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!

Back to work!

Marty returned to work at the hardware store for a brief shift yesterday. He did well in terms of his energy, and his customers and fellow kindly employees were happy for his return. He hopes to return full time very soon.

Although Marty does have some minor continuing intestinal discomfort, it is nothing like the extremes of discomfort that he experienced prior to surgery. He is eating a wider variety of foods without consequence, sleeping better, and in general feeling more like his old healthy self. I would like his color to improve from grey to pink, but given time and better nutrition, we are hopeful.

We wish all the best for the New Year of 2012. Thank you for your support and interest!

More on kidney stone removal

Marty spoke with his urology surgeon this morning to clarify the procedure for kidney stone removal. Dr. Zink wants Marty to recover fully from his recent surgery prior to any further intervention. Marty will see him later this week to schedule the procedure outlined below.

Basically, this will be a day surgery. Marty will be put under anesthesia. Then, a scope device will be inserted into his ureter. The stones (there are a group of them) will be broken into smaller bits and removed back out the same way the scope came in. Kind of kidney stone spelunking.

His recovery is described as straightforward with no major considerations except obvious discomfort from having incoming devices in the channel designed to be outgoing only. He should be able to return to work easily.

Marty and I look forward to this like we welcome holes in our heads, but also realize that the procedure is necessary. Leaving stones wandering in the kidneys is, to say the least, a terrible idea from which no good can result.

I think we need a surgery punch card in our household. Once the card is fully punched, then a free surgery! With Marty's two surgeries, my hernia and two knee surgeries, and his upcoming kidney stone procedure, we should be well on our way to a lobotomy for me!