My endoscopy

I have been having esophageal discomfort for some time, not debilitating but a bother. I went to the doctor in early December and he ordered all kinds of tests, one a barium swallow to see the workings of my esophagus and stomach. (All my lab tests, bone density, other xrays were normal except for my EKG which will be the subject of another blog later on.) The barium swallow showed some esophageal spasm. The doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist who scheduled me to have an upper endoscopy this morning. The prep for that is no food or liquid after midnight. I had a 9:45 appointment. Clayton and I were up early and had a leisurely time at home and calculated that we needed to leave at 9 in order to get there in plenty of time. I had the x-rays and papers that I had filled out near my purse so I wouldn't forget them. I picked up the papers and decided that I would not need my purse because I didn't want to have to leave it lying around at the clinic. We made great time on the trip - it is about 15 miles there but traffic is often bumper to bumper so it is usually a long and exhausting trip. We were feeling so good that we had arrived there in record time and I was going to be early. As I got out of the car and was reaching into the back seat to get my papers and x-rays, I realized that I had left a very important paper at home in my purse. I'll explain. When a doctor orders any special test, the order is written on a special form and signed and stamped by the doctor. Then that form has to be authorized by the "insurance" company. In our case by our mission treasurer. I had taken the bus over to the mission office yesterday to have Bruce sign and stamp it. That was the paper that I had left at home! There was nothing to do but go back home and get it. We made the round trip in pretty good time and got back to the clinic at 10:20. When I walked up to the desk, the gal said "Ms. McDonald" (another thing is that I have to have all official documents done in my maiden name) and said that she was just getting ready to call me at home. I told her that things were "complicated" and left it at that and she didn't want to know any details. She called the surgical suite to let them know that I had arrived. She very calmy filled out all the rest of the forms and escorted me to the third floor. I had to undress and put on paper booties and a cap in addition to the hospital gown. I waited a while and then walked to the room where the endoscopy was to be done. Dr. Smith, the gastroenterologist, and Dr. Lopez, the anesthesiologist, spoke to me in English as they said that they need to practice their English. We talked a bit and then the anesthesiologist technician started my IV, put the heart monitor on and had me turn to my side. I felt the "sedative" going up the vein and the next thing I knew was Dr. Smith telling me that all was well except for esophageal contractions that were causing me the discomfort. They wheeled me to the recovery room where I napped a bit. I had my vitals taken, got up with assistance and walked around a little before my IV was discontinued. I was given instructions not to drive, use heavy equipment, lift anything heavy and not bend down the rest of the day. I was taken back to meet up with Clayton and get dressed. We got home by noon! I have a little post sedative headache but otherwise I am fine. Now I join the club of those who are taking the "purple pill" Nexium!! I have no pictures to post with this writing.