Kidney Stone Tour Day #5 “The Time Has Come to get Unstoned”

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

The little stone has not passed yet so tomorrow my urologist will go up and fetch it.  The procedure sounds almost as fun as the pain I get when the stone is trying to pass.

In brief:

1.) They put me to sleep (anesthesia might be needed for me to write what they will do next).

2.) The urologist will put a fiberoptic scope (see below) up my little soldier (this is where most guys will stop reading and I am only writing for the ladies).

3.) He will find the stone and either just extract it or if necessary blast it with a laser and then pull the remnants out.

4.) A stent (see below) is then placed in my ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder).

5.) Then they wake me up and send me home.

6.) One week later the stent is removed.

In regards to removing the stent, my urologist said that it is a minor procedure that can be done under local anesthesia in the office.  I told him, not on me!   Pulling a 10-12 inch tube from the ureter through the bladder and out my penis is not happening while I am awake.  He gave me another option.  He can tie a string to the end of the stent and extend it out of me and leave it anchored to my skin for one week until removal.  Doesn’t this guy realize we are Americans?  AMERICANS DO NOT TORTURE.  Just ask W.

Maybe I am getting a little too political.  I think this pain has my brain working in strange ways so please excuse any offense to anyone.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts.

Robert

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Kidney Stone Tour Day #3

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

The National Park Tour ended abruptly but a new trip has started.  Lots of people have been contacting me about the progress of the stone so I thought this was the best way to update everyone at once.

In conversation with my urologist we decided it would be best to have me admitted on Friday night after we returned home and place a stent to help relieve my pain and remove the stone.

When I got to the hospital I felt great.  My pain was gone and my appetite had returned.  We decided to wait and see if the bugger would leave without any prompting.  Unfortunately when I got home the pain returned.  It wasn’t severe but it did require medication for me to sleep.

It is now Saturday morning and I am feeling good.  I spoke with the urologist and I will see him on Monday and if I am still having a problem we will put the stent in on Tuesday.

Stay tuned, I will update you in a few days.

Robert

National Park Tour Day #15 “Trip Called Due to Stones”

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

After much deliberation and consultation from various sources I have decided to call it quits to the National Park Tour.

We are currently in the El Paso Airport awaiting a flight to San Antonio and then on to LAX.

Of course this trip would not be complete without a little more excitement.  We initially made our flight reservations online.  When we arrived at the airport they had no record of our reservation.  In our desire to get this moving we accidentally made the reservation for tomorrow.  A night in El Paso?   I am told there is a reason they call this place El Paso.  Luckily we did find the last two seats on another flight that will arrive 7:10 tonight.

So no Antelope Canyon, no Monument Valley, no Horseshoe Bend, no Canyonlands and no Arches National Parks.  We will have to try this again some other time.

Thank you for all the posts and personal emails of concern from friends and family.  Those messages made the renal colic disappear.  WHO AM I KIDDING?  I loved the messages but they didn’t do S— to touch that F—— pain.  That was one real MF-er that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  Well maybe on my worst enemy but certainly no one on this Blog list.

Until later.  I will fill you in when I know more.

Robert

National Park Tour Day #14 “Robert gets stoned in Terlingua, Texas”. Yes he did, read on!

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

When last we spoke I was complaining about the dump of a room we had at the Big Bend Resort.  With the park closed there wasn’t much to do.  We decided to check out the gift shop.  We looked around a bit when suddenly I started to have left sided abdominal discomfort. The pain progressed and no matter what I tried I was unable to get any relief.  I started to wonder could this be a kidney stone?  Immediately I started to have back discomfort (I am quite susceptible to suggestions; in fact while in medical school I almost died of a misprint).

