Welcome to White Cane Connections.

My name is Sue Boman. Yes, that’s me in the picture posted here. I have called this blog White Cane Connections because I am one of the many people who use a white cane. I began this blog because I wanted to write about a project I undertook in 2012. The plan was to complete a series of walks using my white cane. Between March and September, I walked in 82 different locations across Canada. So, the blog begins by telling of my experiences and the many people I met along the way.

While this particular journey has now been completed, I find that I still have much to write about. I am continuing to make new white cane connections, and so for the time being I will continue to add regular posts to this blog. I am hoping that you will be a partner in the journey.

Sue


Wednesday, 23 October 2024

October 23 - Join the Club (Part One)

Many of us belong to clubs or groups. Some clubs are very formal with rules and regulations and others are more of a social nature. Whatever their nature, the members have something in common – shared interests, goals or experiences.

This past week I became a reluctant member of a new club. I was diagnosed with a kidney stone. From what I have read, there are three ways to deal with this. The kidney stone can pass naturally, the stone can be crushed with laser, or else surgery might be required. In my case it was the latter procedure. I have also heard that having or passing a kidney stone is one of the worst pains ever. I can certainly attest to this.

After my surgery, the relief was instantaneous. I spent one night in hospital and came home to share my story with friends and acquaintances. In the telling, I have heard so many other stories shared back to me. I have heard stories of missed diagnoses, lengthy hospital stays, small stones, large stones, agonizing pain, and so on. With all these accounts, there has been the thread of common experience. Whether I like it or not, I have become a member of this rather exclusive club.

Now you will note that I have called this post Part One. I am also a member of two other specialized clubs but you will need to wait until next time before I tell you of those. In the meantime, I have gained much support from the members of this new club of people who have experienced the pain of a kidney stone. We all have such interesting stories to tell about our experiences in life.

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