A Very Rough End to 2017

Welcome to the 466th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year to you! As I write this from the Sheraton Hotel in the Charles de Gaulle airport, it’s 5:00 AM here in Paris. Sounds glamorous–spending New Year’s Eve in Paris, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not as wonderful as it sounds since I’ve never left the airport. One of these days I’m going to see more of France than just its airport!

I had to miss my flight home yesterday because I’ve been very sick for the past 5-6 days. On the flight from Basel, Switzerland to Paris, I couldn’t breathe very well and felt like I was going to pass out at one point. After we landed, I was too afraid to get on the 8-9 hour flight home, imagining what it would be like to be out over the middle of the ocean and unable to breathe.

Remember this map I shared before I left for the Christmas Market Rhine Cruise through Germany? We started the tour in Amsterdam and I made it through Speyer. That’s when I became very sick. I never left the boat or saw anything afterward. 🙁

Christmas Markets Tour

 

This was my view for the next five days. I never left my room again until the end of the cruise. I know this will sound melodramatic, but for a few days, I honestly thought this would be the last thing I ever saw. I ran a 102 to 103.5 fever for several days, and over the space of 4-5 days, I ate almost nothing…a few bites of oatmeal, a little soup, a few bites of a sandwich.

The first 2-3 days, the pain was extreme…that’s when I thought I was going to die. One morning I awoke with my whole torso from the hips upward shaking, yet I wasn’t having chills at all. My whole body was just violently shaking. It went on for about 2 minutes–so scary!

 

A doctor was called on board and these were the medicines he prescribed. At first, they were going to send me out via an ambulance and I was all for it. At the last minute, they called a doctor onto the boat instead. Later I was told another person on the boat was taken off via ambulance and turned out to have pneumonia. When I get home, I think I’ll follow up with my doctor. I’m pretty sure I’m still running a fever–I awoke this morning feeling very hot. At least I’m no longer hurting, though.

 

When I couldn’t get on my long flight (Paris to Atlanta) yesterday due to breathing issues, I visited the Medical Center in Charles de Gaulle. Unfortunately, they don’t have an x-ray machine, so the doctor just listened to my chest and said she didn’t think I had pneumonia and felt it was okay for me to fly home

During the visit, I mentioned that at least I was no longer running a fever. She looked at me very oddly and told me I had a fever of 38. I had been running such a high fever for so long, I hadn’t realized I was still running one. The fever really doesn’t bother me now that the extreme body pain is gone.

 

I always buy the max travel insurance coverage that I can, so it should cover the medical expenses I’ve had, which haven’t been very high. The doctor I saw in the Medical Center at Charles de Gaulle wrote out a letter in French so I have no idea what it said, but based on that letter Delta kindly booked another flight for me at no charge. So I’m flying home today and I’m hoping I don’t have the same, “I can’t breathe” feeling I had on the Basel to Paris flight.

Happy New Year to you!  This hasn’t been the greatest start to 2018 for me, but I know it’s going to get better. And I’m going to kiss the ground and my bed as soon as I get home. I hope you had something or someone much more pleasant to kiss this evening when the clock struck the New Year. Happy 2018, dear Friends!

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Comments

  1. You poor thing, must have been terrifying. Does not sound like anything I have ever experienced so will be so curious to find out what this strange malady was. So happy you are on the mend. It would be awful not to see you on my list of emails received. I look forward to them. Get well and Happy New year!

  2. Oh so sorry ! Hope you will be on the road to recovery !

  3. Elizabeth Roderick says

    Believing this is all behind you. Have a safe trip home!

  4. Pam Copple says

    So sorry to hear you are sick. Take care of yourself and travel safely home. Happy New Year.

  5. Oh, Susan I’m so sorry it’s not pleasant being in another country and sick. I’ve been there but not as extreme as yours sound, wishing you a safe and quick flight home. Happy New Year!

  6. Sandy K Park says

    OOOOOOOOOOOOOh NOOOOOOOOOO. I’m so sorry that you’ve been so sick. Hope it’s not pneumonia and that you feel better soon. It’s bad enough being sick, but there’s just nothing worse than being sick on vacation. Been there, done that. Happy New Year and to feeling better soon.

  7. Oh no Susan!! What a nightmare! You must have been so disappointed, not to mention miserable. :(.

    Being sick while on vacation is the absolute WORST! I remember last year while in Singapore I was sick the ENTIRE time of nearly a month. I truly wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

    Take good care and rest as much as possible. You’ve earned it.

  8. So sorry to hear you are so sick. I know that was scary in a foreign land.
    Get well soon.

  9. So sorry to hear that you haven’t been well. Hoping that 2018 will be fantastic and that you feel 100% very soon.

  10. Elena MacDermant says

    I hope you feel better but you should go straight to the Emergency Room near your home when you land. Don’t go home first. Good luck and God bless you!

  11. My heart breaks for you! What you’ve been through sounds terrifying and I hope your doctor here will figure it out once you’re home. When you didn’t post many photos I just thought you were extremely busy and never imagined you were so ill! Take care and rest up once you’re home. Here’s hoping the old saying, “bad start, good finish” applies to 2018 for you.

  12. Oh, no! I am so sorry you ended up so ill on your trip. I hope the meds kick in fast and that you will feeling much better very quickly.

    Do you have someone to spend the night with you when you get home? I hope so.

    I will say a prayer that you have an uneventful flight and that they take extra good care of you.

    Happy New Year!

  13. Ruby McCowan says

    Good merciful heavens…how horrible! I do hope you feel much better for your flight today. You will be in my prayers tonight…I hope the rest of 2018 treats you wonderfully!

  14. I am a new subscriber to your blog. I’m amazed that you felt well enough to post. Please take good care of yourself on your journey home and let things go when you arrive until you are feeling better. Do what we say here in Hawai’i and “Hang loose”! Even though it is only 8pm Hawai’i standard time, New Years Eve is a big celebration on island and the fireworks always start early afternoon through the wee hours of the morning. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year in Hawai’ian). Mahalo (thank you) for sharing your amazing blog posts with us! You are awesome! Take good care. Saying and sending prayers and my Aloha to you across the oceans for health and a wonderful 2018!

