Waypoints, Benchmarks, and Milestones...

We use such words to describe/measure significant progress along some pursuit or other. I had one last night, and I just had to tell about it! Now, before I get into that, let me underscore all the good things that have been said about the generosity and good will of our eclectic gaggle of riders and characters that comprise our Valk family. Y’all really are something! Jerry and Mural in particular have demonstrated these qualities much to my relief and joy!!!

Part of the surgery includes the pumping in of gas to help separate various internal body parts, so the robotic equipment can move around and make the removal process itself go smoother. Following surgery, one needs, among other things, to ‘wake-up the bowels’ which also go to sleep under anesthesia. Walking is a vital part of that, and I have been doing quite a bit of strolling. Walking also helps greatly to relieve soreness and aid blood flow so clots can be avoided.

Pooting is the way that gas is actually released afterward, though, and it is an important indicator the intestines and other parts in the lower torso are settling back into their normal places in the ‘pelvic saddle’. No small thing, as misalignment can produce for real problems! Because of the importance of this, eating ‘heavy foods’ before settling is made must be avoided so the return to normalcy can occur with less difficulties…

I’ve needed to poot since surgery to indicate I could move up to more solid food… like veggies and the like, on my way to ‘real food’. My plight has been so concerning to me, my wonderful hosts have done all they could to aid me… Jerry has even pulled my finger for me… All to no avail… until…

Last night just barely occurring before it rolled over into Sunday morning, at precisely 11:43pm, to be completely accurate, I felt a mild rumbling in my tummy… Could it be? YES! I produced a modest by any standard poot, but it was the real deal! Nothing that would even raise a smile in an elementary school classroom, but it did bring a huge grin to the face of this desperate dude!

I subsequently had a series of joyous occurrences, and I must say I was rather delighted with all of that. I stayed up until all that had subsided, just so I could enjoy the relief and celebrate all that would follow. Immediately following the first ‘utterance’, I went in search of someone to share the good news with! There was Jerry sitting at the kitchen table fooling with his I-Pad… I informed him, he smiled, clapped his hands and joined in my celebration!

I for sure ain’t all the way back yet, by any means, but… One step at a time, and… now hoping for the next major event to follow soon to signal near normalcy and indicate the way is open for bacon, biscuits & gravy! Come on poop!!!

DDT