To be honest, I don't think my "real life" friends or family even read my blog. They know about it, but I never hear a word from them.
I suppose I'm feeling the need for this sharing of sorts, as late last night I did something I'm not too fond of doing, reading my own posts from the last 12 months. (My gosh, I talk a lot.) But I wanted to know about the various recoveries and setbacks I had in 2025 with this long covid condition. I have to admit, I'm glad I shared on here as much as I did. When you finally believe you've made a full recovery in the cranial region (like I was sure I did, this past August) you almost forget about all the hiccups and bumps in the year-plus road along the way.
Since September 12 I've been dealing with the biggest setback since the start of this whole thing, and I worry it's making me more mental than I already am. A fellow "long hauler" (that's what people with chronic post covid symptoms call themselves) said it forces you into isolation for months, and this is very true. I've only spoken to two people on the phone in 3 months (my friends Mary & Diana) and the only people I've seen are the workers at Kuhn's Supermarket for the 10-15 minutes I'm in there once a week. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have this blog to reach out to others.
I got up this morning, walked around with a sore face and aching eyes for 15 minutes until the pressure started building in my upper face and forehead, then decided I'd better hop in the shower. I took off my t-shirt and underwear, my socks and slippers then changed my mind and put my socks and slippers back on. I then proceeded to walk around in here naked until 10:00am until I realized it was Wash Day (I get Monday mornings in the laundry room all to myself).
I finally decided to wash my face, but not take a shower. It's 17 degrees outside, and my furnace has been running nonstop. The backs of my legs are scratchy with dry skin.
For the record, this is NOT the blog I was going to post this morning. I wrote up a thrilling one yesterday about an IKEA chair and an impromptu pulled chicken sandwich. Maybe I'll still post it, I don't know. I'd better go put on something and take my laundry down.
I'm still very much hoping I can meet up with my friends Mary & Evie tomorrow for that annual Christmas luncheon, but there will be 80 people there and just talking to more than one person can become painful and overwhelming.
Have a good day everyone, thanks for listening.
You certainly don't need anyone's permission to write anything you please on this blog. Many of the blogs I read are written as "personal diaries" and a lot of people who blog freely admit they use their blog to reference things that have happened in their lives. I read other blogs where people are fighting different health issues including mental health and cancer. I believe these folks, including you, are actually performing a public service by sharing things that affect others. It's always good to know you're not alone and while I wouldn't be comfortable blogging, I truly do appreciate all the things I learn from bloggers.
ReplyDeleteBoy this was nice to hear (read). Bobi thank you so much. I appreciate your comments so much, I DO enjoy going back and reading a couple people (like yourself) again, it helps so much. Thanks again.
DeleteBlogs are written to talk about a person’s day to day life. You just happen to be going through a rough patch with your health, so you write about it. In between the health issues are entertaining ones. Can’t please everyone, so write what you want. 😊. Joyce
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyce, I'm really glad I know you. :^)
DeleteI know how you feel – few of my “real life” friends used to read my music columns.
ReplyDeleteI remember that when I had a column that I knew my sister would like, I’d have to email her and tell her to have a look.
Even the A.M. only looked now and then, again with prompting from me.
I wonder if this is the way with all bloggers.
It’s 17 degrees here too, but they are the nice balmy C type degrees. It’s not yet 9AM and I’m just in shorts and T-shirt, and certainly no central heating on.
So, keep blogging with whatever you feel like, so I can respond with whatever I feel like.
Thank you Peter, I always enjoy your feedback. And I miss your Sunday music column.
DeleteI don't write my blog for my local family and friends, heaven knows they end up getting the blow by blow either in person or perhaps by phone. Nor do I really write it for those who read it, though I do appreciate and enjoy the comments when they choose to do so. Rather, it's more of a calendar where I jot notes (wordy ones for certain) that I can return to every so often to remind myself of the events. I actually have an old blog that I had to close down - that I had started back in 2013 - I spent a couple of days re-reading earlier posts just after New Year's. What a lot of changes!
ReplyDeleteIn my case, most of the changes were good, unlike your battle with Long Covid. I keep hoping each post you write will record an improvement in your condition. Do take care!
Thanks very much Maebeme, I need to look at your blog, you've been so thoughtful to me on here. When I started this blog in 2006, it was before Facebook and I was only going to use it to post occasional photos, book and movie reviews. Had no idea I'd still be at it 20 years later and to this degree. I appreciate your input always and I'm very glad to know you. 🙂
DeleteI don't blog and rarely comment here but if I did blog I really wouldn't want friends and relatives to read it...I think hearing their reaction might put a crimp in how I express myself. You don't see your readers so it's easier to be open, and sometimes you really can need that.
