Hospital

The month of October has been all hospital.  Mariko was admitted to the hospital 2nd week into the month.  I had to call an ambulance because she couldn't make it to the nearest international hospital.  Had to rush her into Seoul, Seocho St. Mary's Catholic Hospital.  Stayed for one week there.  The diagnosis, hydronephrosis of the right kidney.

Her left kidney no longer functions due to complication 4 years ago...  This is a mystery that I want to talk to the urologist 2 months from now when she has to return for removing the catheter.  I don't know where to begin in trying to write about this experience.  Staying positive means nothing when your trying to examine the facts of anyone's health, surgery, and recovery. 

Let's begin with Korea.  Mariko began disliking Korea about her 2nd week here.  It resembles Japan maybe 15 years ago- the adjustment to diversification, the quality of products, and something as simple as how we dispose of garbage.  We are happy here, but yet it's within, shall we say- a bubble.  4 weeks later we marry at Jongno 5-ga City Hall.  She's in pain during the whole process, had to limp down the road and in the subways. 

One week later, we're at St. Mary's Hospital talking about Stage 4 endometriosis.  The doctor, Dr. Ko, recommends that she gets laparoscopic surgery to remove the ovarian cysts.  At least that's what the scans say, that she has endometriosis.  So, I research the causes online, blah, blah, blah.   We get a 2nd opinion and finally come to the conclusion that she doesn't want the surgery.. why?  because when she was 22 she had the surgery.  Fair enough.  Let's explore alternative methods= Feng shui of the apartment, Chinese medicine and online healing from her friend in New Zealand.  The pain goes away for now. 

During the whole process, Mari's energy level is low.  Her reason is that Korea is different and the people are blah, blah, blah...  It's okay, because what she says isn't necessarily true or false.  The fact is, the majority of people here are xenophobic.  You often hear, "this is how Koreans do this..."  which is common even among Westerners who are away from 'home' for the first time.. So, we cook, watch shows on the internet, create a cozy place to come home to.  But meanwhile, inside her right kidney is being infected.

Our bodies function on such a delicate balance.  If our temperature goes up half or one whole degree we become sick.  In Mari's case, her kidney wasn't functioning correctly, and toxins were entering her blood stream.  Even if you just want the pain to go away, eventually true healing has pain.  Her right ureter was blocked by her right ovary that supposedly had endometriosis.  When she had the surgery, however, it was Tuboovarian Abscess. 

The surgery was a success.  The final results just came today after her week of recovery.  The infection on her right side dorsal section was erradicated by removing the ovary and ovarian tube.  Stage 4 endometriosis is a recurring desease that even after full removal of both ovaries, major cervix area, filopian tubes and everything dealing with the female reproductive system, ... the damn thing returns in some cases.  Tears were shed when Mari and I discussed this procedure.  My uncle, whose a OBGYN surgeon recommended this... But, when she was finally cut open she didn't have it.  So, what she had has in fact a cure.  Just as long as don't fuck around with anyone with communicable diseases....which I don't do or have. 

The first week in the hospital, they insert a catheter and bag to her right kidney.  It hangs on her right side like some kind of cord on vacum machine.  Pull the chord and you're a puppet without strings.  She's discharged from the hospital a week later and stays at the apartment for 5 days awaiting surgery.  She's readmitted to the hospital on a Wednesday morning.  Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday, 8:00 AM.  Sunday we joked around, Monday we laugh, Tuesday we go out on a date or something, and then... Wednesday we stay up a bit after 12 AM ...  The school is supportive of the weeks off. 

The parents arrive the night of the surgery.  But before that, Mariko is wheeled into the room.  I've been reading like a maniac this month.  I've documented Mariko's stay at the hospital to try and get the facts straight.  The anesthesia is up-to-date and she's not screaming like her first time.  I'm calling my parents for support.  My mother had brain surgery back in the mid-80's and she advises me to stay positive.  If a recovering patient sees a distressed face they hate that shit.  Don't sweat the small stuff, and if you have to lie, than do it so that the best recovery happens now.  Cross bridges later when they occur, and stay positive on the small steps of strength if that makes any sense. 

So the parent's arrive from Japan.  It's there first time out of the country.  I tried balancing shit the first day and everything went to shit.  Mariko is still trying to balance shit and it makes her have fevers.  It's crazy how the mind affects our health.  I love my wife.  And for us to have a baby would be a miracle.  The doctors say that the only way would be the invetro how ever you say it.  But it's okay.  We have big plans and we're young.  This Monday, November 7th she's discharged.  Just come home and let's cook something.
 A few months in Jax for Mom's hip replacement surgery and to help out with the Academy there.  Shoot a few rounds of archery and maybe kill a chicken. Sunlight at the beach would be nice.  But for now, just come home, baby...  

4 months in Korea left...