I spent more time in the US last year (2014) than the past fifteen. It was brought about as I contracted an unexplained condition of swelling in my feet, legs, hands and arms.
After going through a number of medical tests in Dali, Sanya and Shanghai it was discovered that the edema was due to an excess of protein in the urine and a deficiency in the blood. The reason for this imbalance was not apparent and I was told that the next diagnostic step would have to be a biopsy of the kidney. I decided to return to the US to have the procedure done at the Palo Alto VA. The inconclusive biopsy results were followed by 5 months of weekly monitoring blood and urine. While the swelling symptoms were brought under control there has been no improvement of the protein imbalance and no hint as to the cause.
As my care givers at the VA would say, ” I and my condition remain a mystery”.
OLD HOME DANCE REMEDY
As my frustration mounted I posted this with some photos in “My Albums” Section.
“As you may know I have been dealing with a new medical condition (proteinuria, etiology unknown) for the past half a year or so. While it was initially diagnosed in China, I eventually had to return to the US for further diagnosis. So for the past four months I have been under the watchful care of the Palo Alto VA Hospital. And while I truly appreciate their caring attention there, I have to admit that we know no more of the cause of my condition then we did when first discovered.
The way I have been personally dealing with this is to retain as much of my normal routine as I can. Central to that is my dancing… Summer in the Bay Area is a great place for music and dance festivals (see “Festivals, Festivals” in “My Albums” ). Most of you have seen my commentary on the value of dancing to mind, body, attitude, spirit … Indeed, I see it as my most therapeutic meditative practice. So now with the lack of any concrete remedy forthcoming from the medical advice I have been receiving, my own home remedy has come full circle and I am sharing it with the VA practitioners treating me. See me below dancing with my Doctor from the VA renal clinic… “
One of the highlights of my extended stateside visit was that I was in San Francisco for my birthday. So I decided to celebrate with some old friends … Here is the invitation that I sent out:
A SURPRISE * BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Friday, October 3rd. 6-pm –
Location: Tong Palace, 933 Clement Street (between 10th -11th Ave) UPSTAIRS
RSVP: 415-913-0545 or by return e-mail
*A “surprise” not so much for the birthday celebrant (that’s me) but for the attending co-celebrants. It is rare that I am in the US on my birthday (I have spent most of the past 15 years in China). Because I am in the States this year, I decided to do something special – to entertain some old friends. It would great to see you. (ps. For a hint of what might be in store check out my website: www.leminginchina.com).
Twenty friends joined me for a wonderful evening which included a twelve course Chinese banquet and my recounting of the past fifteen years in China. Old friends from as far back as college days (fifty years ago), graduate school, Stanford joined newer ones from various China adventures in hearing of my many China exploits. The banquet room had many monitors and I had on-going slide shows of; Sanya, Xinjiang dancing, magic performances, swing dance parties , the World Expo …etc, playing throughout the evening along with clips from “The White Countess” film and the wonderful animated mural of “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” from China’s Pavillion at the World Expo.
After a wonderful dinner and after most had had their fill of wine I treated them to a magic show. My friend, Karen McGovern took pictures and filmed the whole thing. Check out her work in the posted YouTube and the [add link] “Birthday Party in San Francisco” Album posted on this site.