The light at the end of the tunnel is not the oncoming train!

First of all, I am feeling better than I have in 20 years. For sure the last 10 years or so when I think the kidney disease started...and much better than I did when I lost one of my kidneys. I was told by "TLilly" from OFF that I would feel better immediately from the "take down" of the JI Bypass, just as she had. I didn't believe her. I thought that I would feel the same because everyone felt like I did. She was so right! I feel wonderful. That said, we come to the second part of this. I did a 24 hour urine study for my nephrologists about 3 weeks ago and went in for the results today...they are sent to a special lab in Minneapolis so it takes some time to get the results. The day I did the study was not a good day for me...spent most of the day barfing and didn't get much water in...I didn't expect much from the results. When I had the stint in my back exchanged about 3 weeks ago I was surprised that they could get through the stint quickly with the wire to do the exchange. This procedure usually took about 30 minutes as they had to chisel their way through (you are not out for this). But this time...in and out...so I thought I had improved. Well......... My study is NORMAL! It looks like the kidney disease is gone! The surgery worked! You have no idea how thrilled I am. My doctor expects that with the next test in 6 months that the levels will go even lower. I also visited my Urologist today and we now have a plan to get the VERY large stone out of my kidney. He is going to try to go through the stint and pluck it out. It that fails we have plan 2 in the ready...BUT WHEN THEY GET THAT 15MM STONE OUT THEY WILL ALSO TAKE OUT THE STINT AND I CAN START TO LIVE A MORE NORMAL LIFE AGAIN! I have had to have the stint replaced quite often...10 times to be exact (at $5000.00 each time, so my insurance company will be pleased). I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, and this time it's not the on coming train !! I am doing well with the revision. It's been two months or so. I have only lost 36#, less than most of you at this stage of the game, but it's ok with me. When all the tubes come out I will be able to get in more exercise and build up some strength. Thanks God for the wonderful surgeon at Tampa General Hospital who took me on! His hands and mind are gold and I pray for him every day. And Dear God, thank you for Blue Cross...just my hospital bill (I just got it) was $120,000.00, and they paid every dime! Also thanks to all of you. You all continue to give me advise and instruction every day. You have made this journey easier for me because every time I had a problem...I already read the answer to some one else...or I just asked and you all came up to bat...This day is better than Thanksgiving and Christmas! Hugs Rosey

Rosey, I am so excited to read about your success and how wonderful you are feeling! You have been through so much, and yet, you are a very grateful person. That is awesome! I hope you continue to get better each day and keep us posted on your progress! Congratulations again! ~Sue

hi rosey, congratulations on the tremendous relief you are experiencing. it sounds like you've been thru so many invasive procedures and you handle them with style. good luck. oh - and thank goodness for excellent insurance! susan

Rosey Congratulation Things certainly are much better for you and I'm so very happy for you. Keep us posted Hugs Dolores