A Quick Update On My Health…

A Quick Update On My Health…

141

I’m pretty open about my life on the blog, perhaps to a fault. I consider y’all to be my friends, at least those of you who want to be. 😉 I share a lot of details on the blog, sometimes to my own detriment. But hey, that’s a cost of doing business on the internet!

Of course the blog is exponentially larger than it was when I launched it over seven years ago, which also means there’s more of a peanut gallery than there was back then.

But I still sort of take the same approach to the blog that I took seven years ago — I write it as if no one is reading, and to a large extent I think that what others think of me is none of my business. I tend to think that if you’re good with your own decisions in life, then that’s what matters most.

With that in mind, last week I shared the story of my 6+ hour visit to a German emergency room. I had terrible abdominal pains for two weeks, though didn’t make much of it. I’m usually someone who is both terrified of hospitals and not very sensitive to pain. But after having pain for that long I posted on Facebook, and the unanimous response was to go see a doctor right away.

Hospital-1

So I went to a German emergency room, since at that point the pain was really bad, and it seemed like the only option at that hour.

Two days later my mom and I made the decision to fly back to the US so I could see my doctor and try to get to the bottom of this.

In retrospect I sort of regret posting about the whole situation. I get a lot of negative comments, and most of them don’t get under my skin, because I think they reflect on the people leaving them more than they reflect on me. But some of the comments/messages I got really did hurt me, and I even deleted a few of them (just because there were far too many stereotypes in there which hurt others as well).

But more importantly I got so many messages from people expressing concern and trying to be genuinely helpful. And that I appreciate more than anything. With that in mind, I figured I’d provide a quick update, not for the peanut gallery, but rather for those who were genuinely concerned. 😉

I saw my doctor last week, and everything checked out fine. My heart. My blood tests. Everything. He was perplexed.

He couldn’t really narrow it down too much, since none of the symptoms matched up to anything he was familiar with. He found it odd that the pain returned at the same time every day, and that it was unrelated to eating (on some of those days I ate lunch, on some I didn’t). So then I got an ultrasound, on which I’m still waiting for the results (though OMG that was incredibly awkward… me being ticklish certainly didn’t help).

So what he actually pegged as the top candidate is some sort of stress related thing. Which is odd. Because I “work” a lot of hours, but I don’t really consider what I do to be stressful — rather it’s an obsessive hobby.

But the more I thought about it, the more sense it potentially made. I was traveling with my parents and trying to spend as much time with them as possible, while also working at least eight hours a day, while also being jetlagged, etc.

It did sort of make me realize that I eventually need to change my current lifestyle. I’ve found a place to settle down when the time comes (more on that later). It’s not the living in hotels part as such that’s the problem, but rather the drastic weekly time changes which lead to huge sleep deprivation, especially since I’m sort of passionate about being up during US east coast business hours (which doesn’t end well in Asia!).

I certainly still haven’t drawn any conclusions, though since Sunday I’ve been completely pain-free. I feel normal again. I’ll certainly await the ultrasound reports, and if I feel any pain again I’ll go right back to my doctor.

Health

But I did want to post a sincere thanks for all the concern and feedback you guys have provided — it means a lot.

At the end of the day your health is your most important asset (not your credit score, as another miles & points blog likes to say), and I’m going to be focused more on that, regardless of the outcome of my recent scare.

Conversations (141)
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  1. Savannah Guest

    Relieved to hear you are OK.

    Thank you for writing this blog and sharing your lifestyle with us.

    Savannah

  2. luca Guest

    Got late on this but I am happy to see it was just a temporary problem and it is all back on track again. We need our guru :-)

  3. Uri Guest

    Happy to hear you're doing well Ben!

  4. Malc Guest

    Yeah, you gotta look after yourself. At the end of the day, that's your first priority.

    Glad you're feeling better now.

