Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

December 28, 2002

Hi All,

My doctor called yesterday with the results of my most recent

CT-scan. He had suggested another CT-scan after my telling

him about the increased pain I'd been having, which was also in

a new location, more in the right side of my abdomen. There

was concern that either a new psedocyst had developed or that

there were problems with my gallbladder.

The good news is that the scan showed no new pseudocysts, in

fact the ones I already have even showed further reduction since

my June scan. My gallbladder looked fine, clear and showed no

problems. He said from now on he doesn't even see the need

for these expensive CT-scans ($4,800 each time, and this was

my seventh in less than 1 1/2 years!). He said from now on all

they will do to check the pseudocysts is an ultrasound.

But he has recommended that I have an upper endoscopy (EGD)

just to check all possible avenues, and also wants to do a

colonscopy the same day. He's been suggesting the

colonscopy for several months now, due to my age (51). It's

considered a sensible diagnostic procedure for anyone over 50,

and I had just been stalling. So I've agreed to make an

appointment within the month to have the procedures done.

He said he believes the pain is just from the progression of my

CP and that what I've been experiencing is referred pain from the

pseudocysts and damaged pancreas. It is good news that

nothing except improvement was found, though I am

discouraged that good news doesn't necessarily mean less

pain. Oh well, that's how the cookie crumbles!

I am leaving tomorrow for a week's visit up to Lake Placid, NY to

enjoy New Year's week with my dad in the snow country. It is

always such an adjustment from our climate to his at this time of

year, yet I am looking forward to having this time with him.

I hope you all have a safe and pain-free New Year! I'll talk to all

in 2003.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

hhessgriffeth@...

South Carolina

Southeastern Representative

Pancreatitis Association, Intl.

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