Thanksgiving: gratitude

There is much to be thankful for in life.  This Thanksgiving, Marty and I are especially grateful that for the first time in many years Marty could enjoy the celebratory feast without ensuing dire digestive consequences.  As he has been, in times gone by, a legendary eater, it was a great relief and joy for him to take part in the meal with family without worries about unpleasant results.  This indicates that the surgery a year ago to remove extensive scar tissue and re-sect his bowel had very positive results.  In addition, his continuing work with our excellent osteopathic physician has supported his overall health and well being.   Marty's "structural" issues (numb leg, back pain, etc) have been positively changed with his work with our osteopath and with Alexander lessons with yours truly.  In short, Marty is doing well, we are living a much more "normal" life and enjoying all that life brings us.  OK, sleep is still our favorite sport, but at least we can sleep now without all the trauma of Marty being ill due to eating pretty much anything besides rice and pasta.
Life is good!
Best to all!

Continued Good News

It is with joy and relief that I report on sweet Marty's current health and overall condition.  Long story short: he is doing well, eating sleeping and pursuing the activities of life without any of his previous health challenges!!!

We do have to be mindful of the quantity of food he eats in a meal (less better than more) and the type of food (lighter preferable to heavier, fried or raw not good options), but in general, Marty is eating widely and enjoyably.  For someone with a legendary appetite prior to illness, this is a great happiness.

Marty does continue to experience some structural issues (numbness in legs and feet, for instance) due to the imposition of a very large tumor in his pelvic floor (removed in 2004) and two extensive abdominal surgeries.  He has been benefiting from the work of our excellent osteopath, and is also now taking weekly Alexander lessons with yours truly.  Both approaches seem to be helping!

Although HRH Carmella gets Marty up in the night for her own feline purposes and projects,  the nocturnal nausea and vomiting that Marty experienced for years and years have not been a factor in our lives.  We can make plans with family and friends, see films, travel, garden and generally enjoy our life together without worries for Marty's well-being.  This is like a miracle, given the dire limitations of the past many years, and the endurance required on both of our parts to remain hopeful or even functional.  Our resilience as individuals and especially as a partnership is well confirmed!

Now, we can have some fun and thrive beyond survival!

A few glitches..

Since surgery in November 2011, Marty's health, ease and energy have improved significantly.  We have begun to live more fully and fearlessly, as threats of digestive discomfort for Marty have lessened. Both of us are sleeping, eating and living with increased ease and confidence.  Life seems like a day in the country after many years of health related anxiety.

Recent glitches, however, indicate that all is not ideal and perfect (as it never is for anybody anyway).  Marty has had several episodes of digestive unease that alert us to attend to food choices and quantities.  In other words, his digestive system is working far more effectively, but still can't be unduly challenged.  Difficult to digest foods such as pizza or potatoes need to be taken in small amounts, as they can potentially cause big discomfort, especially in larger portions.

We are thus learning as we go along.  I do get a bit of PTSD when Marty feels ill, like the whole long wearying nightmare of him being constantly sick is returning. But this is just my anxiety, not a reality, and there is no reason for concern.

May life continue in this fashion of us living normally and learning from glitches with ease!

Marty's new travel ease

Marty travelled to Chicago to visit with his dear elderly mother last week. Previous to his surgery this past November, travel was very challenging for Marty, as there was no predicting his levels of discomfort or illness. He was frequently faced with the dreary possibility that he would feel very poorly in transit and upon arrival. I worried constantly about his travel without me, and even if we travelled together, had to care for him and monitor his ease with great attention, with the frustrating reality that there was little I could do to diminish his unease. I could witness but not help very much.

His recent trip demonstrated clearly and happily that the major surgery he endured in November has made a hugely positive difference. He experienced no dreary digestive sequences during his flights or his visit, so that he could comfortably enjoy precious time with his beloved and elderly mother. He was able to eat meals with dear friends, sleep without disruption from intestinal distress, and have the energy to enjoy being in Chicago without health anxiety.

