Hope (not) to Kiss a Pig
Like many of you, I suspect, I’ve spent the last weeks trying to recover from some mysterious illness undiagnosed by my doctor. I say undiagnosed because despite having every single symptom of H1N1 (swine) flu, my medical practice chooses not to test unless a patient has just stepped off the plane from Mexico. I’d stepped off a plane, all right, but one from Ohio, and therefore lost that lottery.
So all those statistics about where swine flu is and isn’t in this country? Suspect. And all those stores of Tamiflu being laid in for an epidemic? Well, there is no epidemic if there’s no diagnosis, and therefore, no helpful drugs administered.
Am I unhappy about this? Nah. . . . I love being told not to bother coming into the office, because I probably just have a cold. Then my personal favorite: it doesn’t matter if I have regular flu or swine flu anyway. (Somebody ought to explain that to the CDC.)
My rant is complete. Here’s the good stuff. Illness can be surprisingly fruitful. Without the energy and necessary concentration to work on Fortunate Harbor, I’ve been working on ideas to promote Happiness Key. Having a brain that’s “flipping through the channels” is an asset when promotion’s the question. Yesterday I finished something really fun for my readers, something new and different. Prizes are attached, of course. I’ll be telling you more very soon. But the best place to learn about that will be right here on this blog, so stay tuned.
Furthermore, as a get-well gift, my wonderful publisher just sent me a reader coupon for $1.50 off Happiness Key. The coupon will appear in my email and print newsletters. So make sure you’re signed up for one or both. You can sign up for the email version here on my website under Get In Touch–Join Mailing list. Here’s the link if you’re feeling lazy, or recovering from that undiagnosed illness. If you prefer the print version–created by my talented graphic artist daughter-in-law–then send me your name and address and I’ll make sure you’re added to the list.
There’s still so much to do to get ready for the debut of Happiness Key. But at least I’m back on the road. I wish all of you reading this good health, happy immunity, and excellent medical care.
Goodness, Emilie. Awful medical experience, I know the drill though. Sadly it’s happened to me plenty of times. Hope you’re feeling better now 🙂
cute picture Emilie, is he/she your new pet? It’s funny you talked about the Dr.. You listen to the radio or TV or read the paper they all tell you at the first sign of this illness get to the Dr. right? So you get sick and try to get there but he/she doesn’t want you there. I think there are a lot more cases out there then they think. It’s just a good thing that we as a planet seem to be surviving this thing better that in 1919 or was it 1918.
Hope you’re feeling better and can’t wait for Happiness Key, I changed my mind about forking out the $1000.00 that Amazon wanted for it.
I’m actually quite fond of pigs. I’d probably be a candidate for one of those little Vietnamese potbelly critters, only Nemo, the wonder beagle, takes up every ounce of pet energy I have. As for swine flu? They’ve finally diagnosed a case locally. Somebody’s doc took this seriously.
My thousand dollar book is no longer for sale. I was particularly delighted when they dropped the sale price to $999.99. I almost grabbed it myself. 🙂
Emilie, I’m so glad you’re better, but mighty discouraged that you were not taken more seriously by your doctor. I was out and about today and heard this unbelievable cough coming from two individuals in two different stores. One of them was a girl of about eight with a cough that sounded as if it was coming from an 80-year-old man. There’s something out there, all right.
The pig picture is wonderful!
Dear Emilie,
I can relate to bad medical experiences, as I once felt like I could quite literally die, not a feeling you want to have in your life at the age of twentyfour (back then, I’m a bit older now!) — my head felt like pins and knives were running inside it, my body was beyond the heat of the sun, I was sweaty, nausea (and then some!), etc, etc. (details best left out!) I turned to my parents, who said I was close to not being conscience, and asked them to call the medics. The medics arrived, took one look at me (didn’t examine me at all!), and left! They said it was “psychosymatic!” and I should have gone to the ER. I couldn’t stand. I couldn’t move without severe pain and I’m called a mental case!? Sighs.
Turned out I had a severe reaction to hard boiled eggs. Found out as my Dad spoke to a family friend, anxious to get me help, but if the medics turn you away, why bother with the ER? She asked, did she eat anything?! He said yes. She recommended to take something for allergic reactions, and you know something!? 45 minutes later the skies parted, and I was on my way to recovery! I had blotchy skin but I was going to live!
Since then, I’ve turned to homopathic and alternative choices. I think you could say I’m through with conventional medicine! I do hope that your recovering okay from this flu! I had a bad one myself in February, nearly thought it wasn’t going to end! Elderberry liquid saved me! Its amazing how it helps your body heal!
Just felt like sharing… although, I rarely ever mention this to anyone,… guess you just touched me with your story because it reminded me soo much of my own experience!
PS: I am on your mailing list, as of today, which I’m thrilled over! Great blog and site! 🙂 I’ve appreciated looking over your books at the book shoppes, but I’ve yet to have the chance to read one! 🙂 Perhaps, next stop at the library (there is a new one!), I can request one! 🙂