Sick Leave Struggles and Missing Lāčplēsis Day Traditions

November 2023

I’ve been on sick leave since last Monday, and it’s been a rollercoaster. Just when I think I’m improving, the symptoms come back. It all started with an itchy throat, nose, and ear canals, like everything was irritated from the inside. Then, a stubborn cough joined in, along with this mucus that just won’t budge, leaving me coughing and struggling to catch my breath.

Tomorrow, I have a doctor’s appointment, and I’m really hoping they’ll take a close listen to what’s going on in my lungs. Fingers crossed for some real answers and relief!

Being sick right now feels especially tough because tonight is Lāčplēsis Day, and I’m missing the torchlight procession through the city to the Freedom Monument, where we light candles in remembrance of the soldiers who fought for Latvia’s independence in the War of Independence in 1919. I look forward to this tradition every year, and it’s hard not being able to join. I’m hoping to be back on my feet soon and make up for all I’m missing.

Ilze


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19 thoughts on “Sick Leave Struggles and Missing Lāčplēsis Day Traditions

  1. I had pneumonia in 1999 and it landed me in ICU for 4 days. I hope the doctor can figure out what’s going on and get you on the right meds so you turn the corner and feel much better soon.

    1. I’m so sorry to hear about your experience with pneumonia and being in the ICU. That must have been really tough. Thank you for your kind words and support—I really hope the doctor can figure things out too and get me the right treatment soon. Your encouragement means a lot!

    1. I really hope so! When I went to her office on Monday, she prescribed Vitamin D and some chewing gum for my throat, suggesting it might be related to my stomach. But now I’m starting to wonder if it could be pneumonia… I’m thinking maybe it’s time to find a new doctor. The problem is, there aren’t many options to choose from around here!

      1. I know you like to use medicinal medicine but from experience with this same types of illnesses a medication is needed to knock it out. Get to a new doctor fast, the more this lingers, the longer it last. Vitamin D and some chewing gum is not going to get you well. They may be good for you but their not going to kick the heavy illness you have.

        1. I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate your advice! I’m not a big fan of conventional medicine, so I’ve been incorporating natural remedies like yarrow and honey to help boost my immune system. But I agree, it might be time to get something stronger to really knock this out. Finding a good doctor around here isn’t easy, but I’ll look into it before it gets worse. Thank you for the push—it’s what I needed to hear!

    1. Thank you for the well wishes! Yes, Latvia has a complex history of occupations—most recently by the Soviet Union, but it was also under German, Swedish, and Polish rule at different times. And you’re right, Latvia was indeed part of the Hanseatic League, with Riga being an important trading hub. The Baltic region has always been a bit of a crossroads, shaped by various influences over the centuries!

      1. I knew about the Soviet occupation but nothing about any that might have come before. Thanks for the info. I’ll read your link and find out about your national day 🥰

  2. Wow, Ilze, I am sorry that you are missing this very important time for you and your country. I hope that you don’t have P-monia, not good. Please, get well soon!

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! It is hard to miss out on such an important time, and I really hope it’s not pneumonia either. I’m doing my best to recover quickly—your encouragement means a lot!

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