Liver and Cherry

[DanaC]

hahahahahahahahaha. Bruce, that's awesome.

[Sundae]

I missed that Bruce, gave me a big laugh.

Well, I had my endoscopy this morning. It was awful. From the fact that the throat numbing spray tasted of banana to me gagging, retching and throwing up all the way through.

They gave me a copy of my report and it has three little pictures on the bottom!
A new addition to the family album...
I have three varices in my throat, both grade I and grade II. These are directly linked to drinking, at least in my case, as they are symptomatic of cirrhosis.
I have to get to my Doctor before I go into St Anne's to get beta blockers, but the most effective treatment is abstinence.

Varices will bleed if they become enlarged, and although there is no evidence that they have been bleeding yet, it is probable they will if I carry on drinking.

I also have mild, portal hypertensive gastritis in my fundus. This comes under the heading Stomach. I thought your fundus was your posterior. I suppose that's why doctors and nurses have to do all that pesky learning stuff. No-one mentioned this, so I guess it's not important.

The staff were lovely to me. The nurse even wiped my eyes with a tissue afterwards. They all kept telling me how well I was doing as I heaved bile onto the pillow and I shook like a whipped dog. Still, in the scheme of things it didn't take long, and it's all over now except for a sore throat.

Am going to insist on sedation again if I need another one.

[Carruthers]

Sorry to hear that this morning was something of a trial for you, Sundae.

Given my sleep deprived brain, I can't offer much in the way of words of comfort other than to say at least it's over and done with.

As ever, best wishes.

[limey]

Another trial behind you now. Can't you hear me cheering you on from Almaty? No? X

[classicman]

Wishing you all the best Sundae. I know I haven't been around much, but still ... <3
Hugs ... thoughts and prayers from us over the pond.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Not easy being good, but at least it will keep you being.

Fundus (Latin for "bottom") is an anatomical term referring to the portion of an organ opposite from its opening. Examples include:
Fundus (stomach), the left portion of the stomach's body
Fundus of gallbladder, the portion of the gallbladder which lies the farthest from the cystic duct
Fundus (uterus), the top portion, opposite from the cervix
Fundus (eye), of the eye is the interior surface of the eye, opposite the lens, and includes the retina, optic disc, macula and fovea, and posterior pole Fundus camera for photographing the interior of the eye

Fundus of the urinary bladder
Fundus (brain)

Sounds like fundus is doctor code for expensive for you and profitable for them.
Hi honey, go ahead and book that Ibiza vacation, Mrs Roony's gall bladder will fundus.

[Sundae]

Okay.
Still waiting for a telephone appointment with the doctor regarding my beta-blockers. Scheduled for 09.05. Reminded me of why I hate telephone appointments so much, something always goes wrong and there is no feedback.

Apparently there has been a computer glitch.
Will call again after lunch, because I now consider myself a priority call.

Diz to be collected after 13.00.
Which will be another fun wait, as it generally means anything from 12.45 until 16.00. And I can hardly hassle this woman.

And then packing, which I'm not starting until Diz has gone because he knows what packing means and there is no point in upsetting him further.
That will give me an opportunity to see if I am missing anything, and a chance to go and get it. I've run through my morning and evening routines in my head and can't think of anything I don't have. I don't have to pack for the full 14 weeks of course, just make sure I don't forget anything entirely, because I won't be allowed off the grounds in the first week and I'm not sure if they place restrictions for the first few weekends. I would if I was them.

Early doors tomorrow, on the bus at 08.00.
Think of me if you're awake at 09.00.

[DanaC]

Ach damn, already? Sorry hon, I've had my head in my work all week, hadn't realised we were so close to The Day.

[glatt]

You're doing a great job, Sundae.

[Clodfobble]

We will be here when you get back Sundae, just as if you'd never left.

[Sundae]

Diz gone. So weird going back to the flat without him.
Thought, can I make it to the Post Office or should I go home for a wee? Would be better otherwise Diz will think it's dinnerti..... Oh. May as well drop by the flat first, in case there's a queue at the Post Office. For post I mean, not for a wee.

It will be easier in an unfamiliar place.

Turns out Docs had the wrong mobile number. Glad I bothered to call back a second time.
I knew there was something hinky when I called this morning. Due a call in about ten minutes, from the patronising Doc. But hey, this time it's a direct order from the hospital, so it's not like he can do anything other than fill the prescription.

Half packed. Had to come out to look up some account numbers for companies I'm contacting about my temporary address. Looking forward to it again now, all hurdles overcome except getting the prescription which is more like stepping over a skipping rope.

Ask me again at 03.39 when I'm bolt upright in bed worrying about whether this will go on my permanent record and stop me having my 80th birthday on the moon and is that someone on the landing and what if everyone there hates me....

Onwards, upwards, already Leeds-bound in my head. Eighteen hours.

[Aliantha]

Good luck Sundae! I hope the treatment has the desired result. Xxx

[BigV]

Whatever illness you're suffering, it hasn't affected your thinking, your ability to convey clear, vivid images to all of us here. It's a little unsettling, the uncertainty and fear about your coming treatment, not your eloquence. But I am with you via the cellar, and I have many friends here who feel the same way. Count on that.

I feel that the mental toughness you've displayed and the medical attention you've described will carry you through this ordeal.

[orthodoc]

All the best, Sundae. Always thinking of you.

[fargon]

We are praying for you Sundae.