  15. Sharyn Kimbrough says

    Susan, you are in my prayers. Please follow up with your doctor when you get home. I hope your new year will be better. Thank you so much for letting your readers know your condition so we can keep a prayer chain going until you are well.

  16. Wow! So scary to be that sick and on top of that, so far from home. I’m glad to hear you are feeling better but will be happier to hear you’ve made it safely home. Here’s to less eventful travels in 2018!

  17. Oh, Susan, that is so frightening! You may have a severe case of flu. I know you are worried about your flight home and you’re breathing. Maybe the stewardess can allow you to lower the oxygen mask if you are having trouble. I have mild asthma and I know the sheer panic of having difficulty breathing. I hope you have someone picking you up at the airport so you won’t have to drive home. It might be a good idea to just call someone to do so and pick your car up later. Or call a couple to pick you up so one can drive your car home. It sounds like you need a good extended rest now. I’m saying a prayer now for your trip home. Do take care.

    • Agreed. It sounds like a very bad case of the flu. I’ve had it a few times like that. Once my body ached so bad for an entire week and don’t even get me started on the fevers. Get checked out for the breathing because most times pneumonia starts with the flu.

  18. Sharon Bernstein says

    I am so sorry you got sick and were unable to see the sites. It must have been so scary to be so sick and to be on a ship in another country. Hope your trip over the Atlantic was uneventful and that you are safe at home. You are brave to travel alone.
    Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!
    Sharon

  19. Maureen Miller says

    This is terrible! So sorry for your extreme illness so far from home. Hope you feel better soon and get home safely.

  20. Oh, my dear, Susan. I pray that the Lord will heal you completely in spirit and in body. In Jesus’ most Holy name. Amen.

  21. Oh, Susan! I’m so sorry! What a cruel end to a lovely vacation. I’m so glad you are feeling a little better. Will be praying for travel mercies for you. God bless!

  22. L. Coleman says

    Oh Dear!! This is terrible. It must be and have been so frightening to get that sick while traveling abroad. I hope you have a swift and safe recovery.
    p.s. I enjoy your blog and always look forward to reading it.

  23. Regality (aka The Quing) says

    Oh, honey, I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s rotten to be sick on vacation, and even more rotten to be sick in a foreign country. I was actually getting a little worried, because we hadn’t heard from you for a while. And I’m sad to find out that I was worried with reason. Get very well very soon!

  24. Cecelia Weeks says

    So sorry to hear your trip was ruined. Wishing you a speedy recovery now that your home and blessings for 2018.

  25. Oh my goodness Susan – I am so sorry to hear of your illness – it sounds very scary. I can’t imagine how frightened you must have felt. I hope and pray you are feeling better and the flight home is uneventful ! Saying a prayer for you tonight….please keep us updated once you arrive home….xo

  26. JoyceBinAtlanta says

    So happy to hear you are coming home! Hope your trip is uneventful, and that you will feel 100% very soon. That experience must have been scary and unsettling. Sleeping again in your own bed should help. Try to jump into 2018 slowly. Wishing you the best and happiest New Year!

  27. Hope you feel better. There is nothing worse than being sick away from home.

  28. Susan, So sorry to hear you have been so ill on you dream trip. Make it home safely, and go see your Dr.! I wonder if you still didn’t have something lingering from your illness a couple of weeks ago? Feel better soon! You are an inspiration to many, and be sure that many of us who follow you are concerned! Get well soon!

  29. Susan!! So sorry to hear of your ordeal. I think you did the right thing by postponing your trip home, but I’m sure you’ll feel much better once you are in your own home and sleeping in your own bed! I can scarcely believe this happened to you. I was thinking you must have a bad internet connection – it’s so unusual for you to go so long without posting. I was actually hoping it was because you were having so much fun, you didn’t have time to stop and post. 🙁

    Anyway, feel better soon. And please do see your own doctor. 🙁 Rest up and let us know when you feel better. 🙁

  30. Joyce Fowler says

    Susan, so sorry you have become ill on your trip. Think your body has to have a fever to fight whatever infection you have. Will be saying prayers for the final leg of your journey home.

  31. Shirley Partlow says

    I am so sorry to hear that you are so ill and so far from home. We will be saying special prayers for you.
    Shirley

  32. Bonnie Gutierrez says

    Sorry you had to spend the last part of your trip being ill, but I know you will be relieved to get home! Surely it must be unnerving to be sick in an unfamiliar place and far away from home. Take care and do follow up with your physician.
    Happy New Year!

  33. Emily McLaughlin says

    I have read your blog for several years and always enjoy it! I am so sorry that your trip has ended like this for you. Will be praying for safe and comfortable flights for you tomorrow and a good recovery in your beautiful home!!

  34. I am so sorry to here that you are ill. I will pray that you make it home safely and get better very soon. It’s almost 2am here in Detroit, MI and I just can’t sleep. I read your post and thought that it must be very difficult to be sick and be alone while traveling. My New Years wish for you is a peaceful sleep tonight and an uneventful plane trip home.

  35. Susan, I am so sorry about your illness while traveling. I hope by now you’re home safely and feeling better, and can see a doctor asap. I wanted to mention that in an extreme health situation like you were facing overseas, you can call the US embassy for assistance. My son has worked in embassies around the world and helping Americans in distress is an important part of their mission.

    • That’s such helpful information, Mary. Thank you so much.

      And Susan, I’m glad to know that you are on the mend. Do see your Dr or a clinic asap. And take the meds with you. This is no time to be brave! (=

  36. Susan, I happened to get up coughing and out of habit checked my phone. I hate hearing of you being so sick, so far away and away from your doctor. Please let us know how you are doing once you get home. Prayers for you!

  37. Oh No!!! I am so sorry you are sick. Sounds like extreme flu because of the various body aches. What a way to spend five days looking at the drapery in your room. So scary to be sick in a foreign country on top of everything happening. Scary too that you are winging it on your own (not that you can’t take care of yourself). You’ll feel better when you are home. ((((hugs)))).

  38. Just noticed it’s 2018 in Georgia!

  39. So sorry you are having such a rough start. Hoping 2018 starts off much better at home! Home is always good when you are sick. Feel better soon!

