I had a pretty decent night’s sleep Sunday night, probably down to the fact that I took 30mg of Temazipam, but hey, I needed some sleep! The last few nights have been a bit of a nightmare as I’ve been worrying about the biopsy so sleep was priority on Sunday night.
Woke early at 5.30 after sleeping through from 11 pm. I was a bit groggy on waking but I’ve but that down to the sleeping tablets. I got up, showered and dressed then we walked the dog round the block before double checking my rucksack which I took with me. The letter stated that I should be at the hospital for 8.30, that I would then have the biopsy (no time given) then I would be in observation for 4-6 hours afterward. I’d packed my dressing gown, a pair of shorts, my laptop, book, medical kit (yes, even to hospital!) and a few crystals.
We got to the hospital at roughly 8.15 and walked through the hospital to the radiology department. We were checked in by the receptionist and asked to wait on the ward until the nurse came round to fill out some paperwork and do some health checks prior to the biopsy. Within 10 minutes the nurse arrived and started checking me over. We had a right giggle with the nurse who was lovely, discussing medications, side effects and current symptoms, she put me at rest when she mentioned that she’d dealt with loads of positive people since being in the department. After checking my BP the consultant came over and gave me a brief outline of the procedure then I was on my way into the theatre.
On entering the theatre I was prompted to get onto the bed (very thin) and get comfortable. The consultant then came in and asked me a set of questions regarding my name, address and DOB. He then went on to ‘gel up’ his portable Ultra-Sound machine and popped it into my armpit…I almost screamed it was that ticklish. I had pre-warned them all that I was really sensitive, especially in the armpit. Once I started laughing that was it, the nurse joined in and it went on for a good two minutes. Once I’d calmed down, the consultant then went on to scan my neck lymph node and asked which one I would prefer him to take a sample off – No brainer, my neck please!
After we had agreed on the neck lymph I felt so relieved, being ticklish, I’d be really worried about me squirming about as the needle went in to my armpit so I was over the moon when he said he would take the sample from my neck. He then disinfected my neck, took another scan to make sure there were no arteries present that could get in the way, then pumped me up with Local Anaesthetic.
I did not see the needle he used as I’m a bit wimpy when it comes to those things, so decided to look away. He tested the needle which gave off a very loud ‘click’ and advised me that was the click I would hear when the sample had been taken. He then asked if I was ready, which I replied that I was and we started the biopsy. I was pre-warned again about the click, once the needle was in my neck, and said click arrived. I had tinnitus in my ear for about 10 seconds afterward. He popped the sample out with another click and took a look. Just my luck, the sample had fallen to bits! We lined up for round two, luckily there was no round three 🙂
Tinnitus for another 10 seconds whilst he checked the sample, then he said “all done” and I was like really? That fast? Apparently, if I’d have had a biopsy on my liver, it would have taken quite a while longer so let’s hope I don’t have to. I sat up for a few seconds whilst the nurse fastened my gown back up then was off back to the ward where Adam was waiting. Had a word with the consultant for about 5 minutes discussing possible bleeds and what to do, was given 2 fresh dressing by the nurse and then was sent on my way.
Looks like I’d filled my bag for nothing as I was literally in the theatre for 15 minutes, the paperwork took less than 5 minutes. I got changed whilst the nurse went to check on a few things for me (pain clinic) then I was cut free of my hospital tag and advised I could leave. I was quite shocked it had gone as fast, as the letter did state that I would have to spend 4-6 hours in observation. The nurse explained that was more for people who have a general anaesthetic and that the consultant was happy for me to leave.
We made our way back into Wednesfield to get the bus home which was probably the longest wait of the day, we picked up a pork and stuffing sandwich each whilst we were waiting to have for dinner which we took home with us. The bus came on time and we were home before we knew it. Adam took the rest of the day off as the consultant advised that I would need someone with me for 24 hours just in case anything happened, nothing did though!
Once the local anaesthetic had worn off I started to feel the pain in my neck. I had some pain killers and some water but it didn’t take away the pain. I got pretty tired so took a nap for a few hours and when I woke I could not get warm. Sat with a coffee cupped in my hands trying to warm up but that did not seem to work either. After about an hour, during which I’d been dithering that much that I managed to bite my tongue twice, I was back to normal temperature and we popped to Morrison’s to get some dinner.
At around 6 pm I had all the texts and phone calls from family to make sure I was alright, and Kayla, our friend had popped round to see me. I was a big groggy for most of the evening as I was in quite a bit of pain which has rolled over to today. Had a GP appointment this morning, the last one with my current doctor as her contract is up so she will be moving on. We went through loads of things, made sure all my medical notes were up to date and made an appointment with my new GP. Although she had been a bit crap before I was diagnosed HIV+, she had but quite a lot of effort in with me since, and I’m a bit gutted that I’ve been passed on to another GP. I know I planned on changing anyway but with everything going on at the moment, I was kind of putting that off.
We said our goodbyes then I was on my way to get some shopping in from Morrison’s for lunch and dinner and since then I’ve been trying to relax on the settee. I tried to have a nap seen as I did not sleep a wink last night but could not drop off. I got really warm and sweaty and have had a wet cloth on my head for the past hour but it’s not cooling me down. Seen as I cannot rest I decided to blog instead, something I’ve not been doing very regularly of late!
I guess I haven’t been blogging as I’ve been feeling quite down these past few weeks. Worrying about the biopsy hasn’t helped, just like the chest infection didn’t. Been feeling quite fed up with all the aches and pains, the night sweats and not sleeping and guess this has an adverse effect on my mood. Hopefully soon, I’ll get a break from all this as the HAART medication should kick in and reduce my symptoms.
I have 8 days to wait for my results from the biopsy, along with the results of my first bloods taken on medication last Wednesday. I’m trying not to think too much about the biopsy but it’s easier said than done. Started a new book which is really good, by Peter F Hamilton who is a great sci-fi writer so hopefully that will help take my mind off things, failing that, I’ll have to get stuck into another TV series on Netflix or something like that.
Been signed off for another two weeks from Monday, had a meeting with work last week and they have been great. They have registered me as disabled so when I return to work I’ll have things set up to help me better in my role. We have also decided that I will have a phased return to work, using up my flexi time and some holiday time to make up my weeks until I am back up to full time work.
Don’t feel quite ready enough to go back just yet, my mood is all over the place still, and with the insomnia, my concentration levels are quite low too. My memory has been playing me up, I find myself getting up to do things then can’t remember what I am supposed to be doing. Probably the result of the lack of sleep and the constant tiredness. I keep getting told that it will all level out soon and that I will be sleeping again and back to a healthy state, guess I just get frustrated that I’m not seeing any results yet, and if anything, things have gotten worse.
Fingers are crossed for my results next week, hopefully the days will go fast as I hate not knowing what’s going on. Until then I best get my head into my book to try and get my mind off these results.
DathomirDan.
Thanks for reading.
Diagnosis Blues 