I was on a flight from Vancouver, something felt off for me…my muscles were achy and sore, my nose was runny, my throat hurt, the air felt dry and I was sweating and cold all at once. It was difficult, the plane took off and I found myself reaching for nausea medications I had stashed in my carry-on. I felt dizzy…was I motion sick on a plane? It had been a really long day, yes travelling with a near two year old was a lot for someone who does not have children to take. Yes, I was tired. I got home and immediately went to bed and slept for fourteen hours. I was hit with COVID 19. The pandemic was supposed to be over. I called in sick to work, I woke up and slept another 12 hours, a fever had taken over my body. Chills and sweats kept coming and going and I finally decided I had to go into work. I worked the day and I was feeling great up until 3:30 my ear suddenly was plugged this is what happened last time…I got an ear infection. I had the drops at home from the last time I was sick. I quickly dealt with my dog and I put the ear drops in and waited for the magic to happen, but things went south. The room was spinning, turning. I shut my eyes…nope. I ran to the bathroom and I started to vomit hard. Not once, not twice but four times in the span of an hour. I looked at wait times in emergency they were all around five or more hours and since the Canadian healthcare is so great you need to times it by two so I’d be in emergency for 12 hours before I saw someone. That option was out, plus I could not physically stand up. Call the help line, okay two hours I’d be able to have a virtual visit. Okay, I can do it I thought as I dragged my body back to bed. I crawled under the covers shivering from being on the bathroom floor. They gave me prescriptions and my husband was able to pick them up. Rushing to my side he gave everything immediately and I went to sleep.
I woke up the next day, and my ear was in pain, and I heard a ringing. I looked up and my husband's lips were moving but nothing was coming out. Was he speaking to me. I lifted my head and the words made sense now, it was because my other ear was lifted off my pillow. I had lost my hearing in my left ear. I snapped my fingers next to it, yup I can hear the snapping but only from my right ear. I dragged my tired and off balance body to the bathroom, and I tried brushing my teeth but it felt like someone was in my mouth drilling a hole in my teeth. My balance was off, it felt like I should be able to walk in a straight line easily, but why can't I. I paced a few times back and forth in my hallway trying to walk in a straight line, but I could not do it. I felt like my muscle memory of walking was failing. I finally booked an appointment with my family doctor, she checked my ears and yes, my eardrum had punctured. It explained why my ear was leaking liquid at night and why it still hurt and why I could not hear. She gave me a sick note for a week, even though I was convinced it was not that bad, but she gave a good look in my ear and said "no way, you are not going to work" and that was end of the discussion. As the days went on I started to hear more and more, but people still had to speak up while speaking to me. It was strange we went out on Friday and the music in the bar was loud, yet quiet at the same time. It's a hard to describe feeling almost like the vibrations of the music was too much, but the music itself was only half there. Now, luckily my hearing is mostly back, but I need to avoid listening to my air pods for some time and that's where I really struggle because I use them all the time to call people. I had no idea that our ears could recover from having an eardrum burst. Glad to know that my hearing will come back completely. The human body is amazing in that it can repair itself, for things we never though possible.
