Category: Life

It’s a good thing we can’t remember the sensation of pain. 

Just a few days removed from the event and I’m already starting to downplay what I felt on Tuesday morning.

It began like any normal day. My oldest son woke up early. In an effort to squeeze in a little more sleep I opted to rock with him for a little while. Only I didn’t last long before the pain began.

Initially, I thought it to be gas. I know. Pleasant, right? But it soon became evident it was something more. 

The pain, originating in the lower left side of my abdomen, increased and became more intense. In an effort to ease the pain, I went back to bed to lay down. That didn’t help. I couldn’t get comfortable and my back began to hurt as well. 

Over the next hour I tossed and turned in my bed trying every position imaginable. My poor wife must have thought I was dying. I’m sure I thought I was too.

About the time someone arrived to watch the kids, the pain finally began to dissipate. Even still, we still made the trip to the ER.

The ER waiting room was oddly empty, which was a pleasant surprise. I checked in and recounted the mornings events to the staff. 

After a urine analysis, and a blood test, I was diagnosed with kidney stones.

They say kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions you can experience. At the time, I’m sure I would have agreed. But, here, a few days removed, I’m beginning to doubt that. I survived. I’m feeling good. How bad could it have really been? 

Our bodies are amazing. How can we experience the worst pain one day, and totally forget it the next? I can’t begin to understand. I’d like to think there was some planning that went into it. I’d like to think it was intentional. What do you think?

All I know is, I’m glad we don’t remember pain. 

Oh, and I’m glad that kidney stone episode is over. Let’s hope it doesn’t return.