Close the Distance

Wednesday morning, I woke up with extreme back pain.  I had similar pains back in January when I had my first kidney stone.  I say first, because I confirmed later in the day that I now have my second stone.  It was a terrible day to get one as I was due to give a 45 minute presentation to all the faculty at the University.  I ended up getting to the presentation about 15 minutes later than planned as my boss, was very gracious and did introductions to our plans and introduced me during this delay.  I was drugged and still in pain, but the presentation still went off okay – at least from what I could tell.

I think these kidney stones derive from my many years of soda consumption.  I was drinking a can or bottle of Coca Cola once a day or more.  I love the stuff.  I think I may have to swear off of it, or at least reserve it for special occasions like following a good hard hockey game or something.  Now that I am in Grand Rapids, and my commute is so much shorter, I should be able to start finding ways to exercise during the extra time I will have (although I’m sure it won’t seem like extra time).

Anyway, pray that the stone passes on its own and doesn’t cause too much pain as it does.  I want to be able to continue to work during this time, hopefully I will be able to.