Thus, more evidence that Marty's health has rebounded to a very satisfactory outcome! The surgery and ensuing recovery required endurance for both of us, as well as staggering medical expenses, but all efforts and expenses proven worthwhile as we can currently enjoy a life without excessive health and comfort challenges. Once we pay off the enormous bills, we can confidently travel together or independently again after many years of anxiety related limitations.

To say I am relieved puts it mildly; I am thrilled!

Thanks to all who have been so supportive during the rough years!

Carmella weighs in..

Hi everyone in the entire world and beyond!

H.R.H. Carmella here, reporting about the wonderfully improved service for me now that Marty feels better and Jeanne is in full relief mode. I am thrilled to have my full staff available in a much more consistent fashion.

Marty gets up in the night to attend to my needs for snuggling and food instead of him being ill. Jeanne doesn't drag around all day like a limp zombie. And, they laugh and eat together far more than previous to his surgery!

This is all good news for me and for them. But let's get back to me: do you think I look fat? I think I am lovely, of course, and rely on them to maintain my admirable figure.

The Latest

Marty continues to do very well 3 and 1/2 months after his surgery to remove scar tissue and a section of his intestines. It seems nearly miraculous that we can eat, sleep and live more or less normally with few difficulties for Marty's digestive system. What was challenging for nearly 8 years is now an increasingly distant set of memories. What a relief!

Thank you to all who remembered Marty on his birthday with cards, calls and emails. We went out for a lovely dinner in the neighborhood and walked home happily without fear of midnight digestive distress. How he lived for so many years with constant discomfort still astounds me! To say the least, Marty is resilient!

Marty's birthday

Marty's birthday is Tuesday March 6. Emails, cards and calls welcome for him!

And now, the financial challenges...

Marty's health and well being has improved significantly since his surgery in late November to remove massive scar tissue and a length of intestine. He can eat without ensuing discomfort and can absorb nutrition from food, which means his quality of life has far improved.

And now, the bills for hospital care, tests and procedures have begun to arrive. Marty's health is a treasure beyond price, but the bills are staggering. This is life in America: you survive a health crisis then have to endure the high levels of anxiety associated with paying for the care that made survival possible.

Marty's digestion and life quality has improved, but we may both have high blood pressure soon from financial anxieties.

Stay tuned!

And another procedure

The stent to assure kidney flow was removed today without incident or excessive discomfort. Marty experienced momentary unease but no significant pain. I watched his face during the entire stent removal process, so can credibly testify to his level of comfort/discomfort.

In general, Marty has increased energy, improved color, better stamina, and is far more able to enjoy the activities of life. His quality of life has increased to a much more reasonable level. He sleeps, eats, works and moves with ease and possibility.

In a few months, his urologist will revisit the kidney stone scenario to make recommendations for prevention of future stones. In the meantime, we are celebrating Marty's health by eating widely, sleeping deeply, and enjoying the "new normal".

Celebrations

This blog is really not about me, but about Marty and his health and well being. That being said, today is my birthday. For many years, it has been very challenging for Marty and I to be able to celebrate any occasion with a shared meal together as his digestive discomforts limited our options. He was a trooper in going out to eat with me, but typically suffered in the aftermath.

For the first time in many years, we can plan to enjoy a meal at our favorite local place without worries about Marty being ill afterward. In other words, we can now live and celebrate and enjoy life without the stress and anxiety of Marty's previously challenged digestive issues.

This means so much for us, after many years of distress and anxiety. Some sort of "normal" life has resumed. (Not that either of us have become "normal" in the larger scheme of things!)

Happily celebrating being able to eat together!

Lipotrypsy (kidney stone removal)

The procedure to remove a large kidney stone embedded inelegantly at the top of Marty's ureter was successful today. The ureter was inflamed all around the stone, which indicates that the stone would surely have caused serious trouble if left unaddressed.

After general anesthesia, a camera scope was inserted up Marty's ureter to view the stone and condition of the ureter. Then, a laser was used to break the stone into removable pieces. These pieces will be analyzed so that recommendations can be made for prevention of future kidney stones. All of the stone was removed.

