Surgery Ahead

When I think of pain I think how crippling I have seen people, including myself, when the physical pain is intense. It started when I awoke last Saturday morning with terrible pain in my right shoulder and by bed time I was in tears.

I have arthritis in both shoulders. I get cortisone shots every three months like clock work. But one cannot keep doing this. Lately the clockwork is sort of like "Old Faithful". It use to be that "Old Faithful" would erupt on the hour every hour. That is no longer true and now it is a best guesstimate.

I took the meds but they only dulled the pain somewhat. Sunday morning I was drugged with pain meds and it was still intense. I ended up in Larry's (my Dr.) office. He shot me up again but gave me an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon. Fortunately there doesn't seem to be torn, but the area needs scrapping (surgery) and the recovery will take 4 - 6 weeks. That sounds a lot like more than a scrapping and more pain.

I lay awake last night kicking myself for not asking more questions. I think I was in denial. I called Larry again today to get another referral for a second opinion. He hasn't called back yet. I left word for the Dr. I saw yesterday to call me back as I have a lot of questions to ask.

If I have to have it to get relief I will 'cause what I am going through right now is not pleasant. The cortisone has taken the edge off the pain, but the constant aching is driving me nuts. I am planning to wait until January after I retire. My wife will have surgery in mid December for corporal tunnel, tendon release of the elbow and trigger finger on the right arm, wrist and hand.

This growing old business of a bunch of crap!!!!!!!!!!!

Take a peek!

www.billwatson-storyteller.com

Getting Away

Getting away for a few days is not easy. First I have to do two weeks work before leaving and have two week worth of work to do when I get back.

People seem to think that I should be rethinking my intent to retire - wont happen.

I have been asked to do a couple of nterims already - wont happen.

Ask me to do a gig - storytelling for $$$ - will do

I am about to retire from being a full time minister from First Christian Church in Owenton, KY. The one unanswerable question people ask me is "what are you going to do after you retire?.

I've though of many answers the shortest is breathe. The longest: I have applied for, auditioned for, been accepted as a substitute as a Chippendale Dancer.

Truth is, I don't quite know. I have some ideas, but most of my life has been living from one moment to the next taking in stride what is presented to me. I try to live each day as if it is the last and make the best of what ever comes my way.

I do want to apply for the KY Arts and Humanities Council highest recognition as a performing artist with my character My Name's James. I would like to take James to every county in the Commonwealth. He is a powerful 90+ year old man who recalls his time as a Confederate soldier.

My fear is people will pigeon hole me as this is what I do as a storyteller. James is only a fraction of the stories I tell.

I have been very fortunate to have told in many venues and on many stages telling stories to entertain. I have been able to hone my storytelling skills from the pulpit most every Sunday using stories to encourage people that they are important in this universe and when they screw up it's OK because they are human and in the Christian context they have forgiveness.

I would like to broaden my stories to include what one goes through each and every day challenge one's own perception of the world. Unfortunately listeners just want feel good stories, not ones that remind them of the mess they might be in. This type of thing will have to wait for another lifetime.

Retire? I just hope I do it well.