Playing catch-up
So, it’s been a while since I last updated the blog and some things have happened in that time that I feel a need to write about. This will be a bit long, so bear with me. Esophageal ManometryOn January 29th, my new gastroenterologist had me undergo a test called Esophageal Manometry. The test is used to measure the functionality of the muscles and lower sphincter of the esophagus and determine if there are issues. The procedure wasn’t the most pleasant of ways to spend a morning. To begin, I was given a cup of lidocaine gel to swallow and then a syringe full of the same gel was emptied into my left nostril. A thin probe was then passed…
A Gastric Emptying Study and an Answer
Last Thursday, October 11, I spent the better part of the day at the hospital for a gastric emptying study. As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been dealing with some GI issues for a while now, without much luck in getting answers about what’s going on. This test was the next step in the process of figuring out the problem with my guts. My arrival time for the test that morning was 7:30 a.m., which was a real challenge considering that I work nights and my sleep schedule is weird. Unfortunately, a combination of anxiety and insomnia, as well as GI symptoms, led to my having no sleep before going to the hospital. So, I was feeling pretty…
What’s wrong with my gut?
For the better part of this year, I’ve been dealing with some recurring GI issues. I’ve seen a couple of doctors and have had some tests, none of which have provided any answers to this point. I have a history of GI problems; Acid reflux, ulcers, a hiatal hernia, etc…, but these have been ruled out as the cause the symptoms I’ve been experiencing as of late. I’ve done my research and, based on the symptoms, I’m suspecting the problem is gastroparesis. During a visit with my Endocrinologist last week, he brought up the subject. He remembered that I had been having GI problems when I saw him in January and wanted to know if things were any better. I…