Continuing this saga, I’m now home from the hospital. Short answer - all is peachy-keen and fine.
Long story:
Sunday evening was unpleasant, and I just couldn’t relax to go to sleep. Having to run to the bathroom frequently didn’t much help either. So I took a hot shower, left my sweetie bundled in bed, and planted myself in front of HGTV with a glass of water and a comfy afghan (blanket - not dog or terrorist) By midnight, my system was depleted and I was sufficiently exhausted that I could finally sleep. Unfortunately, I awoke around 6 - still pooped, so to speak. I was thirsty and hungry and dragging my poor self around. Pathetic was I.
Hubby had to get to work, so he dropped me off at the hospital early. I found my way to the Day Surgery wing and got signed in. Then I spent maybe 20 minutes reading ancient magazines till I was summoned. In no time, I was settled on my bed, thankful they let me keep my socks on. The nurse who was to put in the IV faced the same challenge they all do - I have crummy veins. She was going to try in the back of my right hand, but I’d whacked it last week and it was all bruised. So she wound up poking me in the forearm - it was not the most painless IV I’d ever had, but it was short term, so tolerable.
I dozed a bit, then was wheeled down to the Endoscopy suite. When an exam room was freed up, they wheeled me into position. I got to watch the nurse set up the probe and stuff. She explained exactly what was going to happen, then took my glasses and had me turn on my side. That’s when I got a good chuckle. The cart that held the computer and all the instruments and emergency equipment was red with black drawers. At the bottom was the label: SEARS Craftsman!! She told me that they’d used those tool boxes for years. She also mentioned that a similar cart bought thru a medical supply company would cost several thousand dollars! From Sears, they were $300-400 or so. Dunno why that tickled me so, but it did.
A little later, my doc came in. He shot some Demerol into my IV. Next thing I remember was being in the pink recovery area of Day Surgery. The nice nurses gave me ice water and orange juice. They let me get dressed. They monitored my vitals and kept asking “Who’s taking you home?” Yeah - my husband was running a wee bit late. But he showed up about 12:30, signed my discharge papers, and took me home.
I’ve had some lunch and some water and some ice cream. I’m not supposed to drive or drink or overexert myself today. I’m feeling a bit dopey (refrain from cheap shots here, please… 
) but I don’t think I’m going to sleep - I’ll just crash early tonight.
So as I said - all is fine with my innards. I’m supposed to do a couple of follow-on tests for blood in the stool. IF something shows up on them, I guess they’ll hafta probe again elsewhere. But considering I’ve had no symptoms of gastro-intestinal problems, I’m assuming this was a one-time fluke. And before someone asks, no I don’t have pictures to post.
Once again, many thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts, good wishes, and extravagant gifts… no, strike that - I didn’t get any extravagant gifts. No sweat. [sub]I don’t mind. Really. [/sub] All the information you provided went a long way toward easing my worries. Youse guys are da bestest!!!
<air kisses and cyber hugs all around>