Claustrophobia & Loneliness, Art & Music

Hi, my blogging buddies, wherever you are, I am in Bangkok sitting in my room at my crappy (manners prohibit the use of the @S word.) hotel, called by taxi drivers and every Thai native, “The Loyal Liver Hotel.” It is listed as Royal River Hotel. There is nothing Royal about it. Awful describes it best but it is convenient for me as it is only 5 minutes from the Chamber hospital. That’s the ONLY plus, believe me. Worst breakfast in the universe with coffee scoring the same number of points: 62.

How am I doing, I suppose you are wondering. According to my fabulous assistant, Ruby, MUCH BETTER than when I arrived 3 weeks ago. I wish the recovery were going just a bit faster. “Patience,” the doctor says. I am working on that.

Today I experienced my first bout of claustrophobia. A new and incredibly unpleasant sensation. It is not something you ever want to have. The really nice and professional technician in charge of ministering the process suggested me doing a 2 hour session all at once, so I would not have to return to the hospital in the afternoon. Turned out not to be a good idea. Not at all. PANIC. Big time. I don’t know what triggered it, but I needed to GET OUT of that pressurized capsule. It took about 10 to 15 long minutes for the pressure to normalize. Oh, boy. I was fine, but surly I did not like it. Still, I pulled up my boot strings and went back this afternoon for a one-hour session and felt okay. This hyperbaric treatment, nor the acupuncture, is not for everyone. Having Fortitude is a must. This morning I began wondering if this treatment was for me? I left the second session this afternoon with an uplifted spirit. That was a first, too. Maybe it is working after all. I just have to believe the FDA does not approve snake oil remedies.

I have been asked, “What do you do or think about while inside the capsule?”

Art and music. I spend the time writing new songs and designing new works inside my head. I’ve also been working on a new/old children’s book that I’ve been planning for many years called “Louie The Hammerhead Shark.” I’ve had a theme song whirling around my head for years and I’ve been working more and more on the story line. I have been in touch with my friend and producer Tom Drummond (bass player extraordinaire for Better Than Ezra) about it too. We planted the seed for a children’s CD while making Signatures in 2012 and am looking forward to starting work on this project with him upon my imminent return to New Orleans.

I have about 12 chamber sessions left to go in order to complete 40 hours course the treatment demands. I can’t wait to get back home to my family and “fur” as we call our pets. I am lonely here. It’s the hardest part of this or any trip. Harder even than claustrophobia. Responses from you would be VERY welcome. I will try and answer every email. Is anybody reading my blog?? Hello out there in blog land!!!!

Good night from here. Good morning where ever you are. Signing off from the Loyal Liver Hotel for now.

XOXO JH