Independence Day

Today is July 4th, Independence Day for our nation. We're making plans for a BBQ over at some friends and maybe we'll light up a sparkler or two with the kids. Hopefully it will be a fun day full of distractions and good times. But in the back of my mind I'll wonder if the pain will strike. Will I be able to sit down with our friends for hours and just shoot the breeze over iced tea, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake.

I know I have gained a measure of independence from the roller coaster nature of PVPS, as I take the new normal approach...which I discussed last time. But having true independence from the signs and symptoms of my vasectomy side effects is something that is more like a pipe dream than an attainable reality.

So the question that begs to be answered is, "Am I okay with that?"

I'd say my response is an affirmative as I really have no other choice. I have to be okay with that, since I simply have no other reality. But the Lord continues to help me in so many ways, with pain, with attitude, with distractions, with friends and family supporting me. His presence is truly overwhelming at times. And for that I am grateful.

I spoke of how my cardiac medicine changed away from an alpha/beta blocker to just a beta blocker. I wondered if it would have an impact on my pain or symptoms. The court is still out on this one. Surprisingly, my urine flow has changed quite a bit. I feel much more like an 'old man' in that realm, but the pain has actually become less chronic in nature. In other words, I don't have the chronic and continuous aches down there. Rather, I will just have a sudden twinge or sensation that comes out of nowhere then disappears as quickly as it came.

I don't know whether to attribute this to the change in medication or perhaps I'm just in a good way with my pain cycle. Regardless of the 'why', I am enjoying the break. In the past, when the pain cycle would flip over to the positive, I learned not to ask why, but just relish the new found relief.

On this July fourth, I am going to try to enjoy myself, my friends and my family. Hopefully, without the intrusion of any post vasectomy pain.

All my best to you and your families on this holiday. May the Lord keep you and help you.