It's been a while, and while a lot has happened in the world, not so much has happened with me (hence my long silence).
While the kidney stone surgery back in December was a success, things have moved backward since.
About 3 weeks ago I did two consecutive "24 Hour Urine Tests" (so 48 hours total) and sent them in (it's a process I won't go into right now, suffice it to say I didn't have to send in all the urine I collected). I will have to go to the hospital next week and have another procedure done; a Renal Ultrasound to see if any stones have regrown (though I know for a fact they have since I've passed 3 in the last 5-6 weeks!). I have been passing gravel (in addition to the 3 decent-sized stones) but I can't be sure if it's all left-overs from the surgery 3 months ago or "new" stuff.
The urine test will determine if anything in my diet is contributing to the formation of the stones and if there is any medication and/or dietary changes that will slow/stop the formation of future stones.
I see my urologist again on April 19, so more news after that visit.
I am happy and depressed (the story of my life); Happy because it has finally gotten nice outside (it was up to 77*F today) and depressed because I am in too much pain to go anywhere or do anything worthwhile.
I want to go to the Strasburg Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad Museum (right across the street and near Lancaster, PA) or go down the Jersey Shore to walk in the surf and sand in my bare feet, but since both are a 90 minute drive away, I don't feel like I would enjoy it much since I'd have to walk quite a bit at either destination (my back feels like it gets snapped in half after walking the DVD aisle at my local Best Buy!) so I'm a bit afraid that I'd do more damage than good by doing either.
I did take a ride around town in my convertible and got a nice tan/burn on my face and arms (I don't tan, really, I have levels of burn that I get, this was mild and acceptable) so I feel a small sense of accomplishment today, but wish I did more to stimulate my mind.
That's all from me, I wish there was more to report (specifically some good news) but I'll try to post more often.
RobMac
