A Sick Writer

~ aurorajeanalexander

By now I guess, it’s known that I have been sick for a few weeks, being ‘blessed’ with shingles and pneumonia to the same time. I could have done the one without both, but after all, I’m afraid, I had to take it the way it got me.

Now, being in pain and feeling sick, having a fever and not finding any comfortable position, I wasn’t able to do much more than drinking, resting, sleeping, watching TV and trying to keep my cats away from climbing on me.

And here exactly is the point I start complaining…

I’m a writer. A sick writer. And I would have loved to ‘use’ the time getting some work done. Typing, blogging, scribbling, planning new stories, reading and whatever else belongs to a writer’s life, but I had no chance.

Shingles caused me that much pain that all I could do was trying to find a way to spend the days on the couch with plenty of pain killers inside of me that nearly knocked me out. There was no way I would have been able to sit behind the computer and type much.

I was unable to turn onto my stomach to write by hand on paper. And when I tried to read I started feeling dizzy enough, I was ready to vomit.

I wanted to work, develop ideas, find new characters, plots, storylines, whatever came into my mind, and nothing was possible.

But of course I’m smart, right? I got my phone next to me. And whenever I had an idea, I recorded it. What a wonderful girl I am! The idea would have been amazing, if…

… yes, there’s an ‘if’…

… if, I hadn’t been too sick to make sense.

Yes, you can laugh. I did too once I listened to my ‘notes’. I was sick enough that I couldn’t hear much more than some mumbling. And if there was a clear word or two, it didn’t make sense.

My fever was high enough to cook my brain, which means, the ideas I got are entirely useless. This is annoying and nearly make me consider getting either a secretary, a nurse – or both.

I’m almost sure I’m not the only writer ever being sick. How are you doing this? Are you able to use your time fruitfully during this forced break? If yes, how are you doing it? Thank you for your advice!

Picture courtesy of wikimedia

26 thoughts on “A Sick Writer”

  1. Poor you, Aurora. It’s no fun being sick! Us human beings can be very lucky but sometimes it turns the other way…As long as you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll be fine and soon fighting fit again, and your dear, quirky self..Upwards and onwards… xx

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  2. So sorry, Aurora. Yes I have had Shingles, and, Pneumonia, but, not at the same time. I am surprised that your doctor didn’t put you in the hospital. I am sure it is wreaking havoc with your system. I hope that you’re feeling better today and are now on the road to a speedy recovery. I also hope you have someone that is helping you through this unfortunate time. A nice pot of home made chicken soup will do wonders for you right now. Keep well and I hope you are over the worst of it, and, on the speedy road to recovery now. ♥♥♥

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    1. Thank you Patricia. It’s all taking longer than I had expected and even though not feeling completely sick anymore… there’s still pain left from shingles and I’m kind of weak. I have to do everything myself. It’s always been that way. Nobody is there to help.

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  4. It has to be rough, Aurora. I can’t imagine. But I do know that there has to be a reason why God is putting you through this. As far as the writing goes, maybe you simply need a break. If your notes while you ramble aren’t coming out the way you intended, don’t worry. They’ll come back to you. Just take the time to take care of yourself. When you can write something down or record, do it. But don’t worry about it. The most important thing is for you to rest, do what your doctor tells you to do, and get better. Know that we’re all here pulling for you and praying for you. God bless you, my dear friend.

    I’ll add you update to Jimmy Prayer Room.

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  5. My Dear A.J.,
    No, I didn’t know you were sick. I have been so little on Social Media. Mostly, I’m around when I’m posting. I am so sorry to hear that you are sick. That’s a bummer. I don’t like it when I don’t feel well, at all.
    Sometimes things like this happen to us when we’re on the right track. We’re moving in the right direction and suddenly something totally unexpected happens. I don’t believe these negative happenings come from God, but I do believe He is there to take us through them.
    Take a step at a time. If it is only a few minutes of writing two sentences of gratitude in your journal, it will make you feel better.
    Don’t quit!!! Even though, it is rough right now, I want you to find the silver lining in your dark cloud and look at that silver lining.
    Sending you a big hug. I’m including you in my prayers.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Patti

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    1. Thanks sooo much, Patti. I’m getting better, but it just all takes so long and I’m feeling like a newborn kitty… weak and feeble… my voice ain’t totally back yet either and I sound like a hoarse frog.
      But I’m sure sooner or later I’m going to be back.
      Thanks for dropping by and leaving your comment and prayers! Love you! ❤

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  6. Dear AJ, I’ve been sick for 3 months or so – and mine is a mysterious illness connected to extreme meditation. Don’t know if that makes sense and can’t say much more that would make sense. The mood swings up and down but I find that a regular formal gratitude practice instantly boosts my spirits – if we think about it, there is so much we can be grateful for, esp. in a world where so much is going wrong. Love and feel better soon!!!

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  7. AJ, you know you are a fighter. You know that that this will pass. Perhaps the ramblings of a stoned, feverish woman are a glimpse into the life of a person dealing with disorders. It’s a good thing that you are a writer, as this mayb be fodder for your next character(s) for the novel in your head.
    Speedy recovery and hugs to you!

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  11. Hope you start feeling better soon. One thing I’ve learned from living with Fibromyalgia is that I’ve found strength and ways of coping that I’ve loaned to various characters in my writing. Hopefully, you’ll find ideas or inspiration for future works or current projects. Just because you may not be up to writing, but the creative brain (especially one like yours) may start running rampant with ideas. Feel better soon dear friend.

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  13. My sincerest sympathy for being “laid up,” my dear. Having experienced two months of it myself in 2014 (but only for foot surgery, not something as awful as you have been through, Hon) I KNOW how hard it is on you physically and emotionally as well. Above all, avoid becoming depressed. If there’s anything I can do other than putting your complete and rapid recovery at the top of my prayer list, which I’ve already done, please contact me. Reading will help.

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  14. Wow, I hope you’re feeling better by now. Being sick sucks.

    I have an autoimmune disease, so every day is a challenge for me. Most days I’m in a lot of pain and my brain just doesn’t want to work. The best you can do is what you can do at any moment… and if that’s nothing, but rest, then that’s what you have to do. Our bodies always tell us what we need and if we push ourselves we will likely end up worse off. So just get better and worry about writing when you can do it.

    Take care!

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