ReplyDeleteReally sorry that you're going through such frustration with your symptoms.
Thank you J.Mineo, you make a pretty good point here. In fact, I doubt I would've shared what I did here today. Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated.
DeleteEach of us lives our life different from the next guy. It's interesting to look in and see what others (especially those like us in many ways) are doing and perhaps get an idea to try for ourselves. It's encouraging to know there are others out there, just trying to make the best of the life they have. I mentioned to a fellow at church yesterday a new mantra of mine--we are all just walking each other home, give space, give grace.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing dkzody.
DeletePart of the reason I read blogs is to find out about people: what they think, how they feel, what interests them or doesn't, etc. Our blogs are all about US! Don't ever feel guilty about posting about yourself; that's what it's all about. I'm so sorry about what you're dealing with and wish it would go away for good. The problem with the recurrences is that you probably don't trust the healthy times because you're waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. Ugh! Thinking of you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Margaret, I always appreciate your feedback. You are a good friend and you're also right regarding the reoccurrences. Just waiting for an end. Hope it comes in my lifetime. 🙂
DeleteWhen I check your blog I’m always hoping that you have had a good day and something nice has happened to you. But I appreciate hearing about your day no matter what has happened. You can tell a good story. I think blogs are for sharing whatever you wish to say. It’s interesting to hear other points of view. Praying for an end to your misery. DL
ReplyDeleteThanks very much DL, this was so thoughtful and meant a lot to read. 🙂
DeleteDug, I'm not sure what blogs are for... but certainly find them useful and enjoyable. I've journaled for years, then had websites, then when blogging came about - went to that. I think basically it's for anything you want it to be... sharing things you enjoy, things you do, things you think about... and even health issues. And it's helpful - psychologically to get things out of your head and physically when others come up with something you either didn't know or hadn't thought about. And the only people who read it is people who want to... it's their choice.
ReplyDeleteAnd sharing - whether it's your happiness or pain makes it better (somehow).
Thanks very much Rian, this was a good explanation on your part. I was just talking to a friend earlier tonight, and one thing I've gotten from my own blog-writing, that I never expected, was the kind & helpful feedback from so many others, like yourself. It's always been helpful and appreciated.
DeleteHi Doug. I started a blog several years ago when my husband developed dementia. I continued it until he passed. The blog was my lifeline to the outside world, where I could express my sorrow, heartache and grief. It was a huge relief to me to be able to just pour my heart out.
ReplyDeleteI have a theory; folks who follow certain blogs do so because they care, or because they can relate in some way to what you are going through. Maybe the details are different, but suffering is universal.
Please continue to write. It is therapeutic for you (so important!) and it helps to connect all of us, reminding us of our humanity.
Carole
Thanks very much Carole, I appreciated this. I'm so sorry what happened with your husband, and you. I'm glad you had your lifeline, I am going through a pretty rough patch right now and all of this does help.
DeleteA blog is the story of ourselves. Not all the chapters are meant to entertain. Life is not like that. You are going through a difficult chapter right now. How do others see you? Well. I guess I see you as not giving up. That is kind of inspirational. So, there you have it. One woman's opinion.
DeleteThank you Debby, I've always been a fan of your strong but kind words. I know I'm not alone either. 🙂
DeleteI truly look forward to all your posts, Doug. I really want to know how you are getting on through this period, and I am always glad to learn whatever is on your mind. I write for myself and my faithful followers. Many times I am uplifted by what the commenters have to say. What is better than that? Also sending you healing vibes, always.
ReplyDeleteThank you DJan, your words and friendship (as always) are much appreciated. And yes, I feel much the same way in regards to comments I get on here. They very much lift my spirit too.
DeleteDoug, we all are happy to read whatever you want to post. We are here because we care about you!❤️ I hope you were able to make the luncheon today. Take care Doug, I think about you often!❤️
ReplyDeleteRobin you are a sweet friend, thank you so much! I mean it, I take none of the kind comments here for granted. I really do think of you too (and our newly retired Chuck) and as a matter of fact, I was able to make it today to that lunch. I'm going to post some pictures very soon. :^)
DeleteDoug, I am so glad you made it to the luncheon! I hope sweet Erie and Mary were there.❤️
DeleteThank you! And yes they both were--in fact, Mary gave us a ride. :)
Delete