In last week's blog I mentioned an enlarged lymph node that might cause problems by creating blockage of a bile duct. By last Friday evening I started having symptoms such as my hands and feet itching. I went in for a blood test on Monday morning and that indicated a probable blockage. Tuesday was spent with phone calls between us, doctors, nurses, and the insurance company. This morning (Wednesday) I had an Ultra Sound on my abdomen so that the Gastroenterologist would have something to look at and determine what I needed. In the afternoon we visited Dr. Kirkpatrick in Bartlesville to see if he could help. Tomorrow morning (3/24/11) he will put a stent in the bile duct.
The procedure is endoscopic, meaning they will run a scope, and other instruments, down my throat, through my stomach and duodenum, and into the bile duct. Somehow they are able to then place the stent which holds the duct open for the flow of bile.
The doctor said the same type of procedure is used for gall stones which block the bile duct.
There is a possibility the stent would need replaced in 6 months or so. There is a more permanent metal stent, but placing one of those involves incisions. We'll see how it goes tomorrow, but incisions do not sound like fun.
Being in Bartlesville gave us the chance to go to Dink's BBQ and bring home supper. That made the trip worthwhile.
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