Went to Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday for my annual scope with Dr Shen. As scopes go, it was probably the easiest time of it I've ever had. The nurses told me they have started injecting the pouch with CO2 instead of O2 and it is more readily absorbed by the body and less uncomfortable. Well, I don't know about the absorption part, but it didn't hurt as much. That is a plus in my book.
Anyways, so I am rock-free - hooray!
But, my pouch has some "mild inflammation." The thing about being un-sedated when you are scoped is that you can really enjoy the tv show. So he's going along and I'm watching and then I'm thinking to myself 'Hmmm, that area there looks red and inflamed.' Then, as if on cue, Dr Shen says "Ok Katie, have some mild inflammation here."
*sigh*
He asked me some questions; on antibiotics recently? No. Have a fever? No.
He says he doesn't see a lot of inflammation in koch pouches. Oh, good.
Points for excellent nipple valve and my small bowel leading into the pouch looks good.
Outcome?
Two week course of Cipro and then re-scope in 6 months.
Call his office if I experience abdominal cramps or diarrhea.
I mean, I know, in the world of bad news this isn't terrible. It may be a temporary inflammation that means nothing.
But, you know, when you've battled disease for a long time you just really think the worst about all the 'not-good' news you get. And all the old fears and anxieties come flooding back in. So my goal now is not to read into every pouch-twinge I get, and not to obsess about it.
Just go back to my life as if everything is normal.
Sometimes, that's easier said then done.
