So after literally almost an ENTIRE year of stomach issues…where I’m now down to being able to eat like ten foods, I’ve had an upper GI scope. And I’d like a trophy for it, also I’d better be getting an achievement with an unlockable skin or something. Even if its just me wearing one of their weird hospital gowns, I’d take it.
What is an upper GI scope?
That was the question I asked myself (and if you were wondering, I almost cancelled the scope a million times because its something new and my anxiety went way, way through the roof, but that’s another story.)
Technically its an “Upper Endoscopy” and is where they knock you out with wonderful drugs, take a scope, put it down your throat and take pictures of your upper stomach areas. It is not the worst thing, but upon waking up from the procedure my body did decide to go into a full blown panic attack…which was a little bit new (not the having a panic attack part, but having a panic attack after a procedure…I just said panic attack like three times in a sentence. Wow.)
The people in charge of my care were awesome, and made it hella relaxing. If they hadn’t I would have left, my nerves were so bad. The nurse made sure I had warm blankets, when I let her know I was nervous about the procedure she walked me through it and reassured me. Also we talked about videogames a little bit.
The anesthesiologist also let me know everything that was going to happen, even explaining the drugs which they were going to give to me and what I should expect. Also she’s so freakin sweet! I adore her! Her presence helped calm me down, which could be seen on the heart monitors. After the procedure when I woke up panicking, she jumped in and knew exactly what to do. While passing me off to the lovely nurse she explained what happened and made sure I was in good hands.
I’ve been in not great medical places where staff could literally care less, it shows and when they don’t pass on pertinent information not only is its annoying, it can be dangerous. In my case it was about a panic attack, but they did watch my heart rate for a bit just in case.
Not the worst test or procedure I’ve had done on me, and if you’d like I’d be happy to write a blog post about what to expect. Just let me know in the comments!!
And to all you healthcare workers, you make a difference. Two people being incredibly kind and gentle with me while also getting their jobs done made today the procedure so much better and kept me from running away. Hope that encourages y’all a bit.
Speaking Outloud 