Then I really started to worry.  I was thinking we are nowhere near civilization and I am in unbearable pain.  I asked Patrice to look to see if she could find a nearby hospital listed in the phone book.  She found none.  The front desk was already closed for the evening.  I thought for sure this was going to be my exit scene.  Finally we tried 911 and sure enough they have an emergency response team.  In what seemed like eternity (but probably wasn’t all that long) three paramedics arrived.  They started to address the problem and they agreed that this might be a kidney stone.  They got me in their ambulance and started to prepare to take me to the closest ER in Alpine, TX which was 76 MILES AWAY!!!!
In the ambulance they offered to give me Fentanyl or Morphine (for those of you on this list who are not in the medical field those are two very powerful narcotics).  Then the lead paramedic said that his wife also has stones and she (in addition to numerous patients he has treated) responded very quickly to Toradol.  I accepted the Toradol and then he informed me that, “Seems like we are out of Toradol”.
My pain abated some so I decided it would be better if Patrice drove me instead of taking the only paramedic unit in the area on a 76 mile trip.  After getting the directions to the hospital and warnings about deer crossing the road we were on our way.  Of course as soon as we got about 10 miles from the motel the pain started to increase.  I was counting each mile down and trying to perform the breathing we learned in Lamaze.  At the 64 mile mark we encountered a border patrol blockade (really, I couldn’t make this up).  After a few questions including the clincher that proved that we were okay (“Are you both American citizens?”) we were back on our way.
We finally arrived at the ER in Alpine, TX and I could not have been more pleased with the care.  They got me registered, in a bed and seen by the doctor very quickly.  Dr. Kyle McCombs agreed that this was most likely a stone and arranged for me to get a CT (yes they have a CT in Alpine, TX).  The study confirmed that I had a stone but by this time the pain had subsided.  He got me set to go with some meds in case the pain returned but when I got up the stone said, “NOT SO FAST MISTER”.   At that time, I did ask for meds and they recommended Toradol and actually had some.
We finally got to bed at about 2:30 AM.
Today we drove to the Carlsbad Caverns.  On our way we saw a very interesting bumper sticker (see below).  I love the combination of “Another Texan for Guns, Come and Get It” along with “Jesus is the Answer”.  The topper is the Handicapped license plate.  He probably needs this because he accidentally shot himself in the foot on his way to church.
We were both very tired today so I don’t think we enjoyed the Caverns as much as we could have.    It was very difficult to get good shots with my point and shoot camera but I tried (see below).  The main thing in my mind was at least I didn’t have any more pain.
Tonight we are sleeping in Las Cruces, NM and tomorrow we head toward Phoenix.
Robert
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National Park Tour Day #13 “Goodbye to Heaven and Hello to the Other Place”

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

Long travel day and not much to say.  We are in Big Bend National Park in Texas.  It is located on the US – Mexican border.  I had heard it was nice and since it is a national park it seemed like a natural for this trip.  On our way to the “Big Bend Resort” (who do they think they are kidding?) we encountered a variety of creatures.  In addition to the expected horses and cattle we saw a road runner and snake.  Patrice did some wonderful driving to avoid sending those little guys to their final resting place.  Speaking of resting places this so called resort is a dump.  Well I am sure I wouldn’t have been so harsh if it we hadn’t just come from Heaven on Earth aka “JW Marriott in Austin”.  One more tribute to the hotel, please see the picture below of the shower with a hidden drain.

Today I want to reflect on some aspects of the trip thus far.  This is day 13 and if you are liberal minded, which I know you all are, this is our 3rd National Park (The Gateway Arch being the first and Busch Stadium the second).
So far this has been more of a BBQ tour.  Since it is unlikely we will see much in the way of quality BBQ for the rest of the trip let me make my own judgement on the Best City of BBQ.  My vote goes to Memphis.  I agree that our sampling is small so further testing is absolutely in my future but so far Memphis is light years ahead of New Orleans or Austin.
Enough about food.  This is making me hungry.
Keep those comments coming.  I love reading them.
Robert
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National Park Tour Day #12 “Let’s go to the Capital and meet the governor”

by reissmd, posted in Austin, Texas

Today we were greeted by a moderate drizzle so we wimped out and got a ride to the Capital building instead of our planned walk.  We arrived moments before the 12 pm tour after being strip searched (well, not really).

