TheBanyanTree: Life Experiences

[Kitty Park]

Be forewarned - this may be TMI for some of you.




Between mid-January and the first of February I had 
recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI).  When symptoms 
returned after the second round of antibiotics, my doctor 
told me that I didn't have a UTI and should consult with a 
urologist.  Swell.  My primary care physician cut me loose 
and it would take at least a week for the referral to the 
specialist to be approved.

I made the appointment but realized in a few days that the 
symptoms of the UTI and back pain would find me insane by 
the time that date arrived.  Thus, I elected to visit the 
Emergency Department of the hospital a few days later.  The 
ER doctor logged my symptoms and ordered a CT scan, 
bloodwork and urinalysis.  The result: another UTI *and* 
kidney stones.  She prescribed a mega dose of antibiotics 
and encouraged me to visit the urologist ASAP.

Earlier in January, while trying to figure out if my 
discomfort could be female-related, I also visited my 
gynecologist who ordered an ultrasound.  Once the external 
exam was finished (this being the one that requires the 
patient to drink 32 ounces of fluid an hour before the 
test), the tech asked if I'd mind if she also did an 
*internal* ultrasound.  I asked if it'd been ordered, and 
she replied that if she didn't do it, the radiologist would 
want to know why not.  So I said she should go ahead.

Picture a foot-long tube about an inch in diameter with a 
bulging knob on the end.  Visualize my eyes getting *real* 
big.  She lubricated the knob and said the worst part would 
be inserting it.  As I looked at the equipment, 
not-so-pristine thoughts began running through my head.  I 
thought about asking if I could borrow it occasionally. 
With my knees bent and apart, the tech inserted the rod and 
put the stick through the gears of a manual drive 
transmission.  A couple times I had to lift my hips off the 
table as she probed.  The tech tried to be gentle and 
apologized the couple times when she thought she may have 
caused discomfort.  I had all I could do not to laugh out 
loud.

A week later I saw the urologist.  The diagnosis: numerous 
kidney stones, one in particular which, measured at 9 mm, 
could eventually cause serious trouble.  His suggestion, 
lithotripsy, the use of sound waves to break up the stone. 
An out-patient procedure which would be done as I lay on a 
fluid-filled pad in the OR.

The procedure was done under general anesthesia on Tuesday. 
I was at the hospital at 5:30 AM, the procedure began at 
7:30, I was awake at 9:30 and released at 10:30.  In order 
to avoid the possibility of the ureter swelling and blocking 
the passage of the fragments, a stent was left in place. 
Its presence was uncomfortable.  Fine suture material was 
tied to the end of the stent and the tail was taped to the 
inside of my leg.  I was given instructions to remove the 
stent Thursday morning  by pulling on the threads.

As much as I wanted the stent *out*, all sorts of thoughts 
went through my mind the night before.  What if the thread 
broke?  What if the stent wouldn't come out?  Fortunately 
gentle pulling brought forth about twelve inches of the 
thread-like material followed by another twelve inches of 
pretty blue, pliable latex tubing.

I still have to return to the gynecologist although I have 
no idea what we'll talk about.  And the urologist wants 
another set of x-rays taken next week prior to my follow-up 
visit with him.  But as of right now I'm feeling pretty 
darned good!  And I've fired my former doctor and now have a 
new primary care physician.


Kitty
kpark at sssnet.com
www.parkplaceohio.com