TV totally adds 10 pounds...

Before I talk about today's experience, here's how I did on the test. 85%. 34/40. Not what I was hoping for, but all I need to do is pass, right? Oh well...

Today I went to Endoscopy. That's where they stick a camera down your mouth or up your..... Anyway, it was pretty cool, but not something I want to do as a nurse. It's the same thing really. You help the doctor out where necessary, teach the patient and help them get dressed once the Versed (sedative) wears off. Eh...

I'll spare you the details, but I will say that TV does actually add 10 lbs to your colon. It was pretty cool to get to see the doctor guide the tube into the bowels. It looked really easy until a doctor who was learning gave it a try. It definitely takes some finess. Oh yeah, this isn't so much gross as just kind of funny. On the first endoscopy I saw, once the tube passed the gastroesophageal sphincter, I thought I was looking at the brain. The stomach is really wrinkly inside, but very pink if you haven't eaten for about 9 hours. Most the bowels I saw were very clean. ;) Some weren't though :(

Oh, and I've decided to get TED hose. I'm getting varicose veins and I figure I don't want to risk getting a venous stasis ulcer, really ugly legs and more pain (it actually hurts even before they get bad). Sigh... Thanks Dad!!!! (these things are hereditary).

Since I'm posting pictures, I'll explain why varicose veins occur. First of all, it's a genetic defect in the veins. Leg veins have valves, much like the Aortic and Pulmonic valves in the heart: they all blood to flow only in one direction. In dysfunctional venous valves, they don't keep blood from back flowing. That can cause blood to stay in the interstitial space. When pressure gets too high in the legs it can keep nutrients from circulating to the skin. This can lead to skin breakdown and lack of upkeep in the cells. That's when venous stasis ulcers can occur. The way to both treat and prevent this from happening is by applying pressure, thus my decision to get TED hose. If I can save myself some pain and my family some money, then I think the inconvenience of wearing them might be worth it. We'll see...