Our tour guide was very nice but did not impress us with her knowledge of Texas history (asking for confirmation that the Civil War ended in 1861.  Sorry actually that would be 1865).
After the tour we got to see the State Senate in action.  They were discussing a bill that involved a tax break for egg producers.  We were then subjected to some of the worst puns about eggs that I’ve ever heard.  About 6 senators were wasting taxpayers money telling stupid jokes.  Our tour guide said the state legislators meet only during odd numbered years.  Now I know why.
Tomorrow we head for Big Bend National Park.  We have been hearing awful news about the rains but so far we have only had very mild showers.  Let’s hope that keeps up.
I am not sure if we will have good wifi in the National Park.  So it is possible you might not hear from me for a couple of days (is that a round of applause I just heard?).
Robert

National Park Tour Day #11 “All the Way with LBJ and Flying Bats”

by reissmd, posted in Austin, Texas

I know I told you that this hotel is heaven but see the attached photo and I think you will agree they want me to relocate here.  We worked out this morning and the stationary bikes have TV, Internet, and simulated videos of rides in the Alps and French Riviera.

Your prayers WORKED!   It rained rather heavy early so we took a cab to the LBJ Museum instead of walking as we had previously planned.  But thanks to your anti-rain prayers we did not have any further issue with bad weather the rest of the day and night.

Our visit to the LBJ museum was a huge success.  There were great videos, graphics, memorabilia and recorded conversations.  I was in my element.  I turned a “recommended” 90 minute tour into a 3 hour 30 minute experience (and Patrice thought three Pirate vs St. Louis baseball games were torture?).  My favorite part was the “Please hold for the President” phone conversations.   I loved the way he was in such command talking to people like Dixiecrat Richard Russell of Georgia (“Don’t tell me you can’t do it, I am telling you that you WILL do it.  I am not asking you to do this for me, you are doing it for your country”) and Harlem Congressman Adam Clayton Powell (“What are you doing?  Why didn’t you get it done?  I don’t care what you need, you NEED to get this done!”).   Other phone calls showed his sensitive side.  There were a couple with Lady Bird that were very heart warming.  I was teary eyed when we left the museum.

At night we headed to the Colorado River for the much ballyhooed Bats of Austin.  I must admit this was a bit underwhelming.  The bats were tiny and very hard for me to see.  It was dark so a photo of the rapidly flying bats was out of the question.  I have attached a bat picture for those who might otherwise be disappointed.  The highlight of the Bat experience was hooking up with our friend from LA, Tai, who now lives in Austin.

A blog without any mention of food?  Is this possible?

Yes.

Until tomorrow.

Robert

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National Park Tour Day #10 “I think we have found heaven”

by reissmd, posted in Austin, Texas

Happy Mother’s Day to all.

One last meal in Nola before we left town.  We had grits and the highly recommended corned beef omelette at “The Grill” in the French Quarter.  In addition to a great meal we were treated to one more dose of southern charm.  We were “Honeyed”, “Babied” and “You have a happy Mother’s Day, Child” throughout our meal.
On our way back to the hotel we decided to walk back via Bourbon Street since we had not been there this trip (I swear this was Patrice’s idea).  Check out the signs below and you get an idea of the types of activity you find on this famous walkway.  Do any of these places look like a good venue for a Mother’s Day celebration?
We then left the Big Easy and 515 miles later we found ourselves in Austin, Texas at the JW Marriott hotel.  This place is amazing.  Our room is huge with every convenience known to mankind.  We have a corner room with spectacular views of the city.  After getting settled we explored the hotel, first going to the executive lounge.  There we found televisions with private sitting areas, newspapers, fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, drinks, cookies, candies, yada, yada, yada.  Then we went out by the pool area and found a spectacular view with loads of comfortable sitting space and a beautiful pool.  We also went to the gym (to see, not to work out, of course) and it had every piece of equipment you could possibly desire.  Our self guided tour ended with a visit to the concierge who fell over himself making suggestions of things to do tomorrow. When he finished he thanked us!   I love this place.  I told Patrice if I find a conference schedule at the JW Marriott in Austin, I am going.  I don’t care what the topic is, I am going.
Until later.
Robert
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National Park Tour Day #9 “I promise a park will be here soon, but for now……………MORE FOOD”

