Great news!

 

The CAT Scan this morning confirmed that the stent is in the correct place and function has been restored to my kidney.  Great news.

 

While the radiology techs had me in the other room going through the machine, Judy was outside finding out who was going to read the results, and when.  Instead of having to wait the normal two days before we found out the results, Judy got someone to round up the Radiologist and get a commitment to read the CAT Scan right away.  We sat back down and waited.  Within ten minutes, we had the Radiologist explaining the results to us, then inviting us back to his inner sanctum for a look at them on his computer screens.  On side by side screens he showed us the kidneys, bladder, ureter, stones and the stent.  We saw how everything looked on April 1^st, April 21^st, and May 7^th.  With freeze frames he illustrated how the kidney condition deteriorated before, then recovered after the stent.  He was wonderful.

 

So now we know that the surgery was a success.  The stent is properly installed, and it is doing what it is supposed to do.  A big relief.  This whole adventure is expected to eventually conclude with no permanent damage to my innards.  Now, if only this current situation were actually comfortable.  I’m wearing a 22 centimeter long tube running the length of my ureter.  One end is curled up in a duct in my kidney, the other end curled up in my bladder.  None of my internal organs are enjoying the intruder.  My discomfort is definitely not a kidney stone attack kind of pain, but it hasn’t settled completely down to a level that can be managed by doses of Aleve and warm baths either.  Some days, when I think I’ve gotten through everything that needs immediate attention at work, it’s just time to bail in favor of a hydrocodone and a beer.

 

The urologist wants me to wear the stent for a month before he actually goes in after the stone.  A month from now I may need a drug and alcohol intervention, but we’ll get through this however we need to and deal with whatever follows when it’s time.

 

There it is; my account of our anniversary day.  What else can I say…….hopeless romantics that we are……..we spent it together.

 

Happy Anniversary to us

 

Our 47th wedding anniversary tomorrow.  47 years.  That means we’ve been together for 50.

 

 

Years ago, one of Matt’s friends was looking at our wedding album and exclaimed “Oh cool!  You did your wedding album in black and white”.  We seemed so retro to her.  Truth is, they almost hadn’t invented color yet.  It would have cost an extra $50 to get our photos in color.  Now it costs extra to get them in black and white.

 

So romantic.  We’ll start the day tomorrow getting another CAT Scan to see if last week’s stent implant was successful.  There should be some sign of improvement in my kidney.  Maybe this anniversary won’t be quite as romantic as some, but wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we’re happy to be doing it together.

 

 

Watching the hummingbirds at the feeders.

 

 

 

 

 

Mostly Ruby-throated.

 

 

 

 

One Buff-bellied.

 

 

The weather was better today

 

Back in the 80s.  Didn’t need the heater.  Didn’t need the air conditioning.

 

Here is a sign of spring…

 

Painted Bunting

 

A high today in the seventies

 

Know how that is characterized by the weatherman on television here?  Unseasonably chilly.  Seventies in May….almost unheard of.

 

We stayed inside.

 

 

Ow.

 

That didn’t go so well.  A 20 minute surgical procedure took an hour.  We’re plugged up pretty tight.  They got the stent all the way in, but we won’t find out if it’s actually working for a few days.  I’ll be hanging out with my ….Codone friends for a while again.  And then….Judy just explained to me that one of the people in our house might be a little cranky.

 

Meanwhile, I’m left to wonder “Do flies learn?”  How many times have you had a fly that just won’t leave you alone suddenly disappear when you pick up a flyswatter?

 

 

We are so happy and healthy

 

I don’t write about that every day.  I could, but then the trip reports would be all be the same.  I tend to talk about what is different.

 

Today, Judy’s shoulder hurts.  She has suffered a setback in her rehab and has had to lighten up.  She needs less inflammation for more comfort.  My right kidney is blocked.  Earl the Pearl is now a Plug.  Surgery tomorrow to bypass the blockage and preserve the kidney.  We can blow Earl up later.  (I understand we can go in after him with a camera, a gun, and a basket.)

 

I report the medical mishaps but all-in-all they’re minor diversions.  We are happy, healthy, and having a fantastic time.