Camera in my Stomach

For the past week now, I have been getting extreme pains in my stomach which lead to nausea and restlessness when I sleep. Because I am cautious about everything I start thinking the worse, "Is it an ulcer?". Looking up everything I could on the internet, I begin to think that my symptoms could be contributed to an ulcer.

Great, just my luck right?

I made it to the doctors the next day, thankfully they could get me in (thanks mommy), and he began to tell me that what I am experiencing is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, better known as Acid reflux.

Geez, this is going to be a bad day.

He began to tell me that over 20 million Americans have it, and its quite normal. It causes extreme heartburn, and the stomach pains that I am experiencing. But just to make sure, he wants to do a procedure called Endoscopy. Endoscopy means 'looking inside', which meant I was going to get a big tube down my throat into my stomach which allows for inspection, and picture taking!

OUCH. Very cool, but ouch.

So I set up my appointment for today, and my mom took me to the doctors for my 11 o' clock appointment. My mom and I ended up waiting in the waiting room for about 2 hours before I was called in.

This time is making me so nervous, am I gonna end up like that guy in the movie Awake?

I'm freaking out at this point until I hear my name being called in to the back.

"Can my mom come with me?"

"Unfortunately sweetheart, she can't."

WHAT!!

At this point my heart rate went straight through the roof, I can't do this by myself! She directed me to the bathroom where I put on my funny backless gown and I headed to the bed, where I found my mom.

"Oh thank goodness, they let you in."

While the nurse is prepping me I began to get a bit nervous. As I look to my right this man with a bristly beard and tattooed arm comes through the swinging doors and walks toward me.

"Well who do we have here? I'm gonna be takin' care of ya!"

I hope this guy knows what he is doing.

He starts looking for veins in my arm so he could start up my IV. Before I knew it, he already puntured my skin and I was set to go.

No we're rollin'. Litterally.

"I love you."

"I love you too mom."

I'm greeted with a smile and a hello as I enter a room that reminded me of a dentist's office, but with extremely big lights. I'm calm for a minute as I listen to classic rock they have playing on their itunes in the room. Mister Britsly Beard told a few jokes, but how much can you really laugh when you got stuff coming out of your arms.

Haha.

The Doctor comes in and asks how I am doing.

Really? Do I really have to answer this?

"I'm doing well, Doctor."

As he's talking to me, I'm told to lay over on my side as the nurse puts this plastic cylinder in my mouth that helps keep it open for the tube to easily inch in. I felt like a roasted pig on Thanksgiving with a big apple in its mouth. Helpless and motionless.

"Alrighty there Kera, we're gonna go ahead and give you the meds now, you'll be asleep in no time."

Yeah right, this stuff doesnt really work. Fight the sleep Kèra, fight it....

Next thing I know I'm awaken with my mom by my side and a nurse trying to talk to me. At this point I feel extremely drunk.

What the hell is going on right now?

"Did you dream?" My mom is so funny.

"Yea, I dreampt of a big house. The one from Monster House."

I'm handed a juice box of fruit punch, and biscotti crackers. But I still keep going in and out.

This stuff tastes really good. And here I thought I was gonna get saltines.

I'm still trying to fully awake myself. 20 minutes later, or so it seems, I'm getting out of bed and waiting to hear from the Doctor. He begins to tell me its nothing too serious...

"You have irritation in your stomach, you need to watch what you eat, eat 5 small meals a day, yada, yada."

Great, as long as its not an ulcer.

To end the day, my mom took me out for lunch to Stir Crazy, and we enjoyed a lovely meal together. Afterwards, she even took me to Target to buy me Monster House along with a bottle of Tums. Perfect combo.

I think I will now enjoy my movie and some much needed relaxation.

My Stomach.

Love,
Kèra