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized
This morning we went to Elizabeth’s for breakfast.  We went there during our Pseudo Freedom Trail Tour in 2014 and I had to return so I could eat “Red Neck Eggs” and Praline Bacon again. See the picture below and you will notice that I couldn’t wait and dug in before snapping this shot.  I won’t tell you that after breakfast we went to Loretta’s for sweet potato pie and pecan pie because that would seem too decadent.  Loretta is a charmer and has a wonderful sign in front of her place (see below).
We then took the trolley to City Park and toured the beautiful sculpture garden.  At the entrance to the park we saw a bronze statue of Confederate General B.T. Beauregard.  It still amazes me how many Confederacy statues and monuments you see in the South. We managed to miss the statues of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis.  We also didn’t go to the Confederacy museum.  The World War II museum provided enough visions of senseless death and suffering for one trip.

This evening we had a wonderful dinner with our friends Angie and Don (see below).  In addition to a spectacular meal we had a delightful evening talking about our visit last year (with Erica and her friend Sienna), our travels, family and a bunch of other things (yes Richard, we talked about you).  Mostly we talked about reasons to come back to New Orleans (as if we needed any more).

Tomorrow morning we head to Austin.  We have read that the forecast is for rain and thunderstorms for the next few days.  If you can say a prayer that the rain be sent to California instead everyone will be very grateful.
Until tomorrow,
Robert
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National Park Tour Trip Day #8 “What an Eclectic Day and But of Course, More About Food”

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

Today we started out with the New Orleans Movie Tour.  (Where does Patrice find these things?)  We met our guide, Jonathan Ray, at 10AM, for a tour around the city hearing information about the movie industry and other interesting facts about New Orleans.  Apparently due to tax breaks more movies and TV shows were filmed in New Orleans last year than either NYC or LA.  Jonathan had one other couple signed up for today’s tour but they didn’t show up.  So just like our Memphis BBQ tour we had our own personal chauffeur and guide today. The tour was excellent.  We would stop at a site and then watch a clip from a movie that was shot from the very location where we were parked.  Jonathan was hilarious.  Again an activity that made me cringe when Patrice told me about it turned out to be a blast.  See the brief video below.

After the tour we had to have the obligatory stop at Cafe du Monde for Cafe Au Lait and Beignets.
We then took the ferry across the Mississippi River to Algiers Point.  Our guide, Jonathan talked about the place and said there wasn’t much there.  We should have taken his word and gone to the pool instead.  When we got there we asked a local person to tell us about things to do and see in Algiers Point.  She told us she was not from around here and didn’t know where the “hysterical” sights were located.  She did introduce us to a local woman who worked at a day care.  The day care worker told us about 3 bars and the court house.  Hmmm, made me glad my grandsons don’t go to that day care.  Note the sign below that explains the hours of operation of Bobby D’s store on Algiers Point.  Need I say more?
Dinner was at Irene’s.  Last year we tried to get into this restaurant but without a reservation they said the wait was close to two hours.  We took a pass last year and made sure we had reservations this year.  As many of the readers of this blog know, my mother’s name is Irene.  And the meal was just like she prepared it herself.  We started out with Crab Gratin and Escargot for appetizers.  We then had Crawfish Bisque.  Our main courses were Soft-Shell Crab and Lasagna (calling it lasagna is an understatement.  This dish was spectacular).  For dessert we had bread pudding (also an understatement).  Foodies, check out the photos below.
After dinner we went to Preservation Hall, a jazz icon of the city.  We waited on line for 30 minutes to get in so we could stand up for a 50 minute show.  It was well worth the standing and waiting.  I had long wanted to go to this place and in spite of the wait, standing and lack of A/C I am happy to cross that off my “To Do” list.
Robert
Link to video of our Movie Tour Guide
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