Due to ureter inflammation, a stent was left in pace to assure flow from the kidney to the bladder. This will be removed next week.

None of this could be described as "comfortable" for Marty, but he is not in any high degree of pain either. Urination is likely to be frequent and bloody for the next several weeks. Both antibiotics and pain meds have been prescribed.

Although being in surgery mode again has stress levels for both of us, this one was a breeze in comparison to much more dramatic and major surgeries that Marty has experienced.

No recovery problems are predicted or expected. Fingers crossed for no more surgeries in our household!

Tropical renewal

Marty and I returned to our beloved Kauai location for blissful restoration last week. In contrast to our travel there a year ago, during which Marty was so ill that I was anxious about getting him home again, Marty was in great condition and energy. He was fully able to enjoy the simple life we love to experience in Kauai with only minor incidents of digestive discomfort. He even ran on the beach with me at dawn every morning!

Food was not a major issue for him this trip, so we could safely savor papaya and fresh fish and vegetables from the local farmers' markets. We floated in tidal pools, wandered on various idyllic beaches, gazed with wonder at the nightly star and meteor displays, read and slept and sat on the porch observing birds and butterflies and breezes through the palm trees. We had the great fun to observe humpback whales from our favorite beach! And, we renewed our acquaintance with local horses, and met some very friendly pigs, sheep and goats. We soaked up the rich light and lush foliage of Kauai!

We both so needed a tropical renewal. Evidence that his recent surgery was a success was obvious in his ability to enjoy our relaxed daily activities fully. It was a deeply restorative vacation for both of us on myriad levels.

Aloha!

The "Marty" @ "The Ridge"

A new eatery, The Ridge, serving sandwiches and pizzas, has recently opened just a block from the hardware store where Marty has worked for umpteen years. The Ridge's owners have named various of their selections after local institutions: The Firefighter, The Community Center, Ken's Market and (drum roll, please) Marty's Meatball Sando! Thank you people at The Ridge! Of course, Marty is the unofficial Mayor of Greenwood as well as the neighborhood Mr. Fix-it. And now has his own sandwich!

Long overdue expression of appreciation to Marty's co-workers at the hardware store who have been unfailingly kind, concerned and considerate during his hospitalization, recovery and return to work. Special thanks to Mike and Willow for willingness to schedule Marty according to his recovery, and to Ryan for assisting me with deliveries while Marty was in the hospital. Millions of thanks!

Marty is slowly but steadily improving with some steps backward and incremental steps forward. He is gradually increasing his range of food choices, so far with no terrible outcome. His appetite remains non-existent, but hopefully with increased intake of a variety of foods, this may change. His color has improved. He sleeps more soundly and has a bit more energy every day.

Next medical procedure is kidney stone removal on February 8. This will be a day surgery with no hospital stay required. We hope for his increased health and stamina prior to this procedure, as well as steadily continued improvement overall.

Encouraging news

Marty was able to work a full day at the hardware store today, which speaks to his increased energy and well-being.

We live day to day currently, with some good days and some less than good days. That being said, he is doing far better than he was previous to surgery. We both sleep better, enjoy meals together, and are eager to enjoy a vacation together soon!

Some glitches in progress

We all want Marty to feel much better and more consistently better every day all the time for the very long term. That's why Marty and I opted for surgery. And although his condition is improved from that previous to surgery, this is not yet a breezy easy free pass to renewed health and ease. Does anyone get the breezy easy pass ever? Unlikely, it seems, given nearly universal evidence to the contrary.

Intestinal discomfort continues, although not to the level of previous distress. I guess we had hoped it would all go away, and now we are very sadly disappointed. In any case, we hope that discomforts indicate his gut is in process of healing and readjusting. And while we cling to these random hopes, we will call the surgeon and quiz him endlessly.

1/1/12

This image for friends and family far away; a New Year's day photo of Marty. Image taken at Fremont Peak Park, a local oasis of quiet and calm.

Hoping for less surgery more solace in 2012!