A Day Full of Tests . . .

This morning we woke up at 5:45am to catch the 6:15 shuttle and we hit the ground running. I had a full schedule of tests today which I wasn't necessarily looking forward to it but am looking forward to lots of results. I started out with a routine echo scan - normally super easy ultrasound of the heart . . . but of course, I am not a routine person. For some reason, my heart wasn't clear on the screen - not a sign of anything bad - just a sign of a new approach . . . I was lucky enough to receive an IV of some contrast in order to complete the test. (please note the sarcasm - it's a running theme today . . . OK, everyday but especially today)

I finished that test in time to head upstairs for a bone density scan, a CT of my sinus and a CT of my chest. I was lucky enough to sport a fancy gown . . .

After the scans, I headed back downstairs to the allergy department for an hour long skin prick test . . . or so we thought. They began the test only to discover that two of my non-asthma related medications were interacting to cause a histamine blocking reaction . . . that meant that the skin prick test would not work for me . . . again - I'm not a normal person - sensing a trend?! . . . I was sent back over to the laboratory for some more blood drawn.

After the blood draw, I was back upstairs for a bronchial provocation test (more time in the body box . . . this time with some nebulizer treatments full of triggers in hopes of flaring my asthma . . . yup - you heard that right - we actually flared my asthma on purpose . . . are these people crazy?!) . . . I survived the box for a second time and was treated to a laryngoscopy (a special little camera sent up and through my nose with a series of breathing and speaking exercises . . . she discovered I have no vocal cord dysfunction of which she was surprised as I lose my voice with asthma every time . . . scratch that off the list)

We had a few hours before the next procedure and learned that the hospital was having a Chocolate Factory . . . we headed over and met Willy Wonka . . .

Apparently, it's a yearly event for the staff and patients of the hosptial - we just happened to be here on the right day . . . they even gave us the chance to win a prize with an envelope . . . neither one of us had a golden ticket but enjoyed the silly event and know the girls will love to play with the envelopes when I get home . . .

We left the fun of the Chocolate Factory on to the fun of the PH Impedance Insertion (WARNING: the following photo is not for the faint of heart . . . ) I'm being ridiculously sarcastic in saying this procedure was fun - I won't begin to describe the process as some of you may be enjoying a cup of coffee during this reading . . .

I am lucky enough to wear this device home along with the recorder box for the whole night!! Yippee for me!! (again reminded this is not a vacation!!) Although it's pretty uncomfortable and bizarre, I am glad that they are so thorough in their testing here.

We called our shuttle and our friendly driver Chad brought us back to our hotel . . .

My mom offered to stop for Slurpees (as you know, one of my addictions . . . ) and jokingly asked if I wanted to go in with her . . . I said I'd tell the cashier "This is a stick-up . . . my nose!!"  Needless to say, I stayed at the hotel! I texted Travis to tell him about the day and he said, "Wow . . . poked, prodded, scoped, scraped and scanned?! They're going to know you better than me!!" It cracked me up!

Tonight is not the night I will be exploring the city - I don't want to scare the locals - so, we ordered pizza to be delivered, I put on my cozy socks (thanks mandy!!) and we're passing the time playing some games . . .

The countdown is on . . . tomorrow at noon I get to return to the hospital to remove this device . . . that's only 17 hours away but who's counting?