As M mentioned in her weekend writeup, I am once again dealing with a small kidney stone. At the time of this post, I believe it has passed, but have no proof other than feeling much better. So how did this all happen again? It all started the Monday after we returned from Korea as morning I woke up feeling a bit sluggish and wondered, could it be? Honestly I figured I had another 5-10 years before I’d encounter the back pain, bloating, fatigue, and nausea all associated with kidney stones again.

Now please understand this was a mild case that merely made my life uncomfortable for the better part of two weeks with the first few days being the worst. After having little luck, I decided to visit the hospital this past Thursday (as is the custom here), hoping I could see the Urologist.

My plan was perfect as I had our language teacher draft a script outlining all the essentials to get me in the door and explain my current condition to the doctor that M transcribed in perfect Hiragana. So there I stood incredulous to find out the doctor wasn’t in that day.

“Excuse me? Really? No doctor today! Go to another hospital!?! What?”

Before I left I called M to give her an update and she suggested I try the front desk to see if they could be of help. Following a brief search I approached the desk and encountered two pleasant looking older women who didn’t seem too opposed to my presence. Within seconds of reading the note one woman complimented me on the letter’s pendmanship, while the other literally flew from behind her perch and started whacking me in the kidneys while asking me, “Is it this one or this one?” Only in Japan could two unassuming old ladies in combination compliment and assault you simultaneously. Fortunately they spoke enough English to get me an appointment the next morning.

Fast forward to me handing the doctor my note from the day before and the LOOSE translation of what transpired…

Doctor Buddah: “Hmmm, bummer. Well, your tests seem fine, so keep drinking water and good luck!”

Me: “Gee thanks?”

Fortunately these pearls of wisdom only cost me $2.10. Upon reporting to M, she concluded that she should get in on this gig as the hours seem rather flexible and the diagnosis process seems to revolve around nothing more than basic common sense.