Well this was definitely one week I don’t want to repeat any time soon!

For those of you who read my dad’s blog last weekend, you know he’s been dealing with being sick and having some kidney stones. When they originally scanned him, not only did they see a couple little stones, but they also saw a 10 mm stone in there as well, which a person cannot physically pass on their own. It’s too large and it’ll get stuck.

My dad’s body decided it was going to try anyway and it did get stuck, causing my dad to get really sick and he was in a lot of pain. Many of you who frequent my blog or my dad’s also know my dad infarcted his kidney a couple years ago. He still technically has both of his kidneys, but his one kidney now only has about 10% function, making it next to useless. So, now he has to be extra careful because if anything happens to his other kidney, he’s going to be in a lot of trouble.

Obviously, kidney stones suck and I definitely didn’t want my dad to be in pain, but since he had already had some very serious kidney issues, I was extremely nervous that the stones would cause even more issues on top of that.

Wednesday morning my mom sent out a group text to all of us saying dad was admitted to the hospital for pain control since his body tried to pass the kidney stone. He was in so much pain and couldn’t stop vomiting. Honestly, I couldn’t focus on anything that morning! I kept worrying about my dad and nothing else really seemed to matter.

I went to go see him over my lunch break and the anesthesiologist was there when I stopped by. They had originally planned on surgery to remove the stone the following morning, but moved it to later that same afternoon. We were all pretty relieved – my dad especially! – that they were able to get it done sooner.

Luckily, I was able to work remote that afternoon so I could stay with my dad and go down to surgery with him. I can’t tell you how much peace of mind that gave me to be there, and I’m glad I could provide at least some kind of comfort for my dad as well.

When he infarcted his kidney, I was still living in Virginia at the time, and I felt completely helpless and scared for my dad. I still remember my mom calling me to tell me what happened and when I asked if he was going to be okay, she could barely squeak out an “I don’t know.” I was ready to hop on a plane right then and there! I hated that I couldn’t be there for him during something like that. So, I really can’t say enough how relieved I was that I was able to be right there with him this time.

Overall, the surgery was successful, and they were able to remove the stone. He will have to wear a stint for a few days which won’t be very fun, but manageable compared to a big ol’ stone in your kidney! I’m really glad he’s starting to feel better, and I hope I never have to see him in that kind of pain again.

But this whole ordeal reminded me once again not to take anything or anyone for granted. You could be completely healthy one day, and the next be hanging on by a thread. My dad is one of the healthiest people I know – he eats healthy, exercises every day, doesn’t smoke or drink, he lives a very healthy lifestyle, and his body still tries to take him out. There are some things that are simply out of our control, and you never know what is going to happen to you, or when or how you will meet your end.

Don’t wait. Don’t wait to tell people how you feel. Don’t wait to mend a relationship, etc. You aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so make it right today. Hug your loved ones and hold on tight. Appreciate every moment you are given with them.

Here’s to hoping my dad stays on the road to recovery, and doesn’t have any more issues for a long, long time. Love you, dad!!

Until next time! 🙂

Megan Reiffenberger