Small victories

3 tests later and I am now officially back on the list!! The tests were 1. Upper Endoscopy 2. Colonoscopy and 3. an x-ray of my small intestines. The tests were not bad, but as they say, the preparation for the test is always worse.

For the Upper Endoscopy, there was no preparation, just could not eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before.

The colonoscopy, as many are aware, the prep is to drink a not so pleasant solution that cleans you out. I think I lucked out with this one since my procedure was in the afternoon. I was able to drink half the night before and then the remaining portion the following day. In my opinion, this was a benefit because I did not have to spend all night in the bathroom.

For the x-ray, the prep was to not eat or drink anything the night before, but the worst part was having to drink the Barium Sulfate solution, all I can say is ughhhhhh. If you haven't had to drink this stuff, consider yourself lucky. Think of the thickest milkshake you have ever had. Now think if that were about 10 times thicker, luke warm and a very unpleasant taste - that about sums it up...

The only thing left to do is for the Doctors to look over the results and clear me for the transplant. I am officially on the list but I am on a hold status. The main reason for this, since I am anemic and my guaiac result came back positive for blood they needed to make sure nothing else was going on inside me that would make the transplant more complicated or lead to other infections. I am confident I will be off the hold status in a day or two.

The main difference between the hold status and active status, is that I am on the list and begin to accrue my "time" on the list, but being on hold, is I cannot receive a transplant if one were to come in that would be my match until I am on an active status.

Another small victory for me, is that I have finally gotten the approval from my pharmacy for my procrit. Since I am anemic, my blood count is low, and since it is a specialty medicine, it seems an act of congress is needed to approve the medicine. The medication will help give me more red blood count, which in turn will help me have more energy - right now is a big plus!!

Another day or so and I will be off the hold status and then I just have to wait for the call!!!

I'll keep you updated as things continue to progress - things are looking brighter every day!!