As Maggie drove me home following my procedure, I gulped water and munched on the snack of fruit I’d packed for this moment. Relief washed over me like baptismal waters. To be sure, the anesthesia contributed to my high but it was fueled by pure emotion. For weeks I’ve experienced just-beneath-the-surface anxiety about my second colonoscopy. … Continue reading The Colon Tiger
It was longer, it is shorter now. My colon, that is. Two years ago my right colon was removed. That experience of surgery, hospitalization, and months of recovery changed me. Significantly. On the second anniversary of my semi-colon, my incision said “hello” with a sensation that got my attention. It’s not unusual for it to speak … Continue reading The Long & Short of It
One year ago today I was in surgery. One year ago today, my children and wife paced awaiting news. One year ago today, my life changed. I am healthy. The surgery was successful, though recovery included an infection which still tingles from time to time. I learned about vulnerability. I learned about weakness and allowing others to care for … Continue reading One Year Ago Today
He lay in the bed with a hospital gown. Having woken from sedative-induced sleep and gunshot injuries for the first time in days, he was alone. That’s when she walked into the room, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up.” Abruptly and unexpectedly, I burst into tears. This relatively innocuous scene from a … Continue reading An Unexpected Onion
I found myself with multiple feelings on the three-month anniversary of my surgery. As I journeyed home from climbing Wind Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I have made remarkable progress in the three months following the removal of my right colon. My body is not only healing, I am getting … Continue reading Embracing Emotions
By the end of the day my annoyance at the sensations brought on by my healing nerves and tissue crescendoes. Bending my abdomen as I sit in the bed the pain, though relatively minor, lashes out at me. I remind myself that these sensations in my belly are signs of healing and I am able … Continue reading Scars
It was at the junction of two trails up the mountain that I first saw him. Well, actually, I passed him by without giving him much notice. No time for niceties; I was on a mission. *** I’d set a goal for my post-op self. I would travel to the top of Dog Mountain, loop … Continue reading Perseverance
Horror. Like a science fiction storyline, my memories were wiped from my brain. All I can do is feel a sense of disgust and fright. Apparently, it wasn’t enough that the strange hands had moved inside the walls of my abdominal cavity or that things were placed into every orifice of my body while I … Continue reading Wiped Memories
