Dear Grandkids,
I hate kidney stones!
On September 7, 2017 I wrote my very first Pop Pop Epistle. That was 167 epistles ago. And it was “About A Kidney Stone.” That was four and a half years ago.
Up until a month ago I had been kidney stone free. I will go on record and say it again in case I was not clear the first time…
I hate kidney stones!
This was a weird kidney stone experience. I was awakened in the middle of the night in early February with what felt like kidney stone pain. Having felt that kind of pain 4 other times over the last 20 years I knew what it felt like. But this wasn’t that bad and then was gone by morning. I felt it again about 3 days later but still not too bad. And then one other time about a week later. At this point I decided it might be best if I found out if I was indeed dealing with a kidney stone and what was going on.
I went to the urologist two days later and she confirmed that I had not one but two stones in my left kidney and one was officially stuck in the little tube between my kidney and my bladder. And it was big enough that it was not going to go anywhere. So surgery was scheduled 3 days later. The good news is that I now have no kidney stones on the left side but the bad news is that I still have one on the right side. Like a little ticking time bomb that will go off at some time to be determined.
The worst part, for me at least, is the week or so AFTER the kidney stone has been expunged. Drugs can help me deal with the pain before the surgery. But after the surgery I am miserable because of the stent that is inserted in that little tube where the stone was to “keep things moving.” Miserable I say!
Enough said. I don’t want to be guilty of oversharing but if you want a hilarious take by a fellow kidney stone sufferer then listen to this comedy routine by Jeff Foxworthy. But be warned, he is guilty of oversharing.
Now about step-taking. It has been 5+ years since I have NOT gotten at least 70,000 steps in a week. I’m pretty proud of that. I am also proud to say that my streak is still intact even after the several weeks I dealt with the kidney stone and the stent. But I will tell you that the week I had the stent in was the hardest week I have ever had getting my steps in. It was an exhausting week. Being upright for more than 15 minutes at a time just wore me out. Usually I will get at least one 5000 step walk in each day. About 1000 was all I could handle at a time so I took lots of mini-walks that week even when I didn’t feel like it.
There are a few Scripture verses that helped me get through those tough days. And I fully realize that what I went through is minimal compared to what many people have to deal with for much longer times. But still, these were an encouragement…
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3-5)
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-15)
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him. (Lamentations 3:22-24)
May you NEVER have to deal with a kidney stone and may you ALWAYS remember the steadfast love of the Lord.
Never forget that you are very loved,
Pop Pop