  5. MaxC Guest

    I've followed your blog for many years now. Learned so much, some of my best trips including the one my family is on right now in HK, are as a result due to what I learned here... So Thank You. Glad you are feeling better, there's only one of you, so take care of yourself!!

  6. alastairdeacon Guest

    Adding my voice to everyone else's that I'm so glad you are feeling better!

    The idea that it's stress related sounds plausible to me. I had a stress related incident in Dallas --ambulance called, full nine yards. And although I hadn't felt stressed before it was pretty obvious my body was reacting. And the suggestion was to ditch any caffeine drinks--even decaf and also alcohol. The last was hard, but I gave it up...

    Adding my voice to everyone else's that I'm so glad you are feeling better!

    The idea that it's stress related sounds plausible to me. I had a stress related incident in Dallas --ambulance called, full nine yards. And although I hadn't felt stressed before it was pretty obvious my body was reacting. And the suggestion was to ditch any caffeine drinks--even decaf and also alcohol. The last was hard, but I gave it up for 6 months and now severely limit myself. Have not had an attack since.

    You've been living pretty hard the last few years and maybe this is just your body saying "enough, slow it down". Health is the one thing we really can't replace. All sorts of respect for you, Ben. Hope you take care of yourself.

    As for the hateful comments....some people have such pathetic lives and they want to hurt those who are fulfilling their promise. I, for one, would very much appreciate it if you would consistently delete hateful comments that add nothing to the dialogue. None of us here, for the right reasons, need to read that stuff. It poisons.

    Thanks for everything you do. Now...go take a nap!

  7. vespa Guest

    So glad to hear that you are feeling better Ben!

  8. JulianAUS Guest

    Hey Ben,
    Firstly just want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog - you have a great sense of fun that shows through in your articles, which to me is what travel is ultimately about!
    Also, glad to hear you have got some insight on your medical issue. Have you tried mindfulness meditation? http://www.49.com.au/wp-content/uploads/The-health-benefits-of-meditation-and-being-mindful_v21-2.pdf

    It is one of the best things you can do on a plane (before taking a shower...

    Hey Ben,
    Firstly just want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog - you have a great sense of fun that shows through in your articles, which to me is what travel is ultimately about!
    Also, glad to hear you have got some insight on your medical issue. Have you tried mindfulness meditation? http://www.49.com.au/wp-content/uploads/The-health-benefits-of-meditation-and-being-mindful_v21-2.pdf

    It is one of the best things you can do on a plane (before taking a shower in EK F of course!)
    Hope this helps!
    Julian

  9. NerdbirdSD Guest

    Glad to hear that it's nothing majorly serious. I'm not too surprised that you think it is stress related. Being frequent travelers I think we all look forward to those few days where we don't have to be on an airplane or stay at a hotel. There's nothing quite like your own bed at the end of the day. Take care and give yourself a staycation!

  10. Jason New Member

    Lucky,

    I am surprised to see this post since I missed your original post. I am glad to hear the good news and that you are feeling better. I was hoping that I would see you on the inaugural Hello Kitty flight from Houston to Taipei, but you needed the time to rest. I try to read your posts as much as I can...when I do, I really enjoy them as they are entertaining and...

    Lucky,

    I am surprised to see this post since I missed your original post. I am glad to hear the good news and that you are feeling better. I was hoping that I would see you on the inaugural Hello Kitty flight from Houston to Taipei, but you needed the time to rest. I try to read your posts as much as I can...when I do, I really enjoy them as they are entertaining and informative (and share many of the sentiments). You have a gift with words. Take it easy in your travels and be well, as I would like to continue reading your posts for a long time to come (as I am sure many others do as well).

    Take care,
    Jason

  11. Justin Hurley Guest

    Thanks for all you do. Don't listen to the whiners and trollers.

  12. Ken Guest

    Glad things look Ok for you. Stress can cause all kinds of problems that are tricky to nail down. I think that since you're feeling fine and also in the US that it may be good to limit your overseas trips, at least for a little bit.

