63 Comments

oh you poor thing. I am so so sorry. On the plus side, you are a comedy writer, give it a year to let the pain fade and it can go in your next book. I am sure the Drs mentioned this, you probably need to be on yogurt, kefir, kombucha etc to get good bacteria colonies going again. And hey, you can get more stories out of trying to make your own kefir and kombucha. Just be sure to daily burp your second ferment kombucha unless you really like making a fizzy mess in the kitchen. then again, good story, LOL

Expand full comment

Apparently the policy on all of your body parts expired at the same time.

Clearly, you should have not ignored those calls about an extended warranty!

Thanks for the Monday morning giggle, and ewwww. Feel better soon.

Expand full comment
Oct 3, 2022Liked by James Breakwell

I can barely stop laughing, if that’s any consolation …

Expand full comment
Oct 3, 2022Liked by James Breakwell

You have obviously offended some antagonistic deity. 😈

Get better soon, hopefully. You have my complete sympathy.

Expand full comment
Oct 3, 2022Liked by James Breakwell

Your acknowledgment of your humanity is heart-warming. Sorry for your travails but glad you’re back on track to being well. Take care, Dear One. 💜

Expand full comment

OH man. That makes my butt hurt... FROM LAUGHING! HAHAHA

Only one thing MAYBE worse than handing over your poop....

I worked in reproductive genetics. When couples couldn't get pregnant, both had to be tested. We had a "special room" for the men. Lots of "visual aids" to help collect his "sample." Yeah, everyone KNOWS what's going on behind that closed door!!

OR bringing his "sample" to the front desk from home. That's always fun.

And yeah. Don't freak about recognizing you. APPARENTLY, I tried to sell my books to the dental assistant who was helping with my tooth implant and I was totally out of it No memory.

I had two nurses show up at book signing because apparently I invited them while I was having surgery and in the recovery room.

Man - we gotta sell those books to make the rent! LOL

Expand full comment

That’s awful, but you’re the only person I know who can make awful funny! Just know that medical shame gets us all at some point. My recollection of asking someone to close the door while I’m being checked during labor still haunts me. Bless those people walking the hall at the wrong time….

Expand full comment
Oct 3, 2022Liked by James Breakwell

I am sorry for your pain, please feel better soon.

Expand full comment
Oct 3, 2022Liked by James Breakwell

I need to send you some brown paper lunch sacks!

Expand full comment

John/James, please get yourself established with a primary care physician before something else untoward happens! Seriously…😬

Expand full comment

Holy shi........ Never mind.

Expand full comment

My goodness James! You are definitely having a rough year without the help of your four daughters and wife! You are definitely needing some sage, holy water and maybe an exorcism? Also you need to change your last name, you definitely do not “break well”… prayers and blessings

Expand full comment

This cracked me up 😆 I'm a nurse as well. I can assure you, there's very little you can do that will shock or disgust us. We're a tough breed. I enjoy the very real side of parenting that you show in your writing and jokes. Hope you feel better soon! C. Diff is no fun.

Expand full comment

As someone who has struggled with a chronic illness for 25+ years, I have given all sorts of samples, endured all sorts of soul crushing humilations and almost died from sepsis. And I also gave birth spread eagle in front of nurses (strangers) who thought I was being too loud and slammed my hospital room door in frustration when I paid them no attention. I was too busy mooing and moaning my way to motherhood thank you very much. I had a metal spear through my chest so they could install a hickman IV hooked to a beeping heart monitor only to have the beeping stop (my heart) for a second when they inserted the tube. I'm lying there listening anxiously during the longest second of my life while a nurse barked something to the doctor in a panic. Thankfully the beeping returned. I've never had C Diff even though I had to take them for 20 years. Be sure to take a very good quality probiotic supplement from the health food store and dont eat sugar (including fruit) while taking them. Your c diff was likely from the hospital as its a rampant infection there. Get this.. it's because hand sanitizer doesnt kill it, only hand washing does and staff weren't washing their hands between patients. PS I mailed my poo to a lab once. I thought of so many hilarious scenarios that could occur. It was mailed to California I think and I realized that my poo is going on a vacation without me.

Expand full comment

C-diff is horrific! I had it after multiple rounds of antibiotics trying to cure a bout of diverticulitis., which is another circle of hell. I completely commiserate. Do start a probiotic, & take it faithfully!

Expand full comment

Oh my gosh....I've been so busy I hadn't been able to read this until this morning! This has GOT to be your top story EVER. I can't stop laughing. At the same time, I'm thinking, "You poor guy!" I'm so sorry you're sick. I hope this round of meds kicks it!!

Expand full comment