REPORT: Everything good at GP office, except blood work shows Vitamin D deficiency. Doc says need 2000 mg a day. Easily done. But suprapubic catheter is still in and I can whiz from original equipment only about 80% of the time, not enough to risk removing catheter. Failure leads to Foley, and it's (Foley) the single most unpleasant procedure I've ever undergone. Five times and one left in for three weeks. Suprapubic trades one discomfort (a lesser one) for another, but runs a higher5 risk of infection. II feel a little more "right" all around, but that's probably more the generic Lexapro, and an occasional Xanax. I still never feel good, but I definitely feel better.
No VBC on the rear deck yeaterday; high over 90 and bright sun. Maybe today, overcast so far, if it doesn't rain.
And again, many thanks to all of you who are praying for me or keeping a good thought; may God bless us all.
@motie2 Well, still sounds much more positive as opposed to negative (except OF COURSE) the absence of a smoke yesterday. So it sounds to me like the prayers and positive energy are nudging you toward the goal line. We just need to run the 2 minute drill here and get you in to score a win. And, it will happen my friend. I have connections.
@motie2 OK, some good news there. Some encouraging news for sure. Baby steps, but we'll take that vs the alternative. Like you I'm hoping that damn catheter goes away soon. I just can't imagine dealing with such pain and discomfort. Still, your strong enough to have gotten where you are today, which means you're strong enough to overcome this whole "thing". We believe, Gordon!
Glad to know you're getting some relief and slowly coming around. Like Jim said ... "Baby steps". Wish the weather would co-operate and you'd be able to get the natural Vitamin D sitting outside while puffing your pipe.
@motie2 — So glad to hear some good news! It’s just a matter of time before you’re puffing huge billows of Barbados Plantation and Mrs. Hudson’s on your favorite EA Carey pipe!
Tomorrow morning I go to the urologist. Either the suprapubic catheter comes out or it doesn't. It's been in for three full months. If it comes out and I can whiz using original equipment all well and good. If it comes out and I can't whiz, I get another Foley within 24 hours, which is damn near the worst thing in the world, IMHO.
I ask for your prayers and kind thoughts. Again. Thanks guys.
BTW, my current situation is I can whiz all day using original equipment, but cannot when I get up during the night, nor the first thing each morning when I get up. That makes me very nervous.
@motie2 You're still at the top of my list brother. I'll be saying many prayers for you all through the day tomorrow in hopes that all will go well and your "original equipment" will function properly...
Good wishes your way, @motie2, with your visit tomorrow. Have to say, that does seem odd regarding the ability to use the original equipment only during working hours. Almost sounds as though there’s an issue with how full the tank is, or ain’t. Do keep us posted.
Last time in hospital I dicovered a worse thing than a Foley, a stent that goes all the way up to the Kidney with a long cable attached with a Foley. I learned to Yodel on removal 8 days later. I haven't smoked since mid January; I finally went out tonight on the porch for a bowl.
@Woodsman -- OMG. I really feel for you. Having the suprapubic removed is less traumatic than having a Foley in or out, but your experience sounds monstrous. Be strong and of good courage (advice I could well take myself.)
Several years ago I had a large Kidney Stone removed from one of my kidneys which was not going to move. They went in under general anesthesia (yeah, you guessed the route taken). got it broken up and out, and put a stent in from the kidney to the bladder due to the probability of the urethera swelling and closing up. That was in for several weeks, and anytime I turned or moved certain ways I could feel it. Several weeks later I had to go back tp Philly where under a local anesthetic they pulled the stent out. Not horrible, but not fun either.
@motie2 I'm glad you at least didn't have to go through another Foley. I have to say, reading about your travails over all these months makes me wonder why they haven't come up with a better, less painful method of treatment. What, are a blood letting and leeches next? Having anyone do that to one's "original equipment" borders on the barbaric. You're a helluva lot stronger than I'll ever be to endure all this. I continue to think and pray for you in hopes this mess comes to an end soon.
Comments
No VBC on the rear deck yeaterday; high over 90 and bright sun. Maybe today, overcast so far, if it doesn't rain.
And again, many thanks to all of you who are praying for me or keeping a good thought; may God bless us all.
Well, still sounds much more positive as opposed to negative (except OF COURSE) the absence of a smoke yesterday. So it sounds to me like the prayers and positive energy are nudging you toward the goal line. We just need to run the 2 minute drill here and get you in to score a win. And, it will happen my friend. I have connections.
Maybe I'll be able to have that bowl of VBC today......
I ask for your prayers and kind thoughts. Again. Thanks guys.
BTW, my current situation is I can whiz all day using original equipment, but cannot when I get up during the night, nor the first thing each morning when I get up. That makes me very nervous.
You have my prayers my friend......and i ask for yours.
So it goes.
Several years ago I had a large Kidney Stone removed from one of my kidneys which was not going to move. They went in under general anesthesia (yeah, you guessed the route taken). got it broken up and out, and put a stent in from the kidney to the bladder due to the probability of the urethera swelling and closing up. That was in for several weeks, and anytime I turned or moved certain ways I could feel it. Several weeks later I had to go back tp Philly where under a local anesthetic they pulled the stent out. Not horrible, but not fun either.
May all those who are ill be comforted in their times of trial......
And maggots for debriding dead flesh (from burns?).
It's one of the best taken-to-heart reads I've seen on our forum.