He seemed to empathize with my history and my ongoing concern about the future and my reluctance to try something new and wait only to possibly fail and then have to worry about a date being available for surgery, so he scheduled me for a procedure on December 29 (he originally offered me December 22, but I really want to be among family for Christmas....and since I never do anything for New Years' Eve I may as well be hospitalized). I'm guessing the availability of December 22 and 29 are due solely because of the holidays (Christmas or Hannukah or Kwanza or Festivus, whatever your "holiday" may be). I didn't want to be in the hospital during Christmas, and I don't suppose too many people are and since I'm probably the only person who never has anything to do on New Years' Eve, I may as well take advantage of the holiday and opening.
The doctor seemed surprised also that I wasn't able to get in to see him in the 5 weeks since the last failed surgery. I can only assume one of two things;
<>1) My previous doc, who said he talked to him, didn't....and lied to me about it (he told me he couldn't get me in any sooner even though he explained my situation directly to the doctor).
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2) His secretary, scheduler, office administrator or who ever is responsible for getting me in never explained my situation to him even though I called at least twice a week to see if there were any cancellations (earlier appointments).
This, as I say, surprised me and he seemed genuinely upset that it took so long for me to get in, especially given the circumstances. This also made me feel more comfortable about him.
In the meantime I am trying "Cytra-K Crystals" (Potassium Citrate and Citric Acid oral solution - drink mix - Fruit Punch flavored!) in an effort to lower my urine PH (acidity) thereby stopping the growth and possibly even dissolving the kidney stone.
I take 1 packet with 8oz of water 3 times a day....then check my PH with test strips and if there's not much of a change I can up the dosage to 5 packets a day....so it's not that bad, but I would still hate to waste a month or two and find it's not working and then have to start all over worrying about getting in for a procedure (adding another month or two). Since I only got the crystals yesterday (late) I have only taken 4 doses so far so it's too early to see any change.
I have to go to my local hospital sometime next week to have a scan of my kidney (I forget the technical term, but they will inject a dye and "map" the kidney/bladder....ala a CT Scan, but it will be the most acurate and complete picture of my kidney and stone, leaving no doubt how big it is, where it is and how best to get to it). Why my last doc didn't do this I'll never know....along with trying the Cytra-K Crystals after the Sodium Bicarbonate failed.
Then on December 21st I go back downtown (Philly) for a follow-up visit to check the results of the Cytra-K Crystals/Urine PH and discuss the impending surgery.
I will get a call from Jefferson University Hospital on December 28th telling me what time to be downtown again on the 29th for the actual surgery. Who knows how long I'll be in (which is why I didn't want the 22nd) and who knows if he'll even be able to get it (though I feel more confident in him, his personality and confidence gave me some comfort compared to my wishy-washy previous doc who couldn't get it out and didn't suggest these other options) so I'll probably be in over New Years' Eve/Day, but I hope to be able to start 2005 stone-less and in a better place physically.
While today's weather has me in the duldrums again I at least am feeling a little better mentally knowing the end is almost here.
(Hopefully)
RobMac
