Day 113

Well, yesterday was painful. And today is not looking better. It's like peeing razor blades. I know this because ....

But, a rare congenital anomaly. I was born with this. If this is the cause of the abdominal pains then maybe, just maybe, it can be fixed. It may require an operation, but I'll find out when they call me back in again. The urology department has been the best so far, and they respond quickly, so I'm expecting to hear something before the end of the week. This may result in more time off, but not for as long a period as I have just had.

It's rare. I would be surprised if I had something common. I was reminded of the first "Get Well" card I ever received. I was 18 or 19 and it was my friend Katie who brought it round to me. Also my first visit - I was off work sick., I think (but I can't remember exactly) that it was with abdominal pains. Katie was the nearest to a friend I had, yet people tried to spoil it by suggesting there was some kind of romantic attraction. There wasn't. It's funny thinking back on it because she's 3 years younger than me, and looking at 15-16 year old girls today, they look so young in comparison. Katie was adopted; she was as weird as I was, so we were friends - almost.

Anyway, I digress, but I did spend a lot of time when I was awake between midnight and 1am reminiscing.

The card she gave me had a cartoon on it and it was some joke about having the "common cold" and how I would have nothing "common".

But congenital. I was born with this - "Are you better now?" Yes thanks, I'm now fully developed after 64 years.

I was also reminded of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians (NIV does it how I want it): "and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born." (1 Corinthians 15: 8).

I was born illegitimate and not fully formed - abnormally born. I know that's not what Paul meant, and other translations give a better understanding, but I just liked it for my latest diagnosis.

And as good as it is to have a diagnosis that will hopefully mean recovery I was awake before 4am this morning. I have my first meeting later this morning and my eyes are already closing.

I wonder, if they do operate, if I can get them to tie up the hiatus hernia while they're in there! It's worth asking.

The sun is shining and I have emails to respond to so back tomorrow!