The Urologist Visit

I went to see a urologist today regarding the kidney stone adventure that I’ve been enjoying this week.

(See how I’m trying to approach all of this with a happy, optimistic attitude?)

He came into the room where I was seated and said, “What can I do for you?”

I said, “I’m hoping you can help me never to experience something like I experienced last Monday night.”

He said, “Are you talking about the pain?”

I said, “Yes, I am.”

He nodded and said, “Well, we will try.” 

He had observed the CAT scan disc which I brought with me from the hospital in Decatur, Illinois.  He told me, “You have two very small kidney stones, one in each kidney.  And then you have the third larger kidney stone—that’s the 6 millimeter stone.”  He went on, “The larger stone has already traveled to your bladder.”

I cringed and with fear and trembling said, “Okay...”

He said, “Now that the larger stone has reached the bladder passing it becomes much easier.  It has already traveled through the most difficult parts of its journey.” He added, “Since it’s in the bladder passing it will probably not be very painful.”

I perked up, but still feeling some caution said, “But it still has to take a… um… a… you know… a certain… uh… path to get completely out. Won’t that last part of the journey be the worst part?”

He said, “No, actually that probably won’t be too bad.”

We talked about that further in some detail but I won’t describe that part of the conversation in this post because I’m a sensitive and discreet kind of guy.

A huge wave of relief came over me. “So, I’ve probably already experienced the worst of the pain?”

He said, “Yes.”

With a big smile on my face I said, “You’ve just made me a very happy man.”

He smiled back and said, “Well, I do my best.”

I left his office with a grin on my face, a spring in my step and a stone in my bladder.

I now have a strainer so we can determine if the stone is passed. 

I have my pain medications in case they are needed. 

I have a virtually unlimited supply of water—which I am supposed to drink in voluminous amounts. 

And I have the hope that the worst part of the pain of my kidney stone adventure is over.

I’m feeling pretty good!

By the way, thank you to everyone for your prayers. It has really meant a lot to me to have your love and support.

The Kidney Stone Adventure

Yesterday morning, as I was driving to Decatur, IL (central IL) for a pastor’s retreat, I began to experience some discomfort that quickly turned into a significant amount of pain. Fortunately, though, after a while the pain passed and, basically, went away completely.

I thought, “Well, I don’t know what that was all about but it seems to be over.”

(This is the kind of brilliant thinking for which I am known far and wide.)

Last evening after the dinner provided at the retreat, sure enough, the pain returned and very quickly it became severe. It was a sharp pain in my lower abdomen and the right side of my lower back. I thought about trying to drive home but as the pain worsened I realized I would never make the 2 and a half to 3 hour drive home.

There is a couple at the retreat, Everett and Cindy, who are medical professionals and after speaking with them, we determined by the nature of the symptoms it was likely I had a kidney stone.

The pain became so severe—it was by far the worst pain I have ever experienced—that I was driven by my friend Eric (on very icy roads) from the back roads of the retreat center to the Emergency Room of St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Everett came along with us, as well.

At the hospital blood work was analyzed and a CAT scan was performed. It turns out I do have a fairly large kidney stone.

(By the way, if a person tells you kidney stones are incredibly painful, believe it.)

Since we now had a diagnosis of the problem, the ER doctor came into my room and said, “You cannot stay at the hospital.”

I said, “Huh?”

He said, “We are going to be releasing you.”

“But I still have the kidney stone,” I said.

He said, “I know but that’s how it works, these days. We will release you with some super-duper fun pain meds and you will need to make an appointment with a urologist to deal with this further. Because of the size of your kidney stone it is not likely you will be able to pass it without having it broken down into smaller pieces.”

Sounds like a blast, huh?

Fortunately Everett, who is a Physician’s Assistant, was in the room with me and was able to be my advocate.

So at approximately 1a.m. I was discharged from the hospital and driven by Eric to a 24 hour Walgreens to get my prescriptions.

This morning Eric insinuated I may have been a bit loopy on that drive back to the retreat center.  (That probably explains why I was wearing my underwear over my head when I awoke this morning.)

