The Aspiration
September 10–14, 2025 — Aspiration brings both relief and new uncertainty
September 10 — Wednesday
Morning → Afternoon
I woke in my hammock, reluctant to rise, then gathered myself for the trip to Charlotte. At Novant Health, the radiology team prepped me for the aspiration I had been requesting for over a year. Under ultrasound, they withdrew 25 mL of reddish-orange fluid from my hip. Seeing it leave my body was surreal — both relief and confirmation.
Evening
On the way home, I picked up a Stream Deck from a Facebook seller and a few shirts at Goodwill. Later, I sat outside with my new tobacco pipe, watching hundreds of blackbirds swirl across the yard. Dinner was chili beans in the Instant Pot. By bedtime, I noticed something remarkable: I could lift my leg with more ease than before. No pain meds all day except meloxicam.
September 11 — Thursday
Morning
Woke in my hammock, ate fruit at the kitchen table. While dressing, I realized I could lift my leg higher to step into my boxers — small, but huge for me.
Afternoon
Chiropractor appointment without cane or handicap spot. Dr. Paul and I talked about how fluid pockets can linger in the body. I remembered a hospital night last year when my hip drain came loose and fluid soaked my bed. They removed the drain the next day, and I’ve always wondered if that was the start of all this.
Evening
Three hours at work — no cane again. At night, I published a blog about news fasting and reflected on my body: more mobility, but fragile strength. New ripples of pain appeared even as function improved.
September 12 — Friday
Morning
Breakfast and coffee with Jordan at the local shop.
Afternoon
Worked a full shift: replaced a MacBook Pro screen and an iPhone back glass. Busy, focused day.
Evening
Benny and his wife arrived to stay the weekend. We went out for Mexican food. Later, I told Benny about the aspiration — how I was walking better but still lacked endurance. Took morphine before bed.
September 13 — Saturday
Morning
Coffee with Benny and his wife. A short town tour. Rested in the hammock and caught some sun before heading out again.
Evening
We drove to Lake Lure, ate dinner outside on wooden chairs — walking was hard, but Benny had a cushion that helped. But during the ride, I had an awareness come to me. I realized I was sitting in his truck completely comfortable. This only become possible with the removed fluid. Previously, it was impossible to simply be comfortable sitting. Afterward, we returned home and watched documentaries about magic mushrooms! My body was ready for bed long before I listened. Took over an hour to fall asleep.
September 14 — Sunday
Morning → Afternoon
Slept until 9:30, lingered in my hammock, then joined my family for my nephew’s birthday. Rode my scooter there, using a cushion to protect my hip. Took the kids for a ride through the campground — fun but draining.
Evening
Back home, I tried working on a trench but my body resisted. I got my bicycle out of the storage room, determined to store it elsewhere. But I decided to pump up the tires and see if it was possible to ride. This was my first time riding a pedal bike since post hip replacement 14 months ago — 3.2 miles. Morphine helped me enjoy the simple freedom of pedaling. Gratitude carried me through the evening.
Closing Reflection (End of Week One)
Four days after aspiration, I was walking better, even riding a bicycle again — but the energy in my body couldn’t quite keep up. Nights stretched long, sleep restless, as I waited for the test results to return.
Cross-Link
This entry is part of my series Living With Fire. Each chapter is shared in two ways:
• 📜 Narrative Essay (Substack): polished reflection of [Sept 10 – 14] → [Read on Substack]
• 🌐 This RAW Journal is part of the Living With Fire archive → [Browse the Archive]
Navigate the Series