Advocatus Diaboli : GOD'S BLESSINGS IS ALWAYS WITH INCONVENIENCE. (My Journeys With Life's Inconveniences)

God's blessings are always with inconvenience, least we forget that our faith was founded on passion, death, and resurrection.

To pee and poop is one of the blessings taken for granted by many until its painful effects are uncomfortably felt. Not being able to pee for three days is very painful, and more painful is the insertion of a catheter. Still, it is a relief to be savored when stocked urine is drained out.

Last April I was diagnosed with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate enlargement. At first, I thought it was just a "bus-aw" or "balisawsaw" after I sat on a hot car seat.

When I had a check-up, I was no longer allowed to go home until a complete check-up was done and tubes were inserted. I agreed hoping that at least for the night I'd be able to rest. But it wasn't a staycation as now and then nurses would come in to take vital signs, draw blood, or give pills. The results were tolerably okay, except for the BP which they have amazingly addressed in no time.

Another medical specialist was called to check on me. She arrived late but had probably read the lab results sent by email, which unpunctuality is a reason for me not to be worried. Otherwise, if I'm in bad condition she would hurry up.

It was only the following day that I was discharged with the orderlies insisting that I be taken to my car in a wheelchair. Many onlookers were amused when I took the driver's seat instead and drove away. Though still feeling wobbly, the next day I was off for my Good Friday black and white photography project - "Et Lux In Tenebris Luces (And Light Shines in the Darkness)."

Lenten Photoshoot Project

On my appointed check-up the following week I was recommended for operation. Of a second opinion, another Urologist prescribed further medications instead. , But after a week I was apprehensive that synthetic medicines may harm my kidneys so I looked for some alternatives.

Having something attached to my body to be painfully reinserted or changed every two weeks, which in one emergency case at midnight it has to be reinserted in a gas station like having a change oil was not easy. It was an inconvenience at first to have what I call "my power bank", but shortly I was able to adapt and even considered the accessory a convenience. A friend said that my catheter was better than her husband's colostomy bag.

While on medications and a plastic accessory attached, my life continued normally. I was able to take long trips, drive, watch concerts, and attend socials, and I felt lucky when I saw at a wedding reception a guy with a portable oxygen concentrator.

Though I got used to it, I also wondered if ever I would still be weaned from that bag without undergoing surgery until somebody recommended an organic-based prostate supplement which was effective on his father. I gave ProstaGenix a try, which TV Host Larry King had good reviews of, and indeed after a little over two weeks of taking it 3X a day I was able to pee with the catheter removed. I still take it as a precautionary measure but on a limited dosage.

The supplement has no manifest side effects on me, but beforehand a nurse had taught me a technique so that I would have no difficulty controlling my bladder once the tube is removed. I called it a "potty training". For several days I had some uncontrolled minimal urine flow which was addressed by a panty liner.

ProstaGenix, for about 100.00 USD for a 90-pill bottle was effective for me. Would-be buyers are however cautioned on bogus sources and not to fall for FB ads.

Of course, "pray, hope, and don't worry".

My "normal" activities/travels while on catheter and medications. If I was able to enjoy the tours, then able-bodied citizens may well enjoy the trips to the southern parts of the country.