I don't get sick often, but when I do, it's nice and gross, as well as hard to shake. So I know what you're going through askye. Hope you're on the other end now.

Maria, all the ~ma that things go your way today.

Catching up ...

I also have permanent dents behind my ears from wearing glasses all the time from when I was seven or eight until a couple years ago, when I had the cataract surgery.

And did you know - hummingbirds can snore?

BTW, re: cataract surgery, I'm seeing people talking about scar tissue that needs to be lasered off a couple of months after surgery. Is this something others have seen?

Happened to me. The doctor called it an "internal cataract" and lasered it off. Serious bitch - it was uncomfortable and left me off-balance for the rest of the day, and my eye was super sensitive to light. I ended up using the shield I got after the surgery on the eye (hang onto those shields - they're wonderful) so I didn't have to lie down in a dark room for the rest of the day.

I also have an overpopulation of Dermodex Brevis - little critters living in the oil glands in my eyelids and blocking them. The cure is scrubbing my eye area (external) and eyebrows with a wash that contains tea tree oil. It's working, he says.

The cure is scrubbing my eye area (external) and eyebrows with a wash that contains tea tree oil.

Is that available commercially, or only by prescription?

An infection in the middle/inner ear blows chunks, because nothing gets back there, and you have to hope oral antibiotics and decongestants will work.)

askye, that reminds me - when I had pain from fluid behind my eardrums, the doctor told me to use Afrin nasal spray decongestant as well as the oral decongestants. It helped.

The wash with tea tree oil, I found in an old-fashioned pharmacy. I've also seen it in a local health food store; the doctor told me they carry it at Trader Joe's.

How long ago did you have the cataract surgery, Toddson, and did the scar tissue come back?

Surgery was ... two and a half? three and a half? ... years ago. The "internal cataract" did not come back - doctor said it wouldn't; he's good and he was right. But the procedure was rough on me ... seemingly, it's not supposed to be that bad but it was for me.

According to the doctor, fat cells just vanish under pressure.

::goes looking for full-body pressure suit::

Eyeglasses dents behind ears, check. I still have the dent on my shin from whacking it on the edge of the stair decades ago. Apparently insulted shins don't repad themselves.

Ow, Strix. Heal fast and well.

Fingers crossed and held for you, Maria.

Deep breaths, sj. Step out onto the porch, or front steps, or open a convenient window and breathe for a few seconds, minutes. It should clear your head and help deal with the cabin fever. At least it helps me when I feel that way.