  40. So sorry to hear about your illness. Praying that you will fully recovery, get home safely and have a healthy, joyful New year. Take care of yourself.

  41. Susan, we’ve never met, but I have become so fond of you just from following your posts and I really care about your welfare. Hope to hear that you are safely home soon and on the road to a speedy recovery from whatever awful thing attacked you. You’re in my prayers.

  42. Susan, I am so sorry to hear that you are sick again. When I first started reading , I thought you must have pneumonia from your symptoms. Please follow up with your doctor when you do get home. Praying for complete healing in your body.

  43. What a horrible experience. I , too, have had such an experience in Italy. We were there, in Bergamo, only one day when I became violently ill with a stomach issue. I laid in bed for 4 days looking out my window at the most beautiful city, but couldn’t leave my room. My husband wanted to take me to the hospital. I told him I just wanted to go home. We took the next flight home and I went straight to the hospital. I had anrism in my colon and was put on an IV right away. Needless to say, you don’t want to get sick overseas!! Hope you are doing well.

  44. So sorry you ended your trip and 2017 with this! Hope you get home and start feeling better soon.

  45. Please get to the ER ASAP for a chest X-ray. That is the only way to rule out pneumonia. I hope you made it home safely. Pray for you!

  46. Terry Beaudry says

    Oh Susan this is so horrible to hear, I know how much you were looking forward to this trip and there’s nothing worse than being away from home so sick! What ever you do once you land back home, don’t go to an Emergency Room! After retiring from a medical practice I can tell you first hand they’ll treat “incoming wounded” or suspected heart attacks before you’ll ever be seen! The unfortunate truth is you’ll sit forever in a waiting room for hours!
    Best advice, call ahead to your doctor (before returning home) and set up an urgent appointment with them as soon as you can. They know your health history and will know how to best treat you as soon as you land, also your MD can admit you to a hospital bed ASAP if needed.
    Get well soon my friend, we miss you!

  47. Get well soon. There’s no place like home………..

  48. So sorry to hear that you have been very sick. Prayers are with you as you travel home. That had to be so hard to be so far from home and by yourself. Will be waiting to hear that you are home and have your own doctor check you . Hate that your wonderful trip ended that way.

  49. Hi Susan from the UK. I am sorry to hear you were unwell during your cruise. Please to hear it isn’t pneumonia. Sometimes on the bigger ships passengers contact the Norovirus. Do they think you might have that? Go straight to your doctor or hospital when you get home with the letter from the French doctor. We have been on 2 river cruises and I larger ship cruise and always use the cleanser that is available everywhere on board.
    We are doing a similar river cruise this Summer from Cologne to Lucerne.

    Hope you feel better very soon with family and friends to look after you. Take care, Jackie in UK. x

  50. Susan, you are in my prayers and I hope you have a safe, uneventful trip home. Yes yes yes please see your doctor as soon as you get home and please have someone pick you up at the airport. Take care and I hope you are quickly on the mend.

  51. Dawne Marie says

    Oh my gosh Susan. M worried for you. I’ve had that shaking syndrome once after a colonoscopy. Ended up on ER. Diagnosis undetermined. I’m praying you feel better. Our health is all we have, the heck with the trip! Please update us when you can. Hugs and love to you.

  52. Marie in AZ says

    Oh my goodness! What a horrible, disappointing end to what you thought would be a wonderful adventure. Here’s hoping that you feel better and get back to normal quickly. I am very curious as to what this mysterious malady is and what caused it…let us know when you are up to it. Take care, and Happy New Year!

  53. Thea Reynolds says

    Sick, alone and in a foreign country. How awful for you. I hope you are home by now with someone caring for you.

  54. Oh no Susan! Being that sick is awful; traveling in a foreign country and being so sick is the worst. Safe travels home today and get better.
    Thinking of you and wishing you a healthier New Year!

  55. Terribly sorry to hear you got so sick. Thankful you will be home soon and prayers for your recovery.

  56. Looking forward to your next post, Susan, saying that you are safely home and under your regular doctor’s care. I’m so sad for you that this wonderful holiday trip turned out so differently than planned. Sending you best wishes for a return to good health and a better start to the new year!

  57. Oh my God, Susan. This is so frightening. I can’t imagine how you must’ve felt – alone – on that ship. Please keep us updated once you get home. So, so many people are sick, all across our country and, obviously, around the world. There’ve been some tragic local stories. I just hope your trip home is without issue for you or anyone else. Sounds like it’s going to be risky.

  58. Like another commenter said, I’d call ahead to my doctor and ask for appointment just as soon as possible. Also, maybe you can get a friend to pick you up at the airport, you will be miserable if you have to hang around waiting on luggage then getting to your car to drive home. I can’t imagine being in a foreign country so far from home and being so sick. After reading about your illness, I immediately stopped and said and prayer for your healing and safety. Please let us know when you have arrived home and hopefully on the road to better health.

  59. Oh goodness. To be that sick at home is bad, but while on a trip, you poor thing. Wishing you an uneventful trip home

  60. Andrea Nine says

    Praying for your healing, comfort and safety!!! BIG HUGS!!

  61. Kathleen Rich says

    Bless you and welcome home! Prayers for your recovery. There is no place like home, especially when one is ill. Looking forward to when you can send posts full of health, shopping sales and home tips! Happy New Year and take it one day at a time for your recovery. Kathy

  62. So very sorry you are starting the New Year this way. Wonder if the bug you had over Thanksgiving made your immune system so weak, you were just too susceptible to fight anything on the ship. Thank goodness you will be home soon and can be taken care of by your own doctor. Thoughts and prayers are with you – hope you feel better soon, my friend

  63. Susan, reading your story was just heartbreaking. Definitely, no question about it, go directly to a doctor or ER when u get home. Don’t take any chances with your health! I’m worried you’ll b tempted to just stay in your own bed. I hope you don’t!

