Hiatus + Medical Condition · 10:27pm Jun 6th, 2018
Hi guys!
The TL;DR version of this is that I was hit with an unexpected and very ill-timed medical emergency, so I'm forcing myself to go on hiatus for a month or two while I recover, both emotional and physical (I'm hiatusing all my stories, but marking TEK because it's the BIG ONE). I am still actually in the middle of the emergency, so it might get worse, and depending on that the hiatus might be extended.
To make things short, I've been feeling pretty bad to my stomach the last few days, and yesterday night I had a pretty intense pain in my lower left abdomen, which I prayed would go away because I had work next day. I, of course, thought wrong, and this morning, my roommate/best friend/literal godsend Swan Song woke up this morning at 5 AM when I rushed into his room crying from the debilitating pain, begging him to take me to the ER. And then I backtracked on that because I can't afford to go to the ER room as I have no health insurance and I'm very afraid of U.S. medical bills (and later found out if we'd gone, it would have been 6k in cost and I'm pretty sure the shock would have killed me). So, Swan suggested we go to an Urgent Care thing, which he said is the level below ER but above normal clinics.
So, we arrived to UC at 5:30 AM and apparently Urgent Care doesn't open until 8AM. I was still in excruciating pain, but I toughed it out because I refused to go to the ER unless I was dying. So, I waited until 8AM by liveblogging my pain to my terrified server (love u guys) and also by singing The Count of Monte Cristo's "Every Day A Little Death" on repeat. It helped!
So, we got to the doctor, they did their tests, I felt like passing out, and then the doctor told me that I don't have an infection, but I do however have kidney stones. He explained more in detail, which Swan had to remember for me and ask questions because I was trying not to pass out from the pain. Apparently, kidney stones in women hurt as much or even more than childbirth so I will admit part of me feels a little badass because holy cow, this is pain unlike I've ever felt in my life lmao
I'm also telling myself this is destiny's way of being a funny little sh*t because I said on Monday that I wished I could stay at home and play Paper Mario for a few days.
As it stands now, I am taking pain medicine and I'm scheduled to go get an X-Ray in an hour so they can see the size and place of the Kidney stone and then determine what to do. Right now, best case scenario, I can pass them naturally with medicine and chugging water, and worst case scenario, I need surgery or some incredibly expensive procedure which I don't want to think about because I don't anticipate being able to afford that on my own. But, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it IF I need to cross it.
Nevertheless, regardless of what option is taken, I'm taking a break from writing because I need to focus on getting better, and because I'm very certain that the sheer stress I've put myself under because I feel guilty if I don't update FAST AND QUICK has probably not made my body any healthier. So, for now, I'm taking a small break to focus on work, my health and a better lifestyle and I'm also praying that I don't need surgery.
Anyway! Anyway, as always, thank you for your patience and support, and hopefully things will get better sooner rather than later. I'll try to give an update later depending on what happens.
- Mono
P.S. ALSO, unrelated but a little bit of good news today, my dear friend Jyki posted a new story today after months of fighting insecurities and anxieties, and WE'RE ALL VERY PROUD OF HIM so if you have time and disposition and want to read a really cool short story about Luna, go check Moonstone out!
Ouch. Get well soon!
Hope you get well soon.
Freaking hell.
::hugs:: Feel better ASAP; you're in my prayers.
Oof. Here's hoping for a swift recovery.
Sidenote: The above is why I loathe the US healthcare system and wish they looked to much of europe for inspiration.
Main note: I'm glad it's "only" a kidney stone. As you said those you can get rid of without any expensive procedures or medication or any of that shit. Hopefully it'll be small enough that you can pass it just by chugging water like college jocks chugs beer. And, this goes without saying (since you've already said it
) get some rest, take time off and get better first. Twilight waited a thousand years for a white unicorn seamstress. We can wait a month and a half for another tale of their story.
I hope you get well ASAP, because that sounds absolutely horrible!! Good job on realising that a hiatus to get this sorted out is for the best though, I'm usually too stubborn to quit most things haha.
A fellow connisseur, I see.
I don't know if it is practical, let alone possible, but could you skip the border to Mexico to take advantage of their cheaper healthcare?
Yeah mono you made the right call on hiatus until you pass that shit.
Here's to a speedy recovery.
Oooh... I have had bouts with kidney stones, the worst lasting through multiple days of a Christmas visiting my parents and in-laws (and yes, that first (identified) one did drive me to the ER, for all the good it did me... the nurse did lay that “worse than childbirth” line on me as well.)
I don’t know if it’s significantly different in women than it is with men. The best treatment for me was a very hot bath... submerged to my waist, all pain faded (and it was often the only way I could drink water and keep it down... the pain made me unable to eat or drink the rest of the time). Sitting in the tub chugging water has gotten me through a couple since. The other good news from my experience is that I have never recovered from something as quickly as I have once passing a stone. I would be feverish, violently ill and in intense pain, but once the stone was out I would feel completely fine within a half hour.
Regardless, you have my utmost sympathies!
ouch! Good luck and get well soon!
Are you eligible for Medi-Cal?
Enrollment’s open all year for anyone in CA under the income limit and they’ll even backdate your coverage if you’ve already got bills stacking up.
stay well mono
I really hope you feel better, and take all the care for yourself you need. The US healthcare system is not fit for publishable words, unfortunately.
Get well soon Mono.
Oh and Swan song is a freaking legend.
I hope you get well soon, I know what it's like to gotta pause life for health related issues. Just had to have surgery last week because of it myself.
