I want to thank everyone for their wonderful help and offers of aide and support. I hope I deserve it and have the opportunity to help anyone who needs it in the future.
There’s lots more to be said about family and friends.
At the moment I feel a bit like a rodeo clown at the sharp end of a bull. The surgery went well, and I have no idea when, where, or how long it took. I can’t remember anesthesia being given. But I do remember waking in the recovery room with Iago in my throat. Something about Othello being tricked. Anyway, the pain is incredible, but it’s a pain I can deal with, so much more bearable that the deep and slimy pain of an intestine knuckling its way out of my abdomen.
The surgery taught me and the surgeon a few things. He informed us that there were in fact two hernias, one on the left and one on the right and that these were congenital. He caught the second via the laparoscopic procedure. He claimed that I walking time-bomb, with threats to testicles and all kinds of other bad things, this after years of heavy stone work, rock climbing, weight lifting, fence building, light construction, carpentry, child-making, and other day to day functions of life.
The first cars I drove as mine were a ’69 Buick Lesabre and a 57 Chevy four-door (too bad). These cars were broken but functional, high-mileage vehicles, and fun. They worked as long as you didn’t fix what had been fused over the hole or crack. That’s how I’ve felt for a long time, that something wasn’t quite right in the lower regions. Like a squeak deep in the engine that you just live with. Yes, this tangible pain is a better kind of pain.
Glad they caught things in time. Guess you didn’t get the easy/painless surgery and will need a few days’ more time in recovery. Don’t try stairs for a few days. And btw, I loved the idea of a hidden fort for your son down in the basement. What memories he’ll have!
Age does come with physical changes and forty years of good use is bound to wear the body out a bit. But hey, unlike the more limited-life nature of production methods today, the human body is actually more able to withstand use, and is more durable than ever before in history.
Consider this just a pitstop.
Prof. Ersinghaus, I feel a little voyeuristic listening in on your surgery, when we haven’t yet met. I’m glad you’re feeling “properly” painful, and hope I’ll soon have the pleasure of seeing you in person at Tunxis.
Your Shakespeare student, Mary Ellen Molski
Welcome, Mary Ellen. Just enjoy looking in. It’s fun.
Susan, yes, just a pitstop. I’ll have photos soon.
It’s all new media, right?
Steve, I leave that state for one month and already there’s been a threat to your testicles! I can only pray that you neglected to watch the state of the union address this evening, as boisterous laughter couldn’t possibly be a help to your convalescence.
I’m glad they fixed your engine. Hope you’re on the road soon.