It’s been quite the 10 day stretch for me. On Saturday, November 21, I can look back now and see that I wasn’t feeling 100%, but went to bed fully anticipating waking up, and serving at Crestview, wrapping up a series of sermons on Acts 1-12, prepping our body for celebration of Advent.
I was awakened by pain in my right lower back and flank. This led to me being naseous, weak, and having to tap out early Sunday morning. Fortunately, there are many people who covered my absence that morning of November 22. I ended up in the ER getting a CT scan and some other tests, which confirmed that I had a kidney stone lodged in my ureter.
I was sent home with pain pills and meds that would help me pass the stone. This led to lots of questions and I ended up following up with my primary doctor on Tuesday, November 24. After some more tests, it was confirmed that my stone hadn’t budged and I would need surgery. I was able to get into a urologist and into surgery late Tuesday afternoon, waking up in recovery around 6 PM.
I felt good Wednesday but realized that due to anesthesia and I would need pain meds. I had a stent between my kidney and bladder, which led to lots of discomforts during normal functions of life. On Friday, I ended up tapping out again for Sunday (this time giving everyone a little more time to cover for me). On Monday, November 30 (yes, yesterday), the stent was removed and, after some initial discomfort, I was able to rest.
It’s now roughly 10 days out. I still can’t believe all that happened. It’s like a blur. Lots of time in the hospital, medical tests, and recovery. Lots of time home unable to do much. Meg was the usual strong support. And, as I mentioned, many covered my church work. I’m back in the office today, but can already tell I don’t have my legs back.
I don’t want to stiffen my jaw to paint a picture that isn’t true, like that I ascended this mountain of pain and suffering and conquered it. I did fight feelings of pity, despair, wondering, “Why me?” still not understanding, and even feeling depressed. The pain hurt. And, with all of that, I have my faith. Advent reminds me to wait expectantly for a God who will surely come through. He has. The darkness has lifted. While I’m still not 100%, I can see family, friends, and God helping me through this season. Which, coming full circle to Thanksgiving, is certainly a reason for gratitude through all of this.
Now, I get to step out and live.