Over the last two days, I’ve started to feel a little bit better. My spleen is still so enlarged I risk bursting it at just about every turn (boy, that’s a lot of fun) but the various medicines my doctor prescribed have taken care of the secondary infections in my sinuses and throat, so while I’m super exhausted, at least I’m not in any pain.
You know what sucks? I haven’t been able to do much more than passively watch DVDs, because even trying to focus long enough to read is exhausting. I can’t even think about trying to write anything, either, so I feel like I’m just wasting time and losing days . . . and even though I know it’s what I have to do, it’s still annoying.
Because I can’t do much of anything, Anne has become responsible for everything we normally share, like getting the kids to and from school, preparing meals, feeding the dogs, keeping the house clean and all that stuff.
When I told Anne that I just hate it that I can’t help her, especially since I keep asking her to do stuff for me, she said, “It’s okay. This is the ‘sickness’ part of ‘sickness and health.'”
My wife is the most awesome person in the universe. She’s made this experience much less miserable for me, with her compassion, patience and understanding. Hopefully, it will only be another week or so before I have the strength to pick up at least a little bit of the slack around here.
Discover more from WIL WHEATON dot NET
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hey Wil,
Thank you for the update, especially in your condition. 🙂 Don’t worry about laying around for now, Anne has the right idea, this is the “sickness and health part”. She does sound wonderful, and it is because she loves you and you love her,
Don’t rudh the physical activity, especially with mono, you can get a NAST relapse. This will keep you in bed, and our of work, longer. Keep getting better, and have yourself a great day!Oh, what good DVDs have you seen lately? *laughs*
Peace,
Q
Thanks for letting everybody know how you’re doing. I’m really worried for you and I hope you get better soon.
Glad to hear you’re starting to feel better. I myself have had a nasty bout of pharyngitis for the past week. That’s a fancy way of saying vicious sore throat. Nothing compared to what you’ve been dealing with, but I sure will be glad when it’s over.
Quincey’s right, though – take it easy so you don’t relapse. Keep getting plenty of rest. And you’re lucky that Anne has such a great outlook. My husband has not let me forget all that he has had to do lately.
If you can’t read, can you get some books on CD? They’re a great substitute.
Feel better soon, and thanks for the update. We’ve missed you.
Good to see you’re feeling a little better. With mono, even a little rocks the world!!! So, go you! But be careful not to overdo it once you start feeling a lot better. You can help when the kids get it 😉
You’re really good to thank her, but, y’know, it’s part of love–one of the best parts. There’s a gentle, close intimacy to caretaking someone, and I bet you’d do the same for her if she were down. Marriage, it’s cool that way; that’s why people keep doing it!
Keep resting and healing, and in the name of sweet chaos, don’t rupture that spleen!!!
Hey Wil,
You’re lucky to have such a wonderful lady in your life. Had Mono and was out for a year! I totally understand how you feel.
Hope it ends soon for you.
Rosemary
I had mono around 1990.
It looked like a tennis ball was living under my skin in my neck. The other side was swollen too–but no where near as bad…
Doc told me to rest and relax for about 4 weeks…to lessen the chance of infection for others.
Mono…the kissing disease. Want to know how I got it? From talking to a co-worker. He had had mono, and was sooo bored, he came to work before his contagion levels went down. I didn’t know.
He talked to me, and… get this…he “sprayed it instead of saying it”.
I remember some of his saliva landing in my open mouth. Eeeeew. I was minorly grossed out at the time…little did I know what the effect of that conversation would be!
So, stay home, keep your mind active… and soak up the love. It really is great to be loved. At this moment, I mean by your family… but then too, you have a lot of people in cyber-space routing for you too.
Take good care of yourself Wil! We need all the good people we can get on this planet!
Hey Wil, I just wanted to let you know I just finished “Just a Geek” and I loved it. I’m in a bit of a quarter life crisis and your book kind of inspired me. I’m just a geek myself and I also found some success earlier in my career and now I’m in a bit of a rut. So, I’m now in the process of replacing, “prove to everyone….” with “prove myself.” Although Wesley was a bit lame at times I’m a huge TNG fan, and a big Wil Wheaton fan. Oh, I just bought Dancing Barefoot, and Ringworld at lunch today. I had a few of Larry Nevin’s on books my wish list for a while so after your recomendation I fianlly pick one up. Thanks for representing the voice of the geek, and feel better!
This is the first time I post here.
Just wanted to say “Take care and get well!” and thank all the wonderful women in the world like Anne and my gf.
When you have such a woman by your side the world is a better place.
I’ll be waiting to read you.
