so i went to see the dr today. he took blood to test for anemia and infection and is scheduling an endoscopy for me at the faulkner..
in the meantime he told me to get some prilosec otc, take one a day, and do the following things...
1. elevate the head of my bed by 6 inches. more pillows will not do it, i have to sleep with my bed looking somewhat like a torture table. <-- i already sleep on my couch in a somewhat upright position at least once a week.
2. avoid foods if they cause symptoms. sample foods are spicy and fatty foods, tomato and citrus juices (grapefruit and orange) chocolate, mints, coffee, tea, colas, and alcoholic beverages. <-- most of these things i already avoid..
3. do not lie down for 2 hours after eating. allow gravity to work, avoid bending over to pick things up. bend at the knees. <-- this is probably the one thing i am most guilty of doing...
4. stop smoking. <-- phew. never started!
5. limit coffee. <-- limit coffee to 2-3 cups per day. <-- good thing i don't drink coffee either.
6. avoid tight clothing. tight belts, pants or girdle can increase the pressure on the abdomen. <-- hmm. almost unavoidable. :) i wonder if i can send receipts for a new wardrobe into my insurance company.
7. antacids.. antacids can be taken at bedtime and 30-60 minutes after each meal. <-- uhm, i gave up on antacids years ago!!
8. eat smaller meals. don't overfill your stomach. <-- hmm. easier said then done.. i think i am broken, or like one of those dogs that just eats till the food is gone.
9. maintain your ideal weight. excess weight increases the amount of pressure constantly placed on your stomach. even small amounts of weight loss may help. <-- the cure all! i can't help but think that if i was at my *ideal weight* (which the last time that was true was probably the day i was born) that i wouldn't be vomiting up blood on a regular basis.
so i am waiting for the "no more drinking" shoe to drop. i would imagine that its coming when/after the endoscopy. the hospital should be calling me to schedule one soon.
i am going to ask if i can have a copy of the video they are going to take. my cube mate says his g-f had an endoscopy and they gave her some pictures. it'll be just like i am pregnant and i can show off my alien baby! whatever i can score from this procedure i will surely post. they are going to have to sedate me and i am not allowed to drive afterwards, so i will need a volunteer to take me and drop me off at home when they are done.. too bad i am eternally single. i believe something like this is a boyfriend duty... :(
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6 years ago
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