  64. That is terrible news Susan! You need a “do-over”. There is a virus going around the Boston area that we are half-kiddingly referring to as “the plague”. I’ve been sick since December 10th – doctor can only treat the sinus infection that goes along with it. She told me it can last up to 6 weeks!!! The flu vaccine this year has been ineffective. Wishing you a speedier recovery – once you are back in your own bed you will get better faster 🙂

  65. Linda Diane Townsend says

    I am praying for you. You have lived through a nightmare.

  66. Grace White says

    Praying for a better trip home and hopefully return quickly to great health. Love your blog!

  67. So sorry to hear that you were ill while traveling. It is frightening in normal circumstances let alone while in strange places….
    I do wish you feel better and have a very Happy and Helathy new Year!! Thanks so much for hosting!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

  68. I suspected there was a problem since I have been stalking 🙂 your instagram and thought you had gone too many days without a photo. Hope you get home safe and sound and we get to find out more details. There are lessons to be learned for all of us. I hope you will continue to travel and share your adventures. Get well.

    M.

  69. Oh, Susan, I’m so sorry you have been feeling so awful! Safe travels home and do make an appointment with your doctor when you get home. Praying the new year is a healthy one for you!!

  70. Mary Davis says

    Susan, so sorry to hear about your illness. Sounds like flu and possible pneumonia. I have asthma and it is so scary when you have difficulty breathing. I have travelled to Europe several times and never been sick ( thank you Lord). I can’t imagine how scary that would be. Hope you are on the mend soon and I would call ahead to my personal doctor for an urgent appt. Wait times in the ER are usually long. I so enjoy your blog and look forward to all your posts. So sorry your trip had to end this way.

  71. Deborah L. McDonough says

    Oh, Susan, I am so sorry to hear this! I wondered yesterday why I hadn’t seen posts from the cruise and this explains it. I hate that you were so sick so far from home. That’s the worst! I hope as I write this that you are now home, snug in your own bed and on the mend. Please take the time to pamper yourself and get lots of rest. All the best to you in the new year!!

  72. I agree with all who advise seeing your doctor as soon as you get home (once a nurse, always a nurse; advice even when not asked for!). Pleurisy often manifests your symptoms and it wouldn’t be unusual since you had what sounded like a viral or bacterial episode several weeks go. Always significant when an adult runs a high fever. Take care and get rest.

  73. Oh no Susan! So very sorry to read this. I feel like you are a friend after reading your blog so long. Since you were so sick around Thanksgiving, I would make sure this isn’t related to that illness.
    Prayers for you to feel better soon and recover your health. How very frightening. So sorry your trip wasn’t what you expected or deserved.

  74. Girl. Our whole family came down with flu on Xmas eve. Very similar to what happened to you. I have never been so sick – can’t imagine how miserable you are. Best of luck getting home.

  75. donna a zoltanski says

    I have been missing your posts and hoping you were having a good time. Being sick and far away must have been the worst. I hope today is a better day and you have a safe trip back home with no issues. Please take care of yourself and know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Feel better soon.

  76. Susan, I am so sorry! To be so far from home and sick is the horrendous! Praying that you feel much better and do see your doctor!

  77. Sending thoughts and prayers your way for safe travels Susan.♥ Being sick around the holidays is bad enough but in a foreign country must have been terrifying.

  78. I can’t believe what happened on your trip! That’s awful!!! Glad you were able to make it home. I’m that was very scary plus very sad to miss out on such a neat trip. Best wishes for a happy healthy 2018!!

  79. Maryann Marshall says

    Hope you are feeling better, will say a prayer for you

  80. Susan, I’m glad that you are headed home for rest and recovery but I’m so sorry you got sick. What a terrible way to start the New Year but let’s hope they get you diagnosed and feeling better soon. Take care and may the New Year bring you new adventures and days filled with happiness.

  81. Susan we will all be waiting to hear that you are back home and on the road to recovery. You are always on the go, take time to recover and relax in your wonderful home. God Speed!

  82. Terrifying! And you were so looking forward to your trip…I will be praying you arrive safely in Atlanta and can be see a Dr. right away, I am so sorry your holiday turned out this way…

  83. Susan, praying for your safe trip home and complete recovery. You must have been terrified, and I am so sorry you had to go throughout this. Onwards and upwards to a great 2018 for you with very best wishes.

  84. Sending love and prayers.

  85. Mary Boger says

    Follow up with your own doctor!! Feel better soon.

  86. Linda Diane Townsend says

    Please see a pulmonologist besides having an x-ray, if for no better reason than to eliminate certain issues. As small as you are, maybe you should carry protein powder with you so it can be mixed for you to drink when you can’t eat. In ICU’s they give patients Boost but I am sure you don’t want to carry bottles of that with you. You must get nourishment and fluid one way or the other. I am praying that you find out what brought on such an awful reaction of shaking and not being able to breathe.

  87. Susan, Like your other blog follower-friends I feel so badly for you. I have been severely ill on a vacation and not only are you physically falling apart it becomes very frightening in not knowing what to do. At home we can make a plan to go to the dr. or urgent care center, go to the ER . Since you are such an organized person I suspect you always have a plan and a backup plan. This illness was not part of the plan and that contributes to the misery. Please be sensible when you arrive home and don’t put off getting medical attention because you are feeling better. Try to find out what is going on. I hope that you have an easy trip home.

  88. Oh sweet Susan! I’m so sorry you’ve been so sick. How awful to be so ill so far from home — that compounds the problems and increases your longing for your own bed! Wish I could send you chicken soup and hugs and warm blankets. I will pray that you get home safely and get medical attention soon. Godspeed.

  89. Oh Susan, I can’t imagine traveling alone to another country, and then being so sick with no family around. I feel so bad for you! That must have been so scary. Hope you recover quickly, and are blessed with new year full of God’s blessings!

  90. Oh dear — so sorry to hear you’ve been so sick — even worse when you’re so far from home in a foreign country. Praying for a safe return home and a speedy recovery. God bless you!

  91. I am so sorry to hear that you were so extremely ill during your trip. I will be praying for your return of good health soon. I hope your home surroundings can be a great comfort for you as you quickly get better. Wishing you better days ahead in the New Year.

  92. I’m so sorry this happened to you – it must have been terrifying as well as painful. I hope and pray your flight home is uneventful, and you recover quickly. God bless and keep you.