But, really, take your time and heal. Stories can wait, health comes first.
So you nearly passed out...and now you have to pass something out?
And I probably would have gone with "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Life of Brian, but that's just personal taste I s'pose.
All joking aside though, here's hoping for the best!
Best of luck, Mono! Keep us posted, but take care of yourself first!
Hardcore man. I hope I don’t get any.. but with the amount of sodas I drink... yeah no.... anyways get better soon. I’ve waited this long, I can wait longer.
Oh my sweet, calcium-stricken child, I know your pain all too well. I dealt with one kidney stone, years ago. I've busted myself up a few times, but that trip from the kidney to the bladder was the only time I've ever been in so much pain I couldn't think straight. The good news is, in my experience at least, that first session where the stone actually drops is the worst of it. Peeing it out is far, far from pleasant, but it's much more manageable.
You were right to dodge the ER, too, in my opinion. I called my uncle at like 2 AM for the trip because I wasn't sure if my organs were exploding or what. For 1 shot of morphine, 2 bags of saline, and a CT scan to make sure it was a stone and not my appendix exploding, the bill was $12,000. At a non-profit hospital. #Murica.
Drink plenty of water. Jumping Jacks, strangely, also might help loosen things up. Consider changes to your diet and/or liquid intake, if possible. Feel better <3
Oh fuck. D:
No first-hand experience here, but I know a couple people who've had them. ;_; Now you know you're made of titanium, at least.
That's horrible! I'm so sorry that happened to you. My sister had kidney stones, though I'm pretty sure that was due to a bad diet on her part. Though I do have to wonder how you got them. And all that pain... I'm so sorry. I've had some bad pain from post-surgery before, or at least it was bad for me, but nothing like that.
You have all my well wishes, and my hopes that you won't need surgery. Get better, Mono, okay? And no matter what happens, everything will be fine. It will. Your fans are here to support you, and we'll be waiting for you to return.
Rest and get better.
Cranberry juice will help break down the stones.
Good thoughts. Reducing stress is the right move; focus on getting better.
Also, f*ck the broken US medical system. Single-payer when.
Youch.
Glad it isn't anything worse, but those are no laughing matter. Take care of yourself—we'll still be here when you're back.
(and props to Swan Song for staying cool under pressure)
Oof
I’ve had kidney stones before. They’re not fun. Thankfully, mine passed with no real issue, and I hope the same happens for you. Good luck, and try not to stress about writing. Stress gives you wrinkles. 
Please feel better soon!!!
Oh no!
Take care of yourself, okay? I'm sending you some ~positive energy~
Aww, man, my mom just had one, dude, you def need a break! Play that Paper Mario, and try to enjoy what you can!
and dream of a day when this country actually prioritizes medical care like every frickin other first world country doesWish you the best of luck and. great improvement in your health.
My relief is palpable.
Also, sorry for the naked panic earlier.
Giving you lots of virtual hugs. I’ve never had kidney stones, but I did go through something really similar. Last summer I had gall stones (it was originally diagnosed as kidney stones) and after three trips to the ER and waiting hours to see a doctor, I had to have my gallbladder removed. I’ve also gone through unmediated childbrith so I can absolutely attest that gall stones (and kidney stones) was worse.
Take care of yourself. Let us know if there is anything more we can do for you.
Yeeesh. Kidney stones are no fun.
I don't know what to say other than feel better soon!
Oooh, been there, been curled up on the floor of the ER wanting to die.
Getting a large kidney stone crushed isn't actually a terrible experience if they put you through the weird soni-thing, but the bill for it is far more brutal than the procedure even with insurance so I wish you all the luck in the world that you have something that'll just move along on its own (even though that's no walk in the park either. Hopefully it'll move gently).
Just remember, this too will pass
Hope you feel better soon!
Ouch. We're pulling for you, Mono.
Wishing you a safe and speedy recovery!
That sounds horrible.
I'm glad you had somebody to help you out, that was awesome on their part.
Get well soon, and get a lot of rest. I'll cross my fingers from here for you.
Hope you get better soon
Man you have my sympathies. I wouldn’t wish one of the buggers on my worst enemy. Get well soon, and we won’t be going anywhere.
I’ve been there myself more times than I can count. Seriously I stopped counting after the 50th stone. It can be a real stroll through Tartarus, just keep up with the pain meds and fluids. And I mean it about keeping on top of the pain meds. It is much easier to prevent pain than it is to get rid of it. Espesially since the same fluids that push the stone through are also what causes the most pain...
However if it is too large to pass... If the stone is in the right place and type they can break it up without cutting if need be. Basically they use a high powered ultrasound to shatter the bugger (you know maybe Vynil should take that base cannon into the medical field now that I think of it
). They still have to put you under anesthesia though because of the pain, but it is far simpler than other methods.
I’m sure the doc will have plenty of advice for you after, plenty of water and excersice, as being sedentary and not hydrated enough are the most common causes.
Heh, Being so afraid of medical bills that you don't go to the ER. Got to love the US healthcare system
If you need help, even if it’s just a home cooked meal delivered to your door, just say the word. All four of us will be there in a heartbeat.
Take it easy, get well soon! Your health is the priority and don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
Please recover swiftly Mono.
Be well!
Get well soon! I had some similar last year: gallstone.
By the way, is that there therapy?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extracorporeal_shockwave_therapy
Take care and get better soon!!
here hoping everythig goes well mono.
Damn, ouch! I hope you feel better soon and your medical bills are manageable! Please take all the time you need, a healthy writer is a happy writer!