Wil,
I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better.
I’m sending hugs all the way from Canada.
Glad to hear your feeling a little better, Wil. Mono is a WITCH, that’s for sure.
This is my first time posting and I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been totally turned on to Geocaching! After less than 2 weeks, I have logged 6 finds (I can’t spend as much time at it as I would like) and I am totally enthralled. I love my new GPSr!
Hang in there and concentrate on feeling better!
Mono is definitely not fun sounding. I’ve never had it before, but I’ve had enough friends that had to leave school for a semester or two because of it. The only funny anecdote I’ve got on it is that I was tested several times for it throughout college because of the symptoms I had, and my mom was like “did you at least get it from some fun means like kissing a boy?” Well, had I actually gotten it, it would have more than likely been from a water fountain in the dorm or something. Way to make me feel better about my social life, mom! 😀
Anyway, I hope the rest isn’t going to drive you entirely crazy, that was the one thing I hated about being sick… sitting there. You’ll get through it though, and be back to 110% soon enough (but not too soon, please? No sense in getting re-sick!)
I just got married…on May 16, 2005 on the beach of Hawai’i at sunset to be exact!!!!…and that “sickness” and health thing, well I think my husband is about to do his part. We’ve either got a monster storm rolling in that is causing my asthma to kick up and the proverbial chains to start tightening around my chest or I’m getting a cold. While in Hawai’i, his sister lives there and she and her girlfriend, or I think they call each other “partners”, were both sick with a cold.
Anywho, lots of sleep, LOTS of water and some more sleep and you should be ship shape. Feel better.
Wil — I am so glad you’re starting to feel better.
My fingers are crossed.
I’d say Anne is the lucky one. I think I’d faint if I heard the words, “I just hate it that I can’t help…” pour out of my hubbie’s lips. He has his own ways, so I’m not complaining. But, hearing someone you love say the words would be special. Take care and hope you feel better soon.
My wife has been so supportive of me during and after my recent surgery, we’re lucky folks to have such great people in our lives, eh?
Don’t worry about it. Just rest and get well. Someone once reminded me that sometimes the best gift we can give our love ones is the opportunity to help us.
Glad to hear things are starting to (slowly) improve for ya, Wil. Soon you’ll be back up to snuff, and all will be right with the world again.
And I’m sure there are quite a few monkeys who are suffering from Wilthdrawal that are quite happy to hear this as well. Gonna take a stab and say that Anne and the boys are tops on that list, since you’ve been reduced to the role of couch creature recently.
Get well soon!
Glad to hear things are starting to (slowly) improve for ya, Wil. Soon you’ll be back up to snuff, and all will be right with the world again.
And I’m sure there are quite a few monkeys who are suffering from Wilthdrawal that are quite happy to hear this as well. Gonna take a stab and say that Anne and the boys are tops on that list, since you’ve been reduced to the role of couch creature recently.
Get well soon!
Whoops! Guilty of a double post, I see. Sorry! My bad! But hey: Double (and now triple) the Get Well Wishes can’t hurt, right? Right!
I sent this list to Wil on 28 May, but this looks like the appropriate thread to ask other ww.net bloggers for suggestions.
–Gilder–
Mindless Activities for Wil’s Recuperation
1. Non-juvenile* coloring books.
I like the abstract-design coloring books from Dover Publications (available at Barnes & Noble, probably also at Borders) and Running Press (look at Michaels Arts & Crafts). Nowadays, there’s such a large selection of coloring implements (crayons, pencils, markers of all shapes and sizes), you’ll never repeat a color pattern.
And just for grins:
Star Trek Coloring Book -TOS and TNG- for fans of all ages – No Asbestos HERE!
http://star.trek.coloringbook.fanspace.com/
(* “Adult” might give the wrong impression. *evil grin* But I did find a website…
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Adult_20jungle_20Gyms_20and_20Colouring_20books)
2. Winding yarn from skein to balls. Perhaps the needleworkers in your family would appreciate the help.
3. Crocheting, for that matter. The basics are relatively easy. I recommend starting with worsted-weight yarn and a medium (sizes I, J, K) hook for a small project. Scarves and skull caps are simple and trendy.
4. Petting your cat(s). (Not sure how many you have, but I’m jealous; I’m very allergic to animals.)
5. Shredding. Magazine labels, old files with personal info, addresses, etc. (My husband gets a certain satisfaction from hearing the shredder protect our privacy. *grin*)
Oh, and BTW, Wil, take it from an old married lady (23 years as of Sun. 29 May)…milk it for all it is worth now, as you probably will need/want to return the favor to Anne someday. *grin* Steve and I have seen each other through surgeries, flus, and food allergies over the years.
