Paracentesis, Food Stuff, and MRIs
I went for my first paracentesis Friday morning. We had had snow overnight and everything was closed - except Radiology. Part of me was happy because the fluid in my abdomen was so uncomfortable and painful. The other part was worried because we would have to drive in the snow. I'm a nervous passenger in normal circumstances, much less with snowy roads. But kind and caring friends offered to take me in their 4x4 truck (and the driver was from Buffalo, NY, and knew how to drive in snow!). I closed my eyes through a section or two, but we made it safe and sound. The procedure was so much less invasive than I was expecting! I didn't even have to change into a gown or take my shoes off. (Pro tip: take your shoes off. You'll be on the bed for a while.) You just walk straight into the procedure room, lie down on a stretcher, and lift up your shirt. They clean the area and stick a really long needle deep into your side. It contains a numbing agent, so you don't feel what comes...