Yesterday, As part of my pre-transplant exam I had an endoscopy. It's like a colonoscopy but from the opposite end. A tube with a camera was threaded through my mouth, down my throat, into my stomach and intestines. Thanks to the wonders of sedation I did not feel a thing. Pictures of my insides were taken and a clip was placed on my esophagus. For 48 hours this tiny tool measures stomach acid and communicates to a little computer clipped to my belt. Eventually the clip will dislodge and pass through my body.
The information the doctors are looking for is vital in assisting with the transplant. New lungs are fragile and if a patient has too much acid reflux then the acid can "spill" over into the lungs and cause damage that could result in rejection of the new organs.
This is one of the possible complications of transplant, to combat this problem the patient receives a stomach wrap and is not allowed to eat for weeks, some time months, while the body adjusts to the new lungs. I am hoping for good results and will not have to endure a stomach wrap.
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2 comments:
Oh my! So fascinating to hear your journey. I pray that conditions are good for you and that you definitely do not have to have a stomach wrap.
Thank you, Tina. Praying for you guys. -Daryl
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