  93. Cindy in NC says

    I knew something was wrong because your trip post just stopped. That had to be scary. Praying your trip home was uneventful and you are safe in your bed by now.

  94. Susan I am so sorry to hear of this terrible ending to your trip and 2017. Seriously I kept saying “oh no” as I read your post. I know this will be the last thing your thinking but please let us know when you arrive home. Will be worried about you until I read that. Sending you positive vibes for a speedy recovery and safe trip home.

  95. How terrible to be sick away from home and especially out of the country! I am glad that you are on the way home or are at home at this point. I wish you good health and hopefully this is the worse incident for 2018 so things will only get better. God bless you.

  96. Oh, you poor thing. No fun getting sick while travelling. It sounds more like the flu to me. I have had pneumonia twice and there was no body aches with that. No appetite, fever and lots of coughing with pneumonia. I hope you feel much better soon!

  97. I hope you are on the mend …terrible to be sick when away and not in your own bed…

  98. Oh my, Susan, my heart goes out to you. I came down with something on the 22nd and had 101 degrees fever. I felt ROUGH. I can’t even imagine what you have been through. Can’t even! But then you are a real trooper and I am a total wuss. LOL!

    We will all be praying that brighter (and better breathing) days are ahead for you. Please take good care and REST. Many, many good thoughts coming your way from your friends here.

  99. Sweet dear Susan who makes me always smile and gives me so much pleasure through your blog: this illness came upon you under most unfortunate circumstances to be sure. You must have a very strong constitution basically to have done well enough to board your plane.
    Will shake heaven to continue to bless you on your journey home and
    pray you will have someone meet you at the Atlanta airport and your
    doctor be alerted to see you ASAP….and get diagnosed properly and
    treated correctly. AND….hang up those traveling shoes for a while.
    WE NEED YOU to get well and keep posting!

  100. How scary for you. prayers sent your way and wishing you a safe journey home.

  101. Oh my, that is awful! I am so very sorry that you are that sick! Praying that you will recover quickly once you are home. I know you will be relieved once you are back home and have seen your doctor. The flu is really bad here in Tennessee….God bless you Susan.

  102. Susan,
    Bless your sweet heart, how terrifying this ordeal must have been for you. Being sick and at home is one thing but being so sick on foreign soil must have been scary indeed. I am praying for safe returns for you as you travel home. By all means follow up with your doctor soon to find out what is going on. You are in my prayers!!

  103. I am so sorry that you are sick. I love reading your blog everyday. Have a safe and easy trip home.

  104. You will be in my thoughts and prayers until I hear you’ve had a safe return.

  105. What a terrible experience for you. There is nothing worse than being sick away from home. It looked like it was an amazing trip and I am so sorry that you missed a good bit of it. I hope that now that you are on your way home, you will recover quickly. I would definitely contact your own doctor asap to check you out. Hopefully, you’ve bee pre-disastered for the New Year!

  106. Ugh! What a bummer. And a rotten way to ring in the New Year, to say nothing of how scary it must have been. Take very good care! I’m sure you’ll be delighted to tuck into your own bed and close this chapter. As one reader said, you need a do-over on the trip. But not until you’re right back to exuberant health.
    Happy New Year, and here’s hoping 2018 is filled with joy, prosperity and good health for you.

  107. There were no posts so I knew something was wrong! So sorry for you to be sick while traveling- sounds horrible. Glad they got a doc for you! Keep recovering and we are including you in our thoughts!

  108. Well, it’s no fun being sick at home let alone in a different country. Take care and I hope your up to your ole self soon.

  109. Snowflake281 says

    You need to be your best advocate when it comes to your health Susan. When speaking to your physician don’t forget to mention your illness right before Christmas. It makes me wonder if what you’re experiencing now is tied in with that, and perhaps you really weren’t 100% cured yet and may be dealing with some sort of relapse, especially since you were probably pushing yourself with all the holiday and vacation preparations. Travel mercies to you and just do whatever you need to do to get you safely home sweet home!

  110. When we are sick, truly there is no place like home. I’ve been sick in Maui and all I wanted to do was go home to my own bed. Here in Colorado, there has been the Norovirus running rampant, with hundreds hospitalized and another flu as well that last around 7-8 days. It sounds like you have Noro, from what you said and I’ve had it and it was horrid!!!! Praying you get home and recover soon.

  111. How frightening to become ill while traveling alone in a foreign country. Praying you will have a smooth, uneventful flight home and recover in a timely fashion once back in your own bed.

  112. What an awful experience! I hope you are safely home and have been able to get medical attention. Sending positive thoughts to you for a quick recovery.

  113. How awful to be sick not only at Christmas/New Year’s but also in a foreign country where you definitely had other plans. Hope you feel better soon. Thank you so much for hosting MM despite your illness and circumstances!

  114. Oh, Bless your heart!! How awful to experience this in another country all alone! I’m praying you are home safely and can see your doctor soon and get a diagnosis. Please keep us updated as soon as you feel up to it!

    Love and prayers,

    Katherine

  115. Susan, I am so sad that your lovely Christmas cruise was spoiled by your getting so sick! Your symptoms sound very much like pleurisy, which is scary & serious. I am so sorry that you are facing that long flight(I don’t agree that you should be flying without an X-ray). I am praying that you get thorough treatment & are resting in your comfy, cozy plaid bed very soon!

  116. Crikey Susan. What a misery all around. Trust you are home and in your own bed. When you feel better I’ll wish you Happy New Year.

  117. Goodness, I hope you are home, safe and feeling better soon. Antibiotics might take a couple of days to really get the fight going against the bad bugs. My dh and I are sitting here in our front room with the bug going around So Cal so I feel your pain on starting off the new year in a rough way. Best wishes for good health in the year once you are over this.

  118. What a shame to be so ill abroad.

    If you wish to have the French doctor’s letter translated, please do not hesitate to send me a scan or even a photo. I am a native French speaker and I’ll be happy to help you.
    Take care,
    Daniele

  119. Linda Palmer says

    I am so sorry to hear that you were sick on your trip. I’m sure I would have panicked if I had been alone in a foreign land when it happened. Do you know yet what was wrong? Glad you’re safely back home in your own bed.

