When Distraction is the Answer

 So… I’m an intensely private person. Some of you may have noticed since I tend to stick to the topic of writing and rarely share anything about the real me. At the beginning of the year, I mentioned I got very sick, but I didn’t even say what it was. It was shingles and it was located on the top left quarter of my face and head, including around my eye. The pain was debilitating, like constant waves of searing torture alongside the sensation of someone drilling a rusty nail into my head. 

I suffered severe nerve damage as a result and discovered a new kind of pain: the constant sensation of stinging fire ants crawling around my face, a rash of a thousand sharp needles puncturing my head, and an eye that could barely move or focus and in constant pain. And it all got shockingly worse if a wind blew or any form of heat brushed my forehead… and sneezing was right out. And then there’s the intense itching that makes it worse again. 

All this wiped me out physically. I could barely walk to the end of the street. I couldn’t read or write because my eye hurt too much. I’m surprised I got as many blog posts out as I did. 

This state of debilitation remained the same for eight months. Each month I had to fight depression even though each month, I got a little stronger. The painkillers I’m on also make me ditsy and unsteady on my feet. Thinking clearly is a struggle, along with expressing myself. Writing this out, formulating these words, has taken way longer than it should. And don’t get me started on the doctors. Some were exceptional, but some… let’s just say they should not be practicing. 

Distraction has been key. I’ve listened to lots of audio books while completing jigsaw puzzles or just lying on the couch. And last month, my adorable husband whisked me away on an extended holiday to Tasmania. 

Oh. My. Gosh. Tasmania is beautiful. Gorgeous. Incredible. All the adjectives. We went on many hikes through lush rainforests, along rugged coastlines, and high up mountains. The first few almost killed me, but we took them slowly, and I got so much stronger. By the end we were completing three-hour hikes in less than three hours. I lost count of all the waterfalls. 

Coming toward the nine-month mark, the constant pain has lessened, though still very present, and I’m able to read again, though not for too long. The improvement makes me so very happy, but I still have a long way to go.

Anyway, I thought I'd share this to explain my absence, and maybe help anyone going through something similar. The proverbial light at the end of a very long tunnel does exist.

Have you ever had or know anyone who’s had shingles or anything as debilitating? Tell me your stories or share something awesome that’s happened recently. 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.