This Too Shall Pass

What do you say to someone with a kidney stone? 
Urine trouble.


Groan.
I know, I know. That was REALLLLY painful!

Sooooo, a few weeks ago, my urologist called with the results of my kidney stone test. I didn't pass.

Thanks to my bro., my "rock" got dubbed Frieda Stone. Free da stone?

After weeks (months actually) of dealing with annoying and oftentimes extremely painful symptoms, I can now say that I'm no longer a stoner. Yay!!! I opted to have Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), so that blasted stone is now a thing of the past (passed?).

ESWL is done as an outpatient procedure. I got to choose between two locations where my doctor has privileges. One hospital is old and the other is only one year old. Being smart consumers, Mr. Smith and I decided to comparison shop the prices at both places. We expected the new place to be the most expensive; however, the "old" hospital came in $9,500 more for the exact same procedure done by the exact same doctor. Crazy!

I must include a couple of pictures of the fancy schmancy facility we chose. I felt as if I was heading off to a day spa; however, I neglected to get a mani/pedi included in my package deal.

The reception/waiting area is pretty comfy.

While I was in the operating room, Smitty was kept up-to-date via text messages sent to a pager.

Thankfully, I was under general anesthesia. My anesthesiologist told me that he had had the exact same procedure done a few months ago, but just as they were prepping him, he passed the stone. After hearing that story, I was ready to be knocked out.

I have no idea what this says. Do you have an interpretation?  My doctor wrote this cryptic message on my affected side prior to the procedure. It didn't wear off for days. I looked as if I was tagged with graffiti.

I've got a jar of dirt -- or gravel -- and an X-ray of my innards.

I got to take these presents to my doctor today. He was impressed. Not really. 

He receives this kind of stuff day in and day out.

It appears that I'm all clear, but I will have a follow-up appointment in one month to make sure.

Soooooo, my b-day is coming up at the end of June. When I went to the mailbox this afternoon, I found an early birthday card from my seester. She usually sends cards that have something to do with shoes. It's just a sister thing. She deviated from the norm this year. Her card is perfect.

Inside message: On your birthday, just relax and go with the flow.

I nearly peed my pants when I read it.

If laughter truly is the best medicine, I'm all better.