Stan's Hospital Adventure 8/26-9/6

. . . or "TWELVE DAYS IN LATE SUMMER!"

For the first week after we returned to Japan, Stan had not felt well, and after 2 visits to the base doctor (with no relief), he was referred to a Japanese urologist (accompanied by me and a translator from the base clinic). The Japanese urologist determined it was NOT related to his prostate, so he was referred to a Japanese internist (both doctors' offices were located within the hospital, along with the labs for all testing, and the internist took him in immediately). After another detailed interview & several more tests (for which we received apologies because they knew we would have to pay cash since we were not covered by the Japanese National Insurance), it was determined he was suffering from an acute case of diverticulitis! The doctor was struggling to explain it to me & seemed very surprised when I was familiar it. (Of course, I did not tell him that most Americans who watch Saturday Night Live have heard of it!!!)

So, he then insisted Stan be IMMEDIATELY hospitalized! So here he is - flat on his back with IV antibiotics, and no food, but still managing to wave & smile to loved ones back home, dressed in the largest size Japanese kimono-style PJs available (which could be rented daily for a small fee!) And so began his VERY FIRST EVER hospital experience . . .


Here he's holding his "porta-potty" which he learned to use (by trial & error!?!?!) since he was not allowed to get up for the first few days!


Sherri asked me what was in his IV, so I took this picture (but I also asked the nurse.)


Stan was delighted that his bed was actually long enough for his 6'2" height and said he was very comfortable.