My health...

Yesterday I ended up in the emergency room at the Stanley hospital.

After being half way through my eye doctor appointment I was suffering from severe back pain in the right side, and a slight abdominal pain also on the right. By the end of my appointment I was in tears and was barely able to drive myself home; although it was only 4 blocks.

When I walked in the door Kevin said he was taking me to the ER. Upon arrival I was treated quickly. The nurses administered 2 pain medications and another medication to fight nausea (all 3 by IV) and hooked up an IV of fluid (water). After a urine specimen was taken by catheter they discovered that there was blood in my urine! So, they ran a catscan. After the results were faxed from Eau Claire, I was told I had a 6 mm kidney stone that was located about 3 cm above the bladder.

I was admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. Then this morning I got better news! (Sarcastically.)

At noon I had an appointment with a urologist in Marshfield. A stent was put in place to avoid any obstruction that the kidney stone might cause. The urologist discovered that my kidney stone was not made of calcium like usual. Instead, this one was different and could be dissolved by a potassium supplement. So, I have to take 2 potassium pills three times a day. Not to mention the antibiotic and pain medication I have as well.

I go back on Thursday next week for an ultrasound, more blood work and to have the stent removed. Hopefully, with any luck, the potassium will do its job and I won't have to undergo surgery.

Wish me luck!