About the Creator
Ada Zuba
Hi everyone! here to write and when I’m not writing, I’m either looking for Wi-Fi or avoiding real-world responsibilities. Follow along for a mix of sarcasm, random observations, and whatever nonsense comes to mind. "We're all mad here"
Make-up is a Scam
Make-up can make someone average feel beautiful, make-up can change the way we look and the way we feel about ourselves. This post may seem hypocritical because I use make-up on special occasions and sometimes to work. I have used make-up on my wedding and even had fake eyelashes and the whole nine yards. However, I think we can also recognize that make-up is no friend to our skin. Think about the chemicals that are in that bottle of foundation:
By Ada ZubaExclusive • about a year ago
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts6 days ago in Longevity
Mapped: Global Inflation by Country in 2025
As the world enters 2025, inflation remains a pressing concern, reshaping economies, influencing policymaking, and affecting the daily lives of millions. From soaring grocery bills to rising energy costs, global inflation continues to be a topic of intense scrutiny. Mapping inflation by country provides a revealing snapshot of the economic health of nations and highlights the uneven impact of monetary and fiscal policies worldwide. A Patchwork of Inflation Rates Inflation is far from uniform. While some countries are experiencing moderate price increases, others face alarming surges that threaten economic stability. According to recent global data, the highest inflation rates in 2025 are concentrated in countries grappling with political instability, currency devaluation, or supply chain disruptions. For instance, several emerging markets in Africa and South America report inflation exceeding 50%, reflecting deep structural challenges. Conversely, advanced economies like the United States, the Eurozone, and Japan have managed to keep inflation relatively contained, typically within the 2–4% range. Central banks in these regions continue to employ monetary tools, such as interest rate adjustments and quantitative easing measures, to balance growth with price stability. Yet even here, consumers notice subtle shifts in daily costs—from housing to transport—demonstrating that even moderate inflation has tangible effects. Drivers of Global Inflation in 2025 Several key factors have driven inflation patterns this year. One major contributor is energy prices. The global energy market has been volatile, with oil, gas, and renewable energy infrastructure costs impacting both production and household expenses. Countries heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly in Asia and Europe, have felt these effects acutely. Supply chain disruptions also play a role. While pandemic-related bottlenecks have eased compared to recent years, geopolitical tensions—such as conflicts in Eastern Europe and trade disputes in Asia—continue to create uncertainty. Industries from electronics to food production face challenges in sourcing materials, which in turn drives up prices for consumers. Currency fluctuations are another significant factor. Countries experiencing rapid depreciation of their national currencies see imported goods become more expensive, fueling domestic inflation. Venezuela and Zimbabwe remain extreme examples, where currency crises exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis. Regional Patterns and Surprises Mapping global inflation reveals intriguing regional trends. Latin America continues to experience high inflation, with countries like Argentina and Brazil witnessing double-digit increases due to fiscal deficits and volatile currencies. In contrast, neighboring Chile and Peru maintain relatively stable prices, reflecting stronger monetary frameworks and proactive policy responses. In Africa, inflation hotspots such as Nigeria and Sudan reflect both political instability and rising food costs, while South Africa and Kenya maintain moderate inflation thanks to more effective economic management. Asia presents a mixed picture: India and China have seen manageable inflation, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka confront higher rates due to energy and currency pressures. Europe largely benefits from coordinated policy responses through the European Central Bank and other regional mechanisms, though Eastern European nations face elevated costs due to energy dependence and geopolitical risks. North America remains relatively stable, but the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to weigh inflation control against potential economic slowdown. Implications for Policy and Consumers Global inflation data has profound implications for policymakers. Central banks must balance the need to curb inflation without triggering a recession, often requiring a careful mix of interest rate adjustments, monetary tightening, and stimulus measures. Fiscal policies, including taxation and government spending, also play a crucial role in influencing price levels. For consumers, inflation impacts purchasing power, savings, and lifestyle choices. High inflation erodes income, making essentials like food, housing, and healthcare less affordable. Countries with persistent inflation may also experience social unrest as citizens react to declining living standards. The Path Ahead The 2025 global inflation map underscores the importance of understanding both macroeconomic trends and local contexts. While advanced economies leverage sophisticated monetary tools, developing nations remain vulnerable to external shocks and internal inefficiencies. Economists argue that long-term solutions require structural reforms, improved governance, and diversified economies to withstand price pressures. As the year progresses, monitoring inflation by country provides valuable insight into global economic health. While challenges remain, data-driven strategies offer hope for stabilizing prices and ensuring that economies can grow without imposing unbearable burdens on citizens. In a world of interconnected markets, no nation is immune from the ripple effects of global inflation. By mapping these trends, policymakers, investors, and consumers gain a clearer understanding of where the risks lie—and how to respond to them effectively.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 5 days ago in Longevity
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