  120. I was wondering what was going on when I didn’t see any more pictures on Instagram after the first few you posted. How dreadful that you are so ill. I am praying you have a comfortable flight home and feel better soon. Do you think the flu you had over Thanksgiving had something to do with what’s happening now? Hugs to you dear friend and let us know as soon as you can how you are doing. Vikki in VA

  121. Boy that’s the nightmare scenario for a vacation! So sorry you became ill. It sounds like pneumonia to me- I had it once and it was way down low in the lower lobe area. Breathing is for sure an issue. Even if you’re feeling a bit better please get checked up on when your home as an x-ray is the best way to confirm it. (The high fever is what sparks my belief about your illness- but I had a terrible cough). I had to be on two courses of antibiotics to clear mine plus they gave me a shot of penicillin to kick start my recovery. Looking forward to knowibg you’re home safely.

  122. Hope you have a safe trip home and dont catch anything else as you travel in crowded conditions! Please get a good checkup when you get home. There are lots of strange bugs out there, and i am so sorry your trip was affected.

  123. Susan I am so sorry that you got sick! Sending prayers for healing your way. God bless!

  124. How horrible! Get to your internist and hopefully they will run tests. Sounds like a horrible flu but there can be so many other things. I got sick on a 3 day cruise many years ago. The confined quarters make it rough to avoid germs. What a disappointment for you. Get rest. Try some hot herbal tea with lemon, honey and a dash of some organic vinegar with the mother but ck first that it won’t react with your meds. Maybe a friend can bring some lovely hot chicken noodle soup. For goodness sake, take it easy!

  125. Wanda Bradey says

    Susan, so sorry to hear about your being sick. I pray for total recovery! I know you will be glad to get home and in your own bed. 2018 is going to be your best year yet!

  126. Bunny Rogers says

    I immediately thought of legionnaire’s disease. I hope whatever it is you recover soon and completely. I’ve been extremely ill while traveling internationally and I know it is very scary. May the rest of your new year be full of happiness and good health.

  127. Oh Susan, I was eagerly watching for your posts and was wondering why I wasn’t getting them. Now I know why! What a bummer! I am sure you were scared and feeling all alone. I would have been terrified. So glad you are probably home by now and snuggled in bed. Take care!

  128. Susan, I am so sorry you were so sick and are still feeling so ill. It’s terrible to be that sick, but sick in a foreign country is the worst and terribly scary, I’m sure. I hope that you get home quickly and the flight is without incident. Nothing is good when you can’t breathe. Keep us posted and best to you in 2018.

  129. Susan, I certainly hope your flight home goes well and that you will be feeling better once you are home and in your own bed. All the very best for the New Year.

  130. Jane Franks says

    Susan! I’m so terribly sorry for all you have been going through. And know you are disappointed you missed seeing southern Germany, France and Switzerland. Do you get any refund or coupons for another trip? I will certainly be praying for your trip home and also a followup with your doctor soon. As you say, 2018 has to get better!! I wish I could have been with you. I know just enough French to have read the letter and decipher it for you! Do take care of yourself. Jane xo

  131. Marlene Stephenson says

    I wondered why we hadn’t heard from you, now i know why, i pray you get better and they find out what it was. I certainly will keep you in my prayers.

  132. Oh my goodness Susan!!!…There is nothing like being away from home and getting sick and very sick in your case. I pray that you are feeling OK on your flight home and the Dr’s here can get to the bottom of what is wrong. I am so sorry that this happened to you. I look forward to hearing about your progress….Safe travels and prayers for a very speedy recovery!!!

  133. Linda S. in NE says

    I will add my shock and disappointment for you that your trip is ending this way. Please take care, and know that you are in my thoughts. I can’t even imagine what you have been through.

  134. Oh how terrible for you!! I feel awful, so sorry this happened to you…….please see your own doctor and find out what the heck this illness was!!! Get snuggled down in your own bed and sleep away the rest of this nonsense!!

    Like many others, I also wondered why there were no new posts from you….now I know. You poor thing……

    This is NOT an indication of how the New Year will go for you…….it will be wonderful and you will be Blessed!!! xoxoxo

  135. It will be so good to be in your own home, your own bed, and with your family. Please take care, Susan, and I hope you will be feeling much better very soon.

  136. Dear Susan, so sorry you have been sick! It sounds like you have handled it very well. And now you are on your way home. Hope the trip is an easy and uneventful one. Prayers are being said for you!

  137. I am happy to hear you are better. I always enjoy your posts!! Take care

  138. Becky Sloan says

    Oh Susan, as I read your post I had tears well up from being so upset that you had to endure such sickness in a strange place and alone. As the above posts stated, please see your physician to follow up. I’m sure you will improve in time and maybe it was a strange virus that invaded your body. But, we all care about you and want you to investigate this sickness to totally overcome it. Praying for you and looking forward to all your posts in 2018!

  139. Bernadette M Gibson says

    So sorrry to hear this. You were so looking forward to this trip. I am glad that you did see a doctor. However, please be sure to see your own physician whe n you get home. I have gotten sick in a foreign country and so have many of my friends. It’s a nightmare. As much as we complain about US health care, I still thin it is the best in the world. When I was at the Cleveland Clinic for my open heart surgery, there were people from all over the world there. There was one very rich Arab that had the entire top floor closed only for him. The nurses would keep us updated on what would be happening upstairs. People come to the USA for medical treatment, not to Russia, Africa, etc… I hope you have someone near by to help you get through this. Take care of yourself.

  140. Oh Susan, I’m so sorry you got so sick on your trip! Do they think it was the flu??? I sure hope you do follow up with your own doctor once you are home and I am thankful they let you book another flight free of charge with the doctors note. Take good care of yourself and wishing you a speedy recovery once home!! There’s no place like home when you are sick. Hugs, Brenda

  141. Ann E. Friend Seigman says

    Oh Susan, my heart truly breaks for you! Your Dream Vacation has really been a Nightmare!!! How horrible to be out of the country, ill, away from your own doctor and your own bed! I was a little concerned when there was nothing on Instagram for such a long time. But then I thought, you deserve to enjoy your holiday and not be worried about keeping us here up on your journey. We can relive your trip with you when you return. God Bless you, you are so ill!

