Had my ERCP

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone!

I had my ERCP this morning. I have to say that the test itself was

easy because, unlike my experience with a recent EUS, I didn't once

come out of the sedation, even though they had warned me that it

was " conscious sedation " . For me it was blissful oblivion until I

was back in the recovery room.

One amusing thing! There I am, strapped down (well... " supported "

they call it!), lying on my tummy, hands down by my side, needle in,

BP pad on, mouthguard in place, oxygen tubes up my nose, no specs

on.......when who should arrive but the doc who is the Europac

coordinator with yet another consent form for me to sign!

(Remember, this is a Eurpoac research project on secondary screening

for pancreatic cancer.) My endoscopist was highly amused and wished

he had a camera....I mean not the one he was going to use in the

test!

Afterwards he told me that he had managed to extract a good amount

of juice (they don't always) but that to do so he had to " go at it

somewhat " because my pancreatic duct is so full of calcifications

that it was a bit like " trying to get through concrete " !!! Lovely

turn of phrase. He was concerned that this activity could increase

the risk of provoking an attack of pancreatitis so he placed a stent

to aid drainage and try to reduce the risk. I have to go back to

have in removed on 22nd Dec. Christmas treat!

This evening it is definitely getting quite painful but if it gets

no worse I'll manage with my usual pain-killers. If I have a bad

attack tomorrow, I'm to phone his team beforehand and go to A & E. One

of them will come down to the emergency dept to authorise

appropriate medication.

BTW, my husband's MRI scan will take place next Wednesday. It's a

bit awkward because we are going to London that day to see one of my

sons in the Christmas concert where he works. I will still go at the

correct time but Jim will have to follow on a later train and just

join us for a meal after the concert.

Well, I shall follow orders and go and rest. No school for me

tomorrow! Hopefully no desperate pain either.

Hope you are all well. I'm a bit behind with posts again. I'll try

to catch up.

With warm wishes,

Fliss (UK)