Gilder
. . . may I just say that this is probably one of the few times in your life that you will ever be given Absolute Permission to Lounge? And we all know that you are a dedicated hardworking little monkey so Mono is now your FT job so get cracking! Lounge Large! Eat Snacks! Nap At Will! Watch the Neighbors! Watch Your Furry Guys! And if you feel so navelly inclined: watch what is going inside of you, what you feel drawn most to do . . . this is your opportunity to stop doing and just be for a while . . . you have no choice: Life says Chill 🙂 Have fun . . . I know I speak for many of us who look forward to your Missives From The Confines of The Couch 🙂
PS – I had mono when I was 19 and all I had the strength to do was watch tv, and I ended up spending time with my father and for the first time in my life, really getting to know him . . . As well as hearing about his life, we also watched a lot of Star Trek together that summer . . . 🙂 You never know what Life is gonna bring you in the midst of so-called crisis . . .
Glad to see that you’re feeling better. Being sick is never fun.
im glad your not in any pain.
i hope you get better soon!
your wife rocks!
There is a reason we marry. 🙂
Hope this finds you on the upslope!
Cheers!!!!!
Glad to hear you’re being taken care of, Wil — keep resting.
So since Anne is taking such good care of you, and you have all this time to ruminate, are you thinking of how you are going to show Anne your immense appreciation? I won’t ask how, as that would spoil the surprise, right? 😉
Seriously though, I’m glad your pain has subsided. You must be on some awesome antibiotics. Don’t forget to take some acidopholous (tablets not yoghurt) to help replace the good bacteria. A big regime of antibiotics can leave you feeling like hell.
Wil, wasting time? No way; your immune system is working its (and your) ass off. The rest of you may be bored, but, after all, what fun do your poor white blood cells have most of the time? Give them a chance for once.
Blessings to you and Anne. As a hospice worker (don’t worry; you don’t need me yet, really), I am sometimes priviliged to see the kind of caring, compassionate love you describe. I could tell such stories – at least if there weren’t confidentiality requirements. Anyway, there is nothing more precious, more real, more lasting. Just to see it brings joy and strength. In a world fogged with falseness, you found something true.
Sometimes taking is as great a gift as giving. Sometimes it isn’t, but I bet you can trust Anne to let you know…
Wait till you’re well to act well. Be well, for real, soon.
sorry you are so sick. Hope you get plenty of rest and get feeling better soon.
I have never posted before but I do read your blog now and again.
🙂 minidrag33
Truly Wil, in a good partnership it does all even out. Promise her lots of treats and a good back rub, and till you’re better keep your spit to yourself. Sharing mono is not the caring thing to do.
Feel better. And thanks for the update, I was worried!
Oh Wil…I hope you feel better. Take care of yourself and don’t let those people upset you that are giving you a hard time about not being able to attend Red Hat. I can’t even believe people would be mad at you for being ill…Wish there was something we could do to help. Taking care of yourself is way more important than worrying about feeling unproductive.
As a side note…I’ve been reading your blog for years but this is my first time posting a comment! There are many of us out there that care about ya Wil 🙂
Short(?) List Of Things Wil Should Do:Give Anne a BIG hug!Give “Air Kisses” only.Say “I love you” often.Say “Thank You” when helped.Rest, rest, and more rest.Fluids, good foods, and sunshine when you can.Take “LSD” (Life Saving Drugs) and suppliments.When you think you’re better, you’re not ready yet.Give yourself more time than you think to heal.Tell Anne “I love you” (again).Remember, MONO is opportunistic. It will keep your immunity low to give other illnesses “opportunities” to thrash your body. So be wise and take the time to heal.Wil, You Are Loved – Dusty
Aww… sounds like Anne is a wonderful person. I’m glad you’re feeling a little bit better at least. Keep taking care of yourself, Wil. :o)
Wil, very sorry to read that you’re still feeling so ill.
things you might want to think about doing (besides all the suggestions above):
– oil of oregano! (hehe, repeating myself in reference to an earlier comment on infection)
– mail me if you’d like some Reiki. it’ll have to be distance since I’m in Canada, but that’s possible because I’m a Reiki master. I tried to suss out/set up the encryption thing to email you with an offer to send you Reiki to help speed your healing, but I don’t have time to figure it out so I’m saying it here instead. anytime… just ask (for the Reiki or for info if you need it), if you’re interested. laurie(at)ink1.org.
all best for a speedy recovery whatever you do to heal,
l.
x
Wil:
That’s great that things are getting better. But please take note of what I posted in a previous entry–I’m sure your doctor has emphasized this too. Even after you feel completely well, you have to layoff physical activity for several MORE weeks because of your enlarged spleen. You may feel great but you still run the risk of rupturing your spleen because it takes longer for your spleen to return to normal. We all want the Wil Wheaton we know and love to be around for a long, LONG time! TAKE IT EASY!!!!!!!