    This is Ann from Ohio. I had a virus around Thanksgiving time when you were ill and it took so long to recover. Well, I got really sick on the 20th of December and I am still recovering. Although I am not as sick as you are, I have been to the Urgent Care office twice. They did a chest x-ray and it is bronchitis, but I could swear that it feels like pneumonia! Besides antibiotics and steroids, they also prescribed an inhaler. I am better, but not well yet!

    Get to an Emergency Room and, if they don’t admit you, get to bed! I hope that there is someone who can look in on you and care for you when you get home!

    Your Blog-family is rooting for you and sending many prayers for your quick recovery! We truly care. God Bless you in this New Year, Ann

  142. Cynthia Carmichael says

    So sorry to hear of your health scare on your trip. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery, health and happiness in 2018.

  143. Cyndy Cook says

    Good grief, Susan, praying for you to get better and get home soon! I hate the thought of you stuck over there all alone, but it sounds like you’re making sure they take care of you!

  144. It is evident you are well loved and that many prayers are going up for you. I add mine to those and hope for a speedy recovery and a calm and healthy 2018 for you. Be kind to yourself and rest and sleep. Sleep that “Sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care.” Take care, sweet Susan.

  145. Beverly Anderson says

    Your symptoms were “textbook” influenza symptoms (I’m an RN). I’m glad you escaped getting a secondary pneumonia on top of it (since influenza is viral, that’s why the Azythromycin Rx had no effect on the course of your illness, but was a good precautionary call on the part of the doctor to prescribe it). On my soapbox: Get your annual flu shot every year, whether or not it may or may not end up being a good “match” for the year’s circulating flu strains. It could save your life. Feel Better SOON!!!

  146. Susan, I sad to read your fairytale trip had such a difficult ending. I can’t imagine being so sick and living on a boat in a foreign country. I think they should have transported you to a hospital. Sounds like pneumonia to me, and that’s not something to ignore. I hope the flight home is relatively comfortable and that you get some medical attention as soon as you land in Atlanta. All the best for better beginnings in 2018.

  147. Dear Susan,
    I am so sorry you missed out on your trip.
    I guess the lord had different plans for you.
    For me, these crosses always come at Christmas. If we offer them to Him for souls,
    You might say we are blessed with the opportunities to give him these “gifts “.

  148. Maggie Amis says

    Oh Dear Lord…. well, there is nothing else to say – except – FEEL BETTER… and – absolutely follow up with your own doc when you get home…. heartbreaking to hear this is how the trip finished up for you…

  149. OMGoodness, Susan, this sounds VERY scary!!! I hope you are home and can see a Dr. and find out what is wrong! I will be praying for you for sure. Take care!!!!

  150. You poor thing! I hope you’re home safe and sound and seeing your regular doctor. Give us an update soon!

  151. Sweet Susan,
    Sending hugs, well wishes, and prayers for your speedy and complete recovery. I’m so sorry your trip ended like that. Blessings to you for 2018.
    Debra

  152. Susan, I hope you are home safely and warmly snuggled in your bed! I have shared with my hubby about your adventures, and said I want to be like you! I am so sorry the disappointment you must have felt on not being able to enjoy the wonderful trip you planned. Hope your follow up with your doctor will give you good news on your recovery. Please let us all know how you are!!

  153. Oh gosh, Susan, that sounds terrifying! Sorry you’ve been so ill and missed so much of your trip. Praying for your health and flight home.

  154. So sorry about your illness. Just getting home will make you feel better. I
    broke my leg on vacation at the beginning of Dec and needed surgery in Florida. They were very nice but I just wanted to get home.

  155. Dearest Susan, so sorry to read of your awful vacation. If you are looking for the silver lining, it has to be in all the prayers and good wishes that your cyber friends are sending your way

  156. diane in northern wis says

    So so sorry to hear of your illness Susan. I have enjoyed following your blog so much and wishing myself in your footsteps on your travels. I pray you will be feeling much better soon. How awful to get sick so far away from home. At least you were able to get some meds to help you. Your illness sounds awful. Praying for your swift recovery. So sorry to hear.

  157. Dear Susan,

    How horrible for you . Next time stay close by go to NYC for the week, not the other side of the globe . There is so much to see here in the USA !
    Arleen

  158. Barbara Edwards Armacost says

    I sooo hope you are home by now and in your favorite jammies in front of a warm fire. Sorry to hear that you were sick on your trip. It’s never good to be sick away from home. Stay well.

  159. So sorry to hear about how sick you were on this trip. Nothing worse than to be that far away and feel so terrible. Hope you are home, have seen your doctor for an all clear, and get well quickly.

  160. Deborah Touhey says

    Susan, I do hope you are feeling better shortly. It’s horrible to feel so very sick when you are in your own home, but to be on vacation and other languages involved (and the metric system!) must truly be scary. I hope you are in better spirits and cozy in your bed soon.

  161. Virginia Susan says

    Oh my goodness! I’ve been checking this blog and Instagram for posts about your trip and now I know why there haven’t been any. I’m so sorry. Go to bed and please don’t post while you recover! We want you to get better and we’ll catch up with you later. And that’s an order! xxoo

  162. Ludwig Kathy says

    We will be such grateful readers to know that you are back home and recovered well and I hope this doesn’t scare you away from traveling. I love reading about your trips.

  163. HOLIE MOLIE, Susan!!! I hope, now that I just read this, that you are HOME and snug in YOUR VERY OWN BED!!! It’s still too raw to say….”some day you will laugh about this….” Good night!! The BEST TO YOU AND YOURS IN 2018!! xxx franki

  164. Traci Major says

    Susan, as all the other followers here have said so well, please do take good care of yourself and put off what you need to. I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult illness and pray you’ll soon be well.

  165. Oh, Susan! I am so very sorry that your trip ended in such a miserable way. I am glad you are home and are some better. Sending up prayers for a complete recovery.

