January 8, 2011

It has been a little over a week since my latest encounter with the American health care system, and I am beginning to feel a bit better. I have a plastic drain tube coming out of my belly attached to a hand grenade looking collection device. Right now, my belly looks like a child’s first attempt at crayon art. This really is not so bad, as I have never been able to profit by my good looks anyway.

It is a little bit painful, and a lot inconvenient. This drain clogs occasionally, (thank goodness I have a background in plumbing) and adds a degree of difficulty to even the simplest of activities. As you might imagine, mens fashion does not really lend itself to concealing this type of apparatus, which adds to the “shock and awe” in public situations.

Unfortunately, my endurance has been missing in action. For me, this seems to be part of the aftermath of general anesthesia.

These things are just added to the long list of “un-advertized specials” that were not in the “cancer as a hobby” brochure. I am not complaining, just pointing out the situation. I realize that the alternative would be worse, but still have an urge to tell the whole story.... This is, after all, a “trip through illness” blog.

It is still too early to assess the success of the procedure, but I will probably know in another week or so.

All of this, of course, has put a serious crimp in my travel plans for this winter.... not to mention a crimp in my plans to live indoors, and eat something other than pet food. I am now trapped by snow, washed out roads, dr. appointments, artificial body plumbing, and the need to start making money. I am currently unable to move my home, and am feeling a bit claustrophobic and vulnerable..... LOL

The need to create revenue is keeping me awake at night. I have some ideas, and will let you all know as soon as I am brave enough to pull the trigger on a new venture.

Even though there are parts of my situation that are not good, (OK, parts are just bad) my energy seems to be returning. Hopefully, this is the key to getting back on track.