On September 5, I mentioned that I was taking a short hiatus to recharge the batteries. That break has lasted longer than expected. Though some of you know the reason, perhaps an explanation is in order.

I had been feeling like crap for a while when I realized that I might need to check in with my primary care physician. Yup, I am a typical male who thinks he can ‘tough it out‘ on his own. That is, I am a clueless moron and a complete putz.

I got to see my doc on the 7th. After looking at my lab tests, he called me and asked which hospital I preferred. When I asked him how soon I needed to be admitted, he shocked me by saying ‘right now.’ My response was ‘holy crapola.’ I had an infection and my kidneys were failing, or so it looked.

Let’s face it. I am 79 years old. At this advanced age, you are acutely aware that colleagues and friends are slipping away with irritating regularity. The notion of an unlimited future suddenly appears ridiculous. 😳 There is nothing like an emergency hospital admission to remind one of life’s one certainty … you won’t be around forever.

Fortunately, I live in Madison Wisconsin where the medical care is top notch. Over a two day period, they filled me up with fluids and antibiotics until my Creatinine and BUN levels began to decline. A few other measures were elevated, but that might be related to the infection. Confident that I had weathered the storm, they sent me home.

The key point is that my scores started heading in the right direction. My Creatinine level has fallen from 4.3 (a level indicating kidney failure) to 2.37. I’ve a ways to go but this is good indeed. During all this, I have been both preoccupied and feeling very fatigued. Writing a blog didn’t seem all that important, as you might imagine. 🤔

Now that I am on the mend (we hope), I will start writing again, though I intend to pace myself. More importantly, I’ve learned some lessons. My body was NEVER a finely tuned machine even before this wake-up call. Several times I had stopped at a business titled the Ideal Body Shop only to find out they deal with cars, not human bodies. Very disappointing.

Nope, I’m going to have to be careful going forward. You know. Drink plenty of fluids, rest, eat sensibly, cut down on salt and sugary stuff, and see the doctor when I feel like shit. Up until now, I assumed that being sensible only applied to other people. I was wrong. I ain’t no different than any of you out there.

Stay tuned. More coming, you lucky SOBs.