Kidney Infections = Nothing to KID about!

As many of you know, the last few days have been rough for Brett & I. However, I have been so overwhelmed by the love and support of my friends and family. I really didn't want the extra attention but I can't deny that it has been nice. Sometimes I feel invisible and wonder (hopefully this is normal) if people would notice if I was gone. Now, I can happily say that I think they would!! Brett & I want to thank everyone for their phone calls, messages, visits, gifts, food, and flowers. It really did feel nice to know so many people care about us and would go out of their way for us! THANK YOU!!

Here's a not-so-quick run down of what happened:

On Thursday of last week, I left work after lunch because I wasn't feeling well. I was feeling nauseous and having sharp pains in my lower right abdomen area. I really didn't think much of it but since I was uncomfortable at work, I planned to go home and sleep it off. Around 4 I was ready to call the doctor. My doctor wasn't taking any more appointments for the day so I called Brett crying and told him we needed to go to a clinic. He was a dear and came straight home to take me to a Care Now Clinic (also referred to me by friends as a "Doc in the Box"). After about an hour wait, I was taken to see the "doc" and about another hour later I left with a diagnosed UTI and some prescriptions that were supposed to make me feel better by the end of the night.

We immediately filled the prescriptions and I took them according to my instructions but by midnight that night, I was feeling just as bad if not worse. I was in so much pain and I couldn't eat or drink anything without getting sick. I woke Brett up and was finally ready to throw in the towel. I told him we needed to go to the emergency room.

We didn't have to wait long in the emergency room (less than 5 minutes) before they took me back and started assessing me. Within a couple of hours they were admitting me into the hospital with a kidney infection and an infected kidney stone.

Friday around noon, I was taken into surgery for a quick procedure to help eliminate the infection in my kidney. They put me under and I am happy to report that I don't remember a thing about it. I spent the rest of Friday in the hospital and then was released Saturday morning.

I slept most of the weekend away and let Brett take care of me...which he completely did! He went above and beyond the call of duty and I am so grateful to have him! He really is an incredible man and I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate what he does for me. But I've already nominated him for HUSBAND OF THE YEAR. Here's just a few reasons why:

While in the hospital -

- He held my hand and did his best to be brave while they put in my IV (he's the one afraid of needles)

- He talked to me while we waited and tried to keep me entertained so I wasn't focused on the pain

- He tied my hospital gown closed (knowing I'm modest and didn't want to show the world my tushie)

- He wheeled my IV for me and made sure it didn't get tangled when I wobbled to the bathroom (countless times)

- He combed my hair for me when I had visitors so that I looked a little more presentable

- He cut up my hospital food into small bites so that it was easier to eat

- He spent the night on a crappy fold out chair and never once complained

- He answered multiple phone calls and kept friends and family informed of my condition

- He stayed on me to do my breathing exercises as instructed so that my lungs would return to normal

- He came home after filling all of my prescriptions with beautiful tulips for me

- He cooked a wonderful dinner for me and my friends on Sunday night

- He cleaned the house while I slept

The list could go on and on. He is WONDERFUL!! As we share new life experiences, like hospital visits, it just brings us closer and makes me realize how lucky I am to have him to journey though life with. We are a team and he is a solid teammate. I'm so blessed he chose me!

The good news is that I am back at work and feeling much better. I return to the doctor on Friday afternoon so that we can re-evaluate my condition. I'm hoping that the kidney stone is gone...but we shall see. I'll keep you all posted!

I tried to find the humor in the situation. Here's a clip from a Friends episode where Joey gets a kidney stone:

A few pictures to document the event:

Beautiful Flowers from friends  


Lovely orange tulips from Brett










                          


 Proof that I was actually in the hospital

  

Flowers below from a thoughtful co-worker

So, needless to say, this week has been pretty much all about me at home. But next week is going to be ALL ABOUT BRETT week. Next weekend we are traveling to San Antonio and Brett is running a FULL MARATHON on Sunday, November 15th. I am already so proud of him and the hard work he has put in training. And I know I will be so excited to see him cross the finish line!! Anyway, next week I want to make sure that he is mentally, emotionally and physically ready for the big run....so next week will be all about my little runner boy!