  13. Mick Guest

    Hey Ben.... didn't see your original post about your being sick, so this came as a shock.
    I haven't seen the negative comments (and I don't intend to look), but why would anybody with a life be so crass? Criticise your opinions, sure (I do at times :-) ), but to make negative comments about someone's health?
    I guess it's those people who have issues, not you.
    Long story short: I send...

    Hey Ben.... didn't see your original post about your being sick, so this came as a shock.
    I haven't seen the negative comments (and I don't intend to look), but why would anybody with a life be so crass? Criticise your opinions, sure (I do at times :-) ), but to make negative comments about someone's health?
    I guess it's those people who have issues, not you.
    Long story short: I send you my best wishes, and hope that everything gets back to normal sooner rather than later.
    Stay healthy!

  14. Adrian Guest

    Thanks for the update Ben!
    I am glad that nothing serious has occurred.

    Take care,
    Adrian

  15. BHill Guest

    You are a special guy. And as you can see from the many posts from your readers, the big majority care about you. You have probably been working too much. It must be tremendous pressure, that increases stress (whether your realize or not), that you still publish so many posts every day. Health is what matters most. Take good care of yourself.

  16. lucky OMAAT

    Thanks so much for all the kind words, guys -- can't even begin to say how much it means!

  17. Flyinryan New Member

    Health more important than credit score? I knew you would go soft on us eventually.

  18. dirk Guest

    "At the end of the day your health is your most important asset "

    This was the most important sentence and everybody should reflect in all circumstances on that. Good recovery and all the best Ben

    Dirk (an unregular reader)

  19. SSNS Guest

    Good to hear that everything is OK.

  20. Jeff Guest

    Hope you get better soon! I love your blog and think you write very interesting and fun things! Don't give it up! And good luck with your move. You have way more fans than haters--they are just jealous anyway!

  21. Eric FD Guest

    like everyone else, wanted you wish you best of health. miles is fun - but its not worth it in the end without your health buddy. cheers, Eric FD.

  22. Terry Anserello Guest

    Hang in there Ben! Prayers going out to you. Thanks for making a big difference in my life and the lives of others (very much to the positive!). Haters are truly going to hate. Try not to dwell on them, other than to hope that whatever is wrong in their life is resolved, so they won't feel the need to be hurtful to any other.

  23. Andreas Guest

    I usually never comment but your story sounds so familiar to me that I want to drop a few lines here for you (and everyone else in a similar situation):
    A few years ago a had a pretty strong Tinnitus. Went to different doctors and no one / no medication could really help. At the end it was related to the same thing (maybe) your pain is: Stress! Though at the time I felt...

    I usually never comment but your story sounds so familiar to me that I want to drop a few lines here for you (and everyone else in a similar situation):
    A few years ago a had a pretty strong Tinnitus. Went to different doctors and no one / no medication could really help. At the end it was related to the same thing (maybe) your pain is: Stress! Though at the time I felt not stressed at all - busy, 1000 things I had to think of, yes. But I always felt ok, relaxed. What I learned is that your body reacts to stress even though you yourself don't 'feel' stressed at all.
    I changed my lifestyle a bit and watched over some simple things (more sleep in particular) - and the Tinnitus was getting way better! Now every time it comes back I instantly try to slow down, get more sleep, plan fewer trips etc. whenever possible.

    Maybe its the same with you, even though you don't really feel like it. If the doctors don't find anything, try to slow down for a while. My guess is that especially constant time zone shifts and lack of sleep are the things you should avoid. Try to stay more at one place, preferrably at the time zone you want to be (GMT-8, +-1 hour in your case I guess) and get enough sleep every day. Healthy food and some sport activities won't hurt either.

    No matter how, I hope you get better soon!

  24. Ivan Member

    Your lifestyle is horrible, even worse than mine(sleep 6 hrs a day, during 0200 and 0800)

    But, hope you get better sooner and your blog already became one part of my life. Every reader of OMAAT are concerned about your health.

