This morning, bright and early, I received a phone call. Just five minutes before I’m to head off for a gastroscopy.
The hospital is calling! Apparently the doctor who does the procedure arrived an hour early. They are ready for me. No line ups at registration — head straight to the nurse’s station. No waiting in line for them to get my blood pressure, heart rate and temperature — that will be done immediately. No time to look for a plush change room — there is a washroom in an empty room.
I rushed over (as fast as my legs could carry me across the one block to the hospital). Within ten minutes I was in the operating theatre. OK, so I wasn’t being operated on — this was just an anatomical test. And this sure "wasn’t no theatre!" But I can’t think of another name — maybe test center — although that conjures up school and marks and competition and academics!
The test required a roto-rooter type of instrument with a camera on the end to be inserted down my throat and into my stomach.
Now, I’ve learned that a number of people have taken this test. They run this almost twice a month here in the town of Kindersley. I asked how many come in on a day. 18 or so is a slow day — they have had up to 33 on a very busy day. So average 20 a day/ twice a month/ for 12 months = 480 a year.
So, 500 or so of us endure this each year. Looking for stomach problems, cancer, esophagus damage, or whatever. Next time you are on the street, take a poll. Ask someone if they have had a gastroscopy and see what they answer!
I gagged away and somehow made it through. Actually, it wasn’t that bad. No damage by the roto-rooter, my throat is only a bit sore. The results were fairly normal, with some tightening of a ring at the base of the esophagus. But, because I am having some stomach problems still, I’m off for an ultrasound in November. I appreciate the thoroughness of the system.
Back to the early morning! The procedure was done quickly. Afterwards I shed the hospital clothers, dressed and sat down to wait. I was expected to have something to eat before I left. Unfortunately the kitchen was just gearing up (not expecting the doctor in this early). The muffins were quickly microwaved, juice prepared along with coffee.
Good!! This gave me an opportunity to sit and chat with a fellow "patient". I learned of his work in the oil patch and we shared food together. Thanks, Tim, for the time together.
Home again within an hour or so, and off to the office only about 15 minutes late.
I’m not ready to start every day this way. Certainly second best to a good kiss from the wife!!