Wednesday, January 16, 2008

REGARDING THE URINARY STREAM...

Boys and young men can write their names in the snow. Middle aged+ men must generally be satisfied with initials, and men 60 and above are just grateful if their shoes don’t get wet. Sadly, I am in the last category, and only with the help of medication have I been able to keep my shoes dry. But the writing was on the wall (no pun intended), and the time had come for more drastic intervention.

Enter the age of “TUNA”, transurethral needle ablation of the prostate. Actually not the entire prostate, just the rim of tissue so inconveniently compressing the urethral outflow. Sensibilities prevent me from going into the details of this procedure, only to say that they do things that civilized people should not do to one another. Probes, needles, catheters, and radio waves are employed in the most creative manner. The good news is, it was over in an hour. The bad news is a catheter remains in place for a week.

Fortunately when it comes to pain and discomfort I am a tiger! Did I mention that yesterday? OK, so I felt a little faint when I got off the table after the procedure, but even tigers get a little woozy at times. But during the procedure I cried for ONLY 3 minutes when the good Dr. injected my prostate with lidocaine. And during the transurethral treatment I did not scream and kick him more than 3 or 4 times. Well, maybe 5.

My dear wife Patience drove the 2 1/2 hours home, and since then, with her tender care, aided by my very infrequent doses of percocet, and her wonderful soup, I have been on the mend.

Now if only I can get rid of this damn catheter.

11 comments:

Julio Rodrigues said...

Very happy to hear everything went well.
Now...where is the next painting??

Peanut said...

I hope the recovery goes well. It does not sound fun.

Rachelle

William F. Renzulli said...

Boy, that was not much sympathy! I wanted to have a pity party and instead I have to get back to work. But that's OK because Villager is one of my favorite artists (for now!)

Next painting will be up soon and thanks for the comment.

dog face girls said...

OMG, Bill that was so graphic even I could feel it.

Yikes and Hugs,

Vee

Patience-please said...

He really IS a tiger! Only in the interest of full disclosure, I would not call the doses of percocet "very infrequent". He did not mention his best nurse, Delia, who has remained ever so gently by his side since his return yesterday. I can barely pry her away to go out, to eat, and to go walk.
P

Tim Caro said...

Owie. Thinking of you Mr. Bill. Hang in there and get well soon. Hope to maybe see you and P in a few weeks. So this is what I have to look forward to in 12 years?

Tim
Nashville

Aynex Mercado said...

I think I just threw up a little in my mind...

Jean Levert Hood said...

William, sounds like you're doing well to have a sense of humor through all of this!! Take care, Blessings,
Jean

Patience-please said...

OK, I'm commenting on a comment, but I think Aynex's comment is the funniest comment I've ever read!
P

timerulesmylife said...

Had I known that you were going through something like that I would have had some fresh bread baked to go with Patience's soup by the time that you got home. Well, actually, I probably wouldn't have, it might have been closer to the midnight hour by the time that you got it. I have seen you "on the wine", can't even imagine Percocet! Anyway, get well soon!

Mary Thorsby said...

Thinking of you!!!! xoxoxoxomt