In no particular order, this happened in the last three weeks:
A short but massive heatwave.
For the second or third or possibly tenth time in my life, I had a dose of vestibular neuritis, aka inflammation of the balance nerve. It's all part and parcel of the weird autoimmune disease I have acquired ages ago. Basically, I acted and possibly looked like a drunken sailor in a heavy storm. Actually, no, make that a tourist, a non-sea worthy tourist, incl. some unpleasant emptying of stomach contents. It's exhausting but the euphoria once I was beginning to recover was probably not unlike what seasick tourists experience when reaching the shore. I am not quite there yet, small steps etc. I spent long hours listening to Louise Erdrich reading in her gentle voice The Night Watchman.
On Wednesday, the covid app informed me that I had spent an extended period of time in close contact with at least one covid-positive person two days earlier and that for the next ten days I should test daily, watch for symptoms and isolate. The close contact was at least one person at the ENT surgery, maybe even the doctor who examined me on Monday. So far, I have no symptoms and all of the lateral flow tests have been negative. But apparently, I can still pass on viral load, i.e. be infectious, although I doubt that. Anyway, this new variant is a tricky fellow.
For the last three days now I can walk without having to hold R's arm, I keep my food in the proper place and this evening, we even cycled a short distance - in splendid isolation - but afterwards, I felt like a train had run me over.
The garden is a delight.
Vestibular neuritis? I have never heard of this but I can only imagine it is a sort of hell. The few bouts of dizziness and vertigo I've had were extremely debilitating and frightening. I am so sorry that this can be part of your autoimmune disease.
ReplyDeleteI think we are having a heat tsunami here. It is uncomfortable, to say the least, and I feel guilty as hell running the AC which I know is terrible for the environment on so many levels. And yet, I cannot imagine living without it right now.
Your garden is lovely, as always.
Vertigo is no fun at all. Really glad to know that you are feeling steadier now and can walk without holding R's arm That's good. I hope things continue to improve in every way. I also hope that you continue to test negative for covid. It is definitely making its way through parts of my family in Southern California. Your garden is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about the vestibular problems. I've had to give up protracted time in boats due to Mal debarquement syndrome - it's really miserable. The garden is truly delightful. Happy you are better.
ReplyDeleteSending love. Walking small steps with you in spirit, away from the indifferent train and into the beloved garden, grateful for audiobooks and podcasts, with summer solstice here in a few days.
ReplyDeleteDizziness is so horrible. I have Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, that thankfully hasn't acted up in awhile. I'm glad it's improving for you.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is beautiful and you got out for a bike ride, wonderful!
One of my favorite quotes (which I found on a grave in the cemetary of St Mary's cathedral in Limerick):You're closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth. "True even if you don't believe in him - if that makes any sense. I hope the flowers and the sunshine and the beauty of your garden keep bring you peace and serenity.
ReplyDeleteMolly, not anonymous! Google is messing with my head....
DeleteI guessed as much when you mentioned Limerick . . .
DeleteWhen I lived up north, where I could actually have perennial flower beds filled with all sorts of wonders, those few short months of flowers sustained me through the long cold winter. I hope your flowers do the same for you.
ReplyDeleteThank heavens for the garden! Oh, I know that vertigo balance stuff. I recall reeling through the house like a drunk. Had to call new friend to come get my little girl to take to the pre-school where I met this mother. She didn't know me well and I hoped she believed me that I wasn't drunk when she saw me reeling about. Fortunately, she did. Later, we both moved to So Cal at different times and have stayed in contact. Used to get together once a year but I choose to not drive the freeways any more. Oh, gee, hope you've avoided Covid and whatever the variant.. Discouraging to think you caught it from med people in ER.
ReplyDeleteI love your square of unmowed yard and the espaliered grape vines. It is so hot and dry here there's no being outside to enjoy what's blooming.
ReplyDeleteI've had bouts of vertigo, once when I was trying to do an installation of three small windows on a stairway. Every time I looked up I would get overcome with dizziness. I'm glad you're recovering from that at least.
You keep on keeping on. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteYou speak of it so lightly but I know first hand how utterly devastating it is. Barely being able to tell up from down and the fear of not knowing when, if ever, it will end. My heart goes out to you Sabine. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYes, my garden is a delight too. And the hummingbirds have decided to return, the little darlings.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the vestibular neuritis. That does sound awful. I'm glad you're recovering. Hopefully the potential Covid exposure has turned out to be a false alarm. The day lilies are looking great! Ours haven't bloomed yet.
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