A "Stoner" No More

Indeed, I can finally say I'm a "stoner" no more. Four months, six surgical procedures, hundreds of antibiotics, antispasmodics, Vicodins and Potassium pills later, MY STONE HAS BEEN OBLITERATED. And, my surgeon is alive to tell the story. (It was touch and go at the end as both he and I were about to come to blows on my whole saga! :) )

I have four more days to endure my current stent (the second one) and the joys of peeing with pain and the joyous itchy sensation of stitches in my left kidney. How wonderful to have the onslaught of dry skin due to cooler weather exacerbated by "stitch itch." In just a few more days both stent and stitch will also be part of my horrific recent memories.

The only good things I can say about my whole four month ordeal is that I am so very blessed to have a husband and Mother-in-Law who stepped in, stepped up and stood tall to make sure me and Pumpkin were more than taken care of. It was most difficult being told that I couldn't lift my baby, play with her, or even snuggle with my husband due to two Nephrostomy tubes in my back. And, thanks to a recent addition of Prilosec to my diet, I am now going through my days without nausea and upset stomach for the first time in months.

Having never been in the hospital accept to be born and have jaw surgery as an adult, my stone experience was excruciating. I kept telling DH that I just wanted my life back. I just wanted to eat and sleep and (yes) do housework when and how I wanted. Each time I thought I was near the finish line, something would go wrong and I'd have to get another tube inserted into my body, have another procedure done and go through another set of limitations. Enough!

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention another strong workforce in my healing favor: my Prayer Warriors. For the past several months, I so very gratefully had a team of faithful friends, acquaintances and even strangers who prayed for my recovery and even sent me a "prayer shawl" which I sleep with to this day because of the comfort it provides me. I know that their prayers helped me through and gave me just enough gumption to keep hanging on, even when I was sure I'd have my stone for all of eternity.

So, to everyone out there who helped, prayed and generally kept me in their thoughts these past many months, I sincerely thank you.