I just thought I'd let everyone know why I missed my first Iowa Gas since it began. I've been in the hospital. I was sick the whole month of July. Kept thinking I would get better so I could go. Finally after they tried everything,doctor sent me to take a ultra sound on a Saturday. They put me in ER right away and than too a CT scan. The doctor came in and said you have the biggest kidney stone I've ever seen. It's blocking your kidney which is swollen. Your liver is out of whack and you have pneumonia. To top it off I was in congestive heart failure.

That night they put a stent in next to the stone to open my kidney up. You haven't lived until you've had this done with no pain killer. Monday I had laser surgery. My blood pressure went too low so they couldn't complete the surgery.
Later that week I got sick during the night and couldn't breathe. I was taken to ICU and they turned my heart around. However now my heart was out of rhythm. So Monday they shocked my heart back into rhythm. Also during that week I had another CT scan and they discovered I had blood clots in my lungs.

Doctor told me I have a weak heart and will have to be really careful for awhile. I'll still have to have laser surgery on my kidney stone when I'm stronger. I've lost 20 pounds and am pretty weak, but I'm here.

Hope I didn't ramble too much.

Bob Hale

Sounds like a major tune up. maybe you will run good at an idle but start to miss a little when worked hard?
good luck on recovery

Wow Bob! One thing at a time can be handled but you seem to have really been hit with a whole truckload of complications! Glad you're still here to type on Old Gas! You'd better monitor the computer for awhile and let your motor idle! The best of luck on recovery!--KEVIN

wow is right!!best of luck,and glad they got it before it got even worse.prayers sent out from the dschida's a for a speedy recovery.

Dang Bob, makes me feel like a wimp ! A clot in my leg kept me from going this year. But by staying home WE will be around to go next Year.
Don't need anyone saying, That was year so & so died at IG.
Take care
db

My heart felt condolence to you,as I had a family member in a similar situation.They told me it felt like walking through a barb wire fence,over & over.
They came through it alright,and actually live better today because of it.
A speedy recovery to you with a chance of shaking your hand at the next IG.
Rick

Bob, prayers to you from the McCauley family.

WOW!! I can't begin to imagine all that you've been through Bob. I'll be praying for a speedy recovery for you.

We're Praying for you Bob, hang in there Better time are coming.

I want to thank everyone for your kind words and thoughts. I'm getting stronger each day, but have a ways to go. I'm going to my urologist tomorrow and should find out when I'll have surgery to clean up the rest of the kidney stone.

Bob Hale

Bob, you are the man! if you can swing all that, you'll come out alright! stay strong and stay positive! Get well soon ! Dave