  166. Betty Legge says

    As others have expressed, I am so very sorry that you have been so ill. These outpourings will let you know that you are cared about, even though most of us don’t know you personally. Do let us know how you’re progressing with your recovery!!!

  167. Prayers for your safe return. May the New Year bring you good health and many blessings.

  168. Wow…how horrible what you’ve been through.
    My husband, Christmas Day was driven to the local hospital…
    by myself…and spent 3 days there with this similar sickness you’ve
    experienced.
    I’m so feeling for you…and hope as I’m writing these words you are on a plane back to your beautiful home.
    Please keep us all posted as to how you are.
    Saying prayers.
    Take care.
    Amy

  169. So sorry sweet lady and so scary for you too! I hope you’re on the mend by now and I’m praying you feel better soon!

  170. Get better!! So sorry to read this…hopefully by now, you are on your way to feeling good.

  171. I was hoping to see a post from you this morning and I’m anxious to know how you are feeling. BNOP was the first blog I ever started reading several years ago so I feel like I know you. I am so sorry you had to go through being so sick while traveling. I know you love travel and love your independence but I really think it would be much better if you could develop a travel companion. Being as sick as you were, it’s hard to made decisions for yourself & a companion could help. I really think you should have been transported to a hospital instead of the ship bringing a doctor in. Worried about you and hoping you are doing better and if you aren’t home that you will be soon.

  172. Dear Susan, I am so sorry to learn that you fell ill on your vacation and hopefully you are now home. Also, as others have suggested please consider to seek additional medical treatment as my concern for you at this point and time is ‘dehydration’ (due to lack of food in your system for so many days, the high fevers that you were experiencing and your long journey by air transportation). Sending get well wishes for a speedy recovery your way. Warmest hugs -Brenda-

  173. Jules Belanger says

    Bless your heart. We are praying for you. I know you were glad to get home! Do you think this cruise line would consider reimbursing you or allow you to rebook this trip since you were so sick? We love your travel posts and pictures. Blessings always.

  174. Holy COW!!! Beyond TERRIFYING!!! I have severe asthma so I know just how awful fighting for air can feel. I am glad you chose to stay on the ground. I hate that your trip was ruined…this sounds like a terrible strain of the flu. My prayers for your safe trip home and healing! May God bless and keep you…..Happy New Year!!!

  175. Oh, Susan, I just read this post and want to add my thoughts and prayers to the many who have responded to this latest blog entry. Please get well. Don’t worry about working and posting anything. Just rest and recuperate. We’re all pulling for you, and I hope you can “feel the love”…

  176. Sue Griffith says

    I hope you are home by now, see a doctor and plenty of bed rest is the best medicine. I have soup in my freezer if you need me to drop it by. Get well soon!

  177. Susan: I am so sorry that you became ill during such a promising adventure!! I hope and pray that you are on the mend. Hopefully your regular doctor can quickly properly diagnose you. I always here about how cruise ships carry a lot of illness simply because so many people are together in one place. It makes sense for larger cruise ships but your cruise sounded like it may have been a smaller ship? I don’t know but I would be careful traveling with so many people in tighter quarters! Here is to your speedy recovery and safe trip home!! I am sure you can salvage some good memories from this adventure even if the last part wasn’t so great.

  178. I am so sorry to hear that! I saw the name of the post and I was worried. How awful for you and hopefully you are mending and your 2018 gets off to a better start now.

  179. Hi Susan:

    Thank goodness for trip insurance, at least the worry about astronomical bills do not loom over your head. I know that’s what saved us several years ago. I know how scary it can be to be ill in another country. Not fun. Take care of yourself, rest and get well.

  180. Doug Denny says

    If thoughts and prayers could get you better from what I see in these posts you would be running home you would feel so good. It’s great seeing all these posts wishing you well. Susan I will add mine too. Our entire house has had the crud since before Christmas and we keep giving it back to each other. Please know that we are also sending our thoughts and prayers to you for a speedy recovery. Here’s hoping that 2018 is a much better year. We will be keeping tabs on you. I would offer to make soup, but Washington,DC is a little far from you. Regards, Doug Denny

  181. Regality (aka The Quing) says

    I wish Susan had a friend who could post an update for us.

  182. Oh I am so sad to hear about this but relieved you are home and on the mend. Prayers for a quick and full recovery.

  183. Oh, Susan….so very sorry to hear of your illness…and so far from home. Sounds like you handled it like a trooper…but I can imagine how frightened you must have been. GET WELL SOON…and may the New Year hold much happiness, peace, and HEALTH for you ! God bless !

  184. Bummer. I’m sure your room was a safer place to be in Paris, on NYE, or anytime. Get well. We learned about “medical care” in France, when Diana died. I’ll just stay home and look at pictures.

  185. FRANCES TROY says

    Reading this days late but OMG. How awful – everybody’s worst vacation nightmare. Hope you are better now. See your regular doctor and take care of yourself.

  186. Be will Susan. I developed pneumonia on a 4 week long trip to Greece. Not fun taking medicine when you can’t read the labels and getting crated without a lead vest to protect noninvolved organs. Somehow I dragged myself from city to city until it was time to fly home. There was no way I was going to the hospital until I got home. So sorry this happened on your trip. Don’t let it keep you from future travel.

  187. You live an exciting life!!! Nothing like being sick in Paris. My experience wasn’t as bad as yours when I got sick in Paris. I did keep thinking, Here I am in Paris and sick. Whah. May you get well and stay well.
    God bless,
    d

  188. I read your posts daily. Did I miss the one with an update on your health? What a horrible experience you had, I’m so very sorry. I was sick in Malaysia once and ever since then I always travel with antibiotics and an arsenal of medications “just in case”, even a thermometer! Nothing worse than trying to find the right medication in a foreign country where you can’t communicate. Hope you found out what you contracted and that you are back to full strength. God Bless

  189. You are right about a rough start to 2018! I am so sorry to hear about your experience. My daughter lived in Wiesbaden (right next to Mainz) while her husband was serving in the Army and we loved the Christmas markets when we came for a visit. I hope you can at least enjoy the memories before your illness took over the trip. Paris isn’t going anywhere either! Take care of yourself.

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