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".