I was able to get some pain-free sleep last night. But this particular adventure is not over yet because I cannot drive due to the super-duper fun pain meds so we are working on how I will get home. If you know someone who could give me a lift with a helicopter that would be much appreciated. (My helicopter needs a new sparkplug.)

What occurred last night reminded me, again, what a blessing it is to have friends who will look out for you and help you. God gave me three helpful guardian angels last night who made my very painful situation much more bearable: Everett Shaw, Cindy Shaw and Eric Livingston.  I am grateful, to put it mildly, for their kindness and love.

Our Sorrows Are Temporary

For those who trust in Christ the sorrows that happen in life are temporary. This is not to say that they are insignificant or not real. The sorrow is real. Pain and tragedy are real. We grieve and that is real. But there will be a time when the sorrow turns to joy. All things will be put right. I am extremely grateful for this truth.

Experiencing All of Life, Including The Difficult Feelings

We have a very understandable impulse to want to numb ourselves when we experience feelings such as sadness, pain, guilt, vulnerability and fear.  The problem with numbing these types of feelings is that when we do so, it leads to numbing positive feelings such as confidence, happiness, courage and joy, as well.  Part of learning, growing and truly living involves working—with God’s help—through the experience of all these feelings.

Generosity, God's Provision and Suffering

I recently had the following interaction, online, with a friend.  I hope you'll take a moment to read...

My Original Post:

Real generosity generally requires people to believe that there will always be provision. In other words, in order to be willing to give freely of what we have, it is important for us to believe that our basic needs will be provided.

We have this question: “If I give away some portion of what I have, will I hurt myself or will there be enough?”

So there is a trust factor involved in generosity. Generous people look to the Provider in a way that reveals authentic trust.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9

My Friend Susan’s Comment Regarding The Original Post:

I know this to be true. Yet, I struggle with things like the people in the Philippines right now, who have no food or water, and the folks trying to help are unable to reach them. Unless food and water aren’t included in "all your needs", I can't help but understand the worry these people have. I'm not disputing the verse, as it has reminded me so often not to worry about things I can't control and to put my trust in God. I just put my hope in God, that He orchestrates some miracles so that people can receive their basic needs. Any other's struggle with this kind of stuff?

My Reply To Susan’s Comment:

I think all of us can relate with the struggle you have described, Susan.  It is hard for us to make sense of events like the recent devastation to so many from the storm in the Philippines.  We’re bothered by the heartache and agony that happen in this broken world. I like what you said about putting your hope in God and trusting that He will orchestrate miracles so people can receive their basic needs.  I agree.

I honestly do not claim to have answers to issues like the ones you have raised; issues that have stymied people for thousands of years.  But it does give me some small sense of consolation to know that God does not view human pain and struggle from some cold detached vantage point on high.  Rather, He has entered into the turmoil of this world and endured misery and suffering Himself, first-hand.  He does not take a position like this, “Oh, you guys are dealing with pain, huh?  Hmm, that’s too bad.  I don’t know what that feels like.”

I understand this does not answer the questions you’ve raised or clear up the confusion.  Like I said, I struggle, too.  And I appreciate that even though you are a believer you are willing to honestly express your struggles.  I always appreciate honesty.  Honesty can sting sometimes, but it’s still right.

My post that prompted your comment had to do with generosity.  When we think about what has happened in the Philippines, the concept of generosity is definitely relevant.  The generous help of others, in terms of many forms of aid, will certainly be necessary for the many people who are suffering due to this storm.

Most everyone who reads this post will probably have an opportunity to give in some way to the relief efforts that have been mobilized to help those who are hurting.  Let’s choose to be generous.

Thanks again, for your thoughtful, honest comment, Susan!

Love and blessings,

Dan

Why Does God Allow Suffering and Pain? -- Audio Podcast

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The Pain Makes Us Stronger And Wiser

I believe God could have intercepted every moment of pain that we’ve ever experienced and He could have prevented them.  Now, I wouldn’t want to pretend that I understand this completely, because I don’t.  However, He allows us to experience the pains because these experiences make us wiser, stronger, more humble, more appreciative, and more sympathetic toward others.