You deserve an update.
However, anything I would have written down in this space during the past week would have been miserable in both senses of the word.
Therefore (and because very soon writhing invariably took over from writing - but that pun has been made infinitely more funny in
Chapter IX) it is only today that I record some developments.
To begin with, the past couple of (8) days were Rather Rotten.
I fell ill; did not know what was wrong; my gp hypothesised inflammation of the bladder, had me buy a box full of shiny pills the colours of a white-and-yellow beach-chair, which did not help AT ALL, after which in fact the pains got worse and I could not sleep and went mad etc. etc.
After a lot of running to and fro (gp, apothecary, AMC; of course the running should not be taken literally) the tentative conclusion remains 'complex inflammation of the urinary tract' or something (yes, I know I'm wrong about medical terms, so correct me if you like), an alternative course of antibiotics has been prescribed, I have learnt the joy of painkillers (which, in reasonably quantities, never seemed to work when I was (very) ill about six years ago, but now they did! (talking about the same painkiller and the same level of pain)).
And although my gp remains uncertain as this diagnosis does not completely fit her observations, I am convalescent since yesterday (if only to enable me to use the word 'convalescence').
She doesn't want me to work or travel (on my own that means, as I take it) until next week, when I have to see her again for a last check. Also, I still get the results from one test on Friday, which will hopefully simply confirm the doctor's conjectures and not point to further complications or turn down new roads. However, after next Monday I can start making up for my absense in class, studyroom, social gatherings*, and this hebdomadal.
For the time being I thank you all for your concerns and care and worried e-mail letters and phone calls and visits and Big Red Bus-lendings and Cranberry Juice and good advise (btw: Medical Woman, you were right: she did hit my sides next day. Nothing really.)
Leermoment:
1) sjiek sijn ishe niet leuk
2) I believe I am slowly appeasing my present presence in the Netherlands. My sick-bed looks out over my parents' garden, where golden light strokes the red buds of a February-bare cherry tree, sweeped by the fresh West wind, et cetera et cetera.
See you hopefully soon.
Maybe on a birthday party. (I'll send you a little (?) list!)
*although on this point I will take it easy for another while
