Of dentists and urologists

Monday was a busy day. Dentist in the morning, urologist in the afternoon.  

Dental drama: My front tooth is cracked and the enamel is worn away. This is not unusual. I am an old broad and decades of use, as well as menopause (which is not good for your teeth), have taken their toll.

However this means that I now have THREE teeth in work now. It's going to be a race to the finish. How much of this work can I get done before I lose my job and this really awesome dental insurance? 

Back to the hospital: In addition to an internist, a dermatologist, a chiropractor, and a dentist, I now have a urologist! A team, actually. I met with the physician's assistant who very patiently explained my condition and my treatment options. One thing he kindly kept emphasizing is that there's a difference between "acute" and "chronic," and he believes my kidney stone is an acute condition. Once it's gone, it's gone. There's not reason to believe that this will continue to bedevil me for life. Yay!

Then he referred me to my new urologist, who will perform my laser lithotripsy. Yes, a laser will zap my big-ass stone, pulverizing it into tiny pieces. Most will be removed during the procedure, I'll pass the rest. That will be October 6. A few days later, I'll have to return to have the stent removed. Then hopefully all this will just be a bad dream.

My friend John is going to meet me at the hospital after the procedure put me safely in a cab home. We have been friends 41 years now. This is one of those moments when I'm glad I have long-standing relationships.