Like a sledgehammer to the gut

Recap of yesterday:

40 minutes into my hour commute, halfway across the Monitor-Merrimac bridge, when my usual mild morning nausea turned powerful, and changed over to intense pain. I don’t know how to describe it to anyone who’s not felt it, but one would gladly give up PIN codes and passwords just to make it stop. I got the car to work, and the pain briefly subsided, but as I walked into my office, back it came. I was floored – literally. I fell to the ground in the fetal position, moaning.

My co-workers found me, and called the ambulance. My work managed to reach Starr, and she met me in the Emergency Room. I felt quite certain I’d experienced a flareup of 2006’s diverticulitis. The doctor found it likely, but decided to do a CAT scan to be sure. I spent an hour drinking a nasty ‘lemonade’ drink, and then they put me in the big donut.

Well, no diverticulitis. The CAT scan says I have gallstones, and the doctor says they’ll need to remove my gall bladder. I’m really less than thrilled with this, if for no other reason that I’ve just spent a couple of years trying to improve my diet, and now that I’ve got it where I like it, I may have to make further changes. More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

Well, I can’t go back to work until I’ve seen the surgeon. At this rate, I don’t even know when they’ll want to do the surgery. I’m on Vicodin, antibiotics, and nausea medication, and sitting in bed playing with my Wii. But I’ve been reminded over the past 24 hours that I remain a lucky man – I may be losing an organ, but I’ve got insurance that’ll pay for it, and the support of many wonderful people to back me up. Starr’s been a treasure, there for me every time I needed comfort or assistance. I’m thankful.

Now, I just have to figure out how to retrieve my car from work.

Tags: , ,

88 Comments

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • jsciv says:

    Best wishes from the left coast!

    I saw the FB/twitter updates and it sounded like you were getting care, so while it’s no fun to hear of medical issues, I’m glad to hear that it’s something they think they can take care of and that you’re supported by friends and family.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • rattrap says:

    While I’m a firm believer in “There’s no such thing as “minor” surgery,” at least it’s a fairly common procedure, and shouldn’t keep you out of action for too long. Plus, look at the bright side- no further Borg implants this time.

    Yes, it’s the standard Jerry “make facetious remarks so I don’t seem worried” schtick. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • lonespark says:

    Whoa!
    That’s pretty serious, but at least it’s something straightforward?

    Good luck with stuff.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • *hugs* Mine came out, same day procedure, and I was home that afternoon. Up and running 3 days later.

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • faekitty says:

    I’m sorry for the down and out, but i’m glad you are where you are. I’m glad you know how good life is, and that Starr is so very wonderful. You seem to have a great support group there, surely someone will help with the car soon *hugs*.

    I completely understand how it can be a little hard to be patient. From what i understand, the gall bladder is an organ that can flare up even with dietary changes; it’s like it likes being ornery (for lack of a better word), hates cooperation and is just there to cause trouble in some people. I guess as long as fate is letting you keep the good parts, things are still ok.

    *hugs*

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • stori_lundi says:

    Talk to Helen about gall bladder pain. She put up with for about a year until the docs finally ruled out quite literally everything else because they were convinced that she was too young to have gall stones. I think she got hers out when she was like 28.

    Good luck with the surgery. *hugs* and hope you feel better.

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • kittenchan says:

    I mentioned it before and will mention it again – if you have any reservations or questions about the surgery, please, please email me anytime. I promise you’re going to feel a million times better when it’s out. *HUGS*

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • nius says:

    More importantly, I’m not thrilled with this ongoing loss of body parts fate is demanding from me.

    The way I see it, you’re just ahead of the rest of us on becoming a cyborg. Once I get my spine fused, I think I’ll have the most titanium out of all of us though 😉

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • shrewlet says:

    While I can’t relate to the gallbladder pain that you are going through, I can relate to generalized pain, IE pain from the back surgery. But I digress. If you aren’t back to work by the end of next weekend and haven’t retrieved your car, give me a call, and I will come down and get it out of “hock” for you. I’m sure that I can snag somebody to pick me up from your place and take me over there.
    Here’s to your speedy recovery.

    Hugs

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • DUDE. That is horrible. I’m glad you’re okay, and I hear you on the insurance thing. The more I’ve read about the abysmal state of health insurance in the US, the gladder I am that I’m a state employee. No one’s ganking my insurance.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

  • madwriter says:

    Yikes. Good luck.

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