine, that made me just a bit nervous for today.

Well, let me tell what a breath of fresh air it is to be treated by people with a lot of experience with people like me. Even the office staff knew what the procedure was and all about my "special" plumbing. So nice when you know they are going to use the right equipment and try not to hurt you. What a concept, right?

Ok, so anyway, after watching The Price is Right in the gowned patient waiting area -- they give you two gowns for extra coverage -- for 25 minutes or so (I missed who won the showcase showdown, oh well), they took me into the X-ray room.

I got up on the table and explained my past experience with this procedure to the dr, he assured me he'd be gentle and use the baby catheter (a godsend), he even asked if I would prefer a female nurse to come in to insert the catheter (what a gentlemen). I of course said oh no need to waste time with that, enough people have unfortunately looked in the area that I don't really feel the need to be modest in the drs office anymore. He laughed:) 

He gently inserted the catheter in my rear, and started to insert a contrast into my pouch along with air, not horrible but not a real fun time. The cool part is that I could see it all on a TV screen (I'm totally fascinated by all medical stuff, even the gross things, I know I'm weird.) He took a bunch of "pictures" having me move from my left to right side and onto my stomach. Got up, got "rid" of the contrast and he took a few more pics. 

The dr said he didn't see anything major (Here is where normal people would be jumping for joy, but the thing is I don't want anything to be wrong with me but I know how I'm feeling is not right and not ok, so I want them to find something so I can start feeling better.) He said he'd look at it in more detail and send the results to the IBD Center. 

We'll see how it all goes, the hubby had a good point that maybe the total picture from all three tests will help them figure it out even if individually it's not clear...he's so smart.

Anyway, it's done that's good. I should hear this afternoon about the approval on my follow up appt so I can make that appointment. That's it for now. Thanks for reading the novel. I'm going to rest my sore tush now.

Here are the positives from today's experience:
1. Early appointment, which meant the hubby could take me
2. Two gowns for extra warmth and modesty
3. Baby Catheter and Experienced Dr. and staff

2 comments:

Mrs.Newton said...

Sounds like a much better experience! Thank god for the few "good" doctors that are out there. Congrats on finishing all your testing. Now on to some good results & strategy to get you back to tip-top condition!

todd storch said...

Good for you for concentrating on the positive aspects of that visit!