Monday, September 15, 2008

Blogger Down: Returns to Action

Dear all:

I have been in the West Haven VA Hospital since Thursday PM, but now (4:21 PM 09/15/08: Happy B'day, Mimi!) am back home. Symptom: "kidneys took the weekend off" says the Doctor, who had a nice sense of humor. I felt sluggish and w/o appetite Saturday, went to bed after church Sunday, skipped a meal or two, and passed out Tuesday AM getting up. At this point sanity and good sense dictated calling 911 to to be admitted; I chose to try to get enough strength to do it myself Thursday Noon. Thanks: I've already thought so, too.

Treatment consisted mostly of continuous hydration by IV for 72 hours, another 24 to make sure the kidneys were still moving towards "normal" levels with liquids by mouth, then discharge for follow-up Monday to make sure I'm ready to do the MRI that is still scheduled for the 26th. Explanations await the MRI, but tentatively, since I've had no major changes in diet or habits for over a year, the hypothesis is I got dehydrated, partly because of my Ileostomy (I have no colon, and cannot re-absorb liquids as efficiently as before, but that was 26 years in July), which avalanched. The Ultrasounds suggest "something" "or or near" the left kidney, but the indications are so vague the techs struggle to decide what to say about it.

For the time being, I'm well, but still a little puny (Alas! Not in size.) which will likely delay my anticipated move until at least the first of the month.

So what did you guys do this weekend? Divest?

26 comments:

June Butler said...

Oh, Johnieb, I'm so very, very sorry. Prayers ascend for a good report from the MRI. Oh, my. I'm sending you my phone number by email so you can call and let me know if you get sick again.

I hope that you know that we really do care about you.

susankay said...

johnieb -- glad you FINALLY got yourself to the hospital! I will think good thoughts about the MRI.
Be well.

lauraj said...

Oh, JB! Get better soon. Sorry you had such a lousy week. yeck.

Unknown said...

That's a bummer. I'll be thinking about you.

My weekend was spent catching up on sleep. Oh, and I went to buy peaches at the orchard and went to the grocer's. Very uneventful.

pj said...

Hi Johnie! Now you take care of yourself, for pete's sake. May this all turn out to be a big nothing.

For what it's worth, I spent much of this weekend poll-watching. I don't recommend it.

MadPriest said...

It was probably eating all those tomatoes!

But you've through worse than this, soldier, and you'll get through it.

God bless ya!

Anonymous said...

Hey . . . are you the JohnnieB from the Cagle Post forum's?

If so, I've been trying to reach you.

Art W.

pj said...

And please give us an update when you can.

johnieb said...

I don't know what "Cagle Post" refers to, so I guess not.

I'm doing well enough; I've been "out and about" a bit-- lunch and arranging for boxes--and shall go appliance shopping after traffic dies down. Nothing strenuous, and with periods of rest interspersed.

In fact, I may take a nap.

Crimson Rambler said...

Step carefully, friend, for heaven's sake...prayers ascend...

susan s. said...

Naps are good. Prayers ascend for you dear JohnieB!

Anonymous said...

Nap! Yes! Repeatedly!

Your friend +Maya

June Butler said...

Oh how I envy you folks who can take naps, but yes, Johnieb, take your naps.

johnieb said...

Naps are good, so long as I don't over-do, and let them go on for 24-36 hours; that's how I got myself in this pickle. :-)

Fran said...

Oh goodness- it has taken me far too long to get here Johnieb.

How are you doing?

Prayers, good thoughts and wishes in abundance to you. I hope each day finds you better and better.

Crimson Rambler said...

Hoping that you feel better still, today, and will feel better again tomorrow!

johnieb said...

I went out this afternoon to buy appliances, and needed a rest upon returning, but I'm doing well.

it's margaret said...

johnieb!!! Thank God you checked in! --and I was getting worried about you with good reason it seems. Take good care, know that you are in my prayers, and drink all that you should.

Keep us posted on that MRI.

and --over the weekend, ummm, I broke my finger but don't need surgery, sent a letter to my Bishop which ended up with an hour conversation with him, and ummm --trained some acolytes and working ahead on our St Francis Day festivities! oh yeah --preached and celebrated too.

Be well --get well. many blessings.

Anonymous said...

Take care, johnieb. And take care of YOURSELF.

IT

Anonymous said...

Take it easy JohnnieB. Prayers for your recovery.

it's margaret said...

johnnieb --just checking in --hope you are doing okay. You continue in my prayers.

Paul said...

Prayers for the restoration of your health. Do try to behave, my friend. We need you around here.

Missy said...

I hope you are recovering well. My thoughts and prayers are with you this week. Give us an update when you can.

Ken said...

Pick up thy mat and walk, suckah! You have survived yet another round of the great game show called The Worst They Can Do To Me. Keep playing!

johnieb said...

So, see ya again this year at the Mid-East Regionals?

Anonymous said...

MY right kidney is shrunk (probably from take-off like my right eye ;)

All the best!