🙂
Get well soon, dude.
Scott
Hey Wil
I had Mono a few years ago and it truly was teh suck. I’m setting phasers to mojo as we speak. I’ll say a quick one for your recovery when I’m at Mass too.
Don’t push yourself man. Getting better is job one. We here in blog-land can live without an update for a while. Take care of yourself first.
Sean Wardwell
San Marcos, TX
Glad to hear you are feeling better. As long as you keep improving a little each day, you’ll be back to your creative writting self in no time.
Anne sounds like a wonderfull person. Just think of the day you’ll get to all these wonderful things for her when she’s under the weather.
*Standing Ovation for Anne!*
Again, feel better soon. *more virtual chicken soup and healing mojo*
Heh.Funny how now that I’m in a Xtian marriage course, I keep seeing signs of “Partners in Intimacy” (one of the textbooks). Seems Anne understands what a partnership truly is – kinda keeps you on your toes for your end, doesn’t it? 🙂
Keep resting & healing, and enjoy that warm glow in your heart!
Hey Wil, checking in to see if you posted and the feed to LJ somehow got mangled, but apparently you’re still out. Hope you’ll be better soon, just make sure you really *are* better before you start doing stuff and land flat on your back again! Mad props to Anne, of course, can’t be easy to juggle a family like that.
wil…glad to hear that your feeling a bit better. i know that it sucks just sitting around and not being able to help around the house and with the fam. keep taking care of yourself that is your number one priority. i just read dancing barefoot- i loved it. i cried when i read the story about your aunt val. it’s how i felt when my granddad passed. i’m waiting on just a geek right now. i linked you to my blog(http://mjbsinnerworking.blogspot.com) keep on getting better~morgan
Just take care of yourself (w/the Mrs.’s help) and don’t worry about anything else. Virals are acts of God. You didn’t do it, you can’t fix it. All you can do is let your body heal itself. Anyone who has a problem comprehending that can f*** off.
Please remember that Jagermeister is the original (5-century-old) Robitussin. It was originally invented as an herbal remedy, not as an adult beverage of choice. Slug a double-shot; if nothing else, it helps me sleep better when a viral hits me.
Okay, I have got to stop going out of town. It seems every time I finally have a moment to browse your blog, Wil, something sucky happens. Get well soon! I’ll speak with The Boss about you.
Hugs and Love to You and Yours,
Aylaleia – Goddess of Justice and Vengeance
Puh-leeeze! Do Anne and the kids (and the rest of us on a smaller scale) a big favor and don’t rush it. Relapses can be worse than the original go round. If you’re bored go get a glass of juice. By the time you get back to the couch, you’ll be ready for a nap. Take it easy and take care.
Not being able to read.
That is pain beyond the flesh.
Get well.
In time.
Remember.
Wil:
That’s great that things are getting better. But please take note of what I posted in a previous entry–I’m sure your doctor has emphasized this too. Even after you feel completely well, you have to layoff physical activity for several MORE weeks because of your enlarged spleen. You may feel great but you still run the risk of rupturing your spleen because it takes longer for your spleen to return to normal. We all want the Wil Wheaton we know and love to be around for a long, LONG time! TAKE IT EASY!!!!!!!
🙂
Get well soon, dude.
Scott
Wil:
That’s great that things are getting better. But please take note of what I posted in a previous entry–I’m sure your doctor has emphasized this too. Even after you feel completely well, you have to layoff physical activity for several MORE weeks because of your enlarged spleen. You may feel great but you still run the risk of rupturing your spleen because it takes longer for your spleen to return to normal. We all want the Wil Wheaton we know and love to be around for a long, LONG time! TAKE IT EASY!!!!!!!
🙂
Get well soon, dude.
Scott
Wil:
That’s great that things are getting better. But please take note of what I posted in a previous entry–I’m sure your doctor has emphasized this too. Even after you feel completely well, you have to layoff physical activity for several MORE weeks because of your enlarged spleen. You may feel great but you still run the risk of rupturing your spleen because it takes longer for your spleen to return to normal. We all want the Wil Wheaton we know and love to be around for a long, LONG time! TAKE IT EASY!!!!!!!
🙂
Get well soon, dude.
Scott