official diagnosis

Those who have been following my medical issues the past year, I got my official diagnosis after some hospital testing this morning. Long story short for those who don't know, I had been seeing a ENT specialist for issue with my esophagus since February of this year. After several tests and getting nowhere, I landed myself in the hospital in June while visiting home. It took the emergency room doctor less than 5 minutes to give me an unofficial diagnosis. However, it would not be accept by my PCM here at Fort Bliss until I had the testing done to prove it. After 3 attempts at the referral, I had my appointment with Radiology this morning. Finally, a solid diagnosis. It's absolutely GERD.

This test was disgusting. I got all changed into that fancy x-ray gown. The first part was to take a shot of this powder that was pretty much the equivalent of Alka Seltzer, then chase it with a shot of water trying to not let it fizz in my mouth. Then the tricky part, even though there was extreme gas build up (which they needed for the x-rays) I could not burp. That was hard lol. After that, I had to chug this disgustingly thick 'shake'. They told me it was bubblegum flavored. LIES! I almost threw up and he told me if I did, I had to start over. No way. Not happening. So I was giving myself a 'I will not throw up' pep talk the whole time. And then the wall I'm standing against goes backwards. They did the tilt test, made me lay on both sides and my back. Drink another (less thick) 'shake'. And then it happened. Burning sensation. What was weird is that not only was I feeling it (obviously) but I got to SEE it happen on the screen that was taking pictures of my stomach and esophagus. I've also got several lovely ulcers hanging out in there. That was that. He said it was really bad and why hadn't I been diagnoses sooner. I told him to ask the multiple doctors I'd seen here, because I had told them from the beginning that from my Google searches I thought it was GERD.

Next step: Follow up appointment. Called the appointment line all to find out that my PCM has transferred to the SFMC on main post, and I have to be seen at the SFCC on Biggs. Which is totally cool by me, since I didn't much like her anyway. At first she was awesome, but then she turned ridiculous. So the guy made me an appointment with a random doctor for this Friday so that I can get my prescription refilled. Now I need to figure out what happens from here doctor wise. It's going to suck to have to explain this all over again for a new doctor. Hopefully this one will be more professional. I'm also going to request that I get referred to a dietician so I can learn the proper diet for GERD patients. 

Love, Me.