So Pandemic shit got real these past few weeks. Especially here in Gauteng. It feels like EVERYONE is just getting sick. Everyday more people that I know have Covid. This past week three SATSA members (Transplant Sport) passed away. Two were transplant recipients and one was the husband of a heart transplant recipient. It's bizarre.... how people are desperately asking me if I know where you can get oxygen on the "black market" (no I don't), and asking me all sorts of lung related questions, because I'm an expert in that area. Also - suddenly everyone knows what a pulse oximeter is. WTF... how times have changed. I bought mine on Amazon in California in 2015, because they were much more affordable than the ones available for sale here in SA. Now every second person has one. Hearing people with Covid talking about their O2 sats has made me test mine again! At least all is still good in that area... tested it yesterday while cleaning my flat.
I've been self isolating since Tuesday... because I'm having a whole bunch of scopes and biopsies done this coming Tuesday. They are as follows:
Colonoscopy and Anoscopy - because I'm over 30 and have CF and have been on immune suppressants for almost 14 years. So that ups my risk for colon cancer. Joy...
Tongue examination under anesthetic and biopsy - because I have a funny spot on my tongue, that has really confused my lung specialist as well as a head and neck surgeon... they both have no idea what it is, so they want to check it out while I'm out, and then probably cut the whole thing out and send for biopsy.
Vaginoscopy - with my hysterectomy last year in November, they didn't get clear margins when they cut out my cervix. So there was still some medium grade abnormal cells left. They've been treated, so it's time to see if it worked.... very very nervous for this one.
As you can see, Tuesday and Monday will not be fun. I just want to get it over with. Every orifice will be examined by 3 surgeons... kudo's to them for organising it so well though. I much prefer one insane day like that than 3 admissions, especially in a pandemic. I had my 13th Covid swab done today, and luckily it was negative as expected. All of this will take place at Donald Gordon medical centre.
PLEASE NOTE: these types of procedures are all part of being a transplant recipient, especially as time passes after your transplant. There is a lot of stuff that need to be checked out ALL THE TIME. It doesn't mean I'm not doing well, or that I'm sick (I'm really in better shape than ever), it's just managing the side effects of taking 4 immuno-suppressants. And 30 years of cortisone use. All the things that have kept me alive. Fingers crossed that all the results are good!
