Monday, March 26, 2007

My visit to the gastroenterologist

After giving in to my concerns about the black vomit I had several weeks ago I went to see a gastroenterologist.
I checked in and began filling out my medical history before I was called in to the examination room. Once there the nurse asked me what was wrong with me. It told her all the things I had filled out on my medical history, and then she left. Shortly after the doctor entered and after a quick glance at the computer started asking me more questions about what was wrong with me. Now I know it's important to ask questions to so that they can get a good idea of what is wrong with me, but do I really have to tell them three times! By that time I was feeling very much like I was in an interrogation room.
Tears started streaming down my face, and I can only assume that the doctor thought I was very upset about my health, but in fact I was feeling threatened and frustrated. Finally he took me out and had another nurse take my blood. Tears were still streaming down my face so the nurse treated me like I was hysterical about getting my blood taken. I didn't mind so much. It was nice to have someone try to soothe me.
My blood was taken to see if I had a bacteria that causes ulcers to grow in the stomach. Since I don't smoke or drink that was the only reason I would have an ulcer. The test came back negative and the doctor came to the conclusion that I had retched so hard that I caused my esophagus to bleed a little bit-the black substance. He then assured me that I'm a "healthy young girl." While that may be true, I'm now not so sure that I don't suffer from social anxiety disorder. :)

2 comments:

  1. Ummm, I read "gastroenterologist" and then scanned it and saw the words "ulcer" and "blood" and decided to pass. Thanks anyway. I'm sure it's an excellent read.

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  2. Just wait. When you reach old lady status, it's a whole 'nother story. It involves looking up something personal with a camera to see if your hat's on straight (as my mother used to joke). Not first in the fun-club, really. I just don't want you to be surprised later.

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