  25. Audrey Yu Guest

    Ben, so glad you're feeling better! People who don't like what you write or don't like you should not be here in the first place! Take care! Hugs!

  26. Ryan Guest

    I learned a lot from your blog. Just want to say thank you and hope you will get better soon.

  27. Rick Guest

    Take care of yourself!! Hope you get better soon!

  28. dmodemd Guest

    I had a similar issue when traveling a few weeks ago. It turns out that the shift in time zones, not eating at consistent times, sleeping at consistent times, Coke, Advil, and big breakfast buffets all contributed to stomach issues. I was given an endoscopy and discovered some defects that make me more susceptible. You may want to have a deeper look done, it was easy.

  29. Lisa Guest

    Lucky, thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear you're better and glad you updated those of us who care about your health.

  30. Love Guest

    So much love here! Explains why you post.
    Did the doctor suggest that it might be psychosomatic or Munchausens?

  31. Marija Member

    It is excellent news that the big scare is gone for now. I would just caution to use the opportunity to realy listen to your body and evaluate what is best for YOU.

    I still hope you will continue blogging, as this is something that very select few can do well. Especially in contemporary Internet climate of one-sided vile comments. You take a lot in a stride, deflect even more with light humor - and...

    It is excellent news that the big scare is gone for now. I would just caution to use the opportunity to realy listen to your body and evaluate what is best for YOU.

    I still hope you will continue blogging, as this is something that very select few can do well. Especially in contemporary Internet climate of one-sided vile comments. You take a lot in a stride, deflect even more with light humor - and I can't even read some of them without getting very upset. I can't evem imagine how you are able to deal with it all. Did you ever consider that dealing every day with so much negativity might be one (even tiny) portion of problem? Can moderation of comments be outsourced?

  32. Johnny Jet New Member

    Lucky,

    Glad you are on the mend! Sounds like you need to take it easy which is what I've been doing after my health scares. Feel better

  33. Jack Guest

    When they can't find the problem, they always say STRESS.

  34. Sally Guest

    Have really enjoyed reading your blog. Hope you feel better!!!!

  35. Rob New Member

    Glad you're feeling better Lucky! You've become like a friend, although we've never met and of course friends are happy when their friends are healthy and well. Great news!

  36. Lala Guest

    So glad you are feeling better, Ben. Please take care of yourself. We adore you and your blog and want to keep reading your posts for years to come. For the haters...just shake it off. They're small, sad people.

  37. Imperator Diamond

    I started reading OMAAT a couple of years ago when I was laid up with a busted leg--I am the definition of oaf and oafs & skiing the Chilean Andes do not mix.

    Anyway, I, too, am an aviation geek. Like our dear Ben, I LOVE the whole subject of commercial air travel. And I love Ben's and Nick's and Tiffany's takes on premium air travel.

    I only fly for work and I only...

    I started reading OMAAT a couple of years ago when I was laid up with a busted leg--I am the definition of oaf and oafs & skiing the Chilean Andes do not mix.

    Anyway, I, too, am an aviation geek. Like our dear Ben, I LOVE the whole subject of commercial air travel. And I love Ben's and Nick's and Tiffany's takes on premium air travel.

    I only fly for work and I only rack-up about half the miles Ben does in a year. Nonetheless, I am physically worn out and my relationships with those I love have suffered greatly.

    Ben, I love your blog but perhaps it is time for you to settle down and take the blog into a new direction. You're obviously a very loving person and I strangely find myself sincerely hoping that you meet a nice guy, create a nice home with him and drastically cut back on your travel.

  38. MildHigh Guest

    Glad you're feeling better!

  39. Michael Guest

    Get well quickly Ben. I love love love your blog and the day would not be same without reading you.

  40. Carla Guest

    Glad your better I enjoy your blog!

    Don't you think it's funny that people who want to hate take the time to read your blog! Get a life! Misery loves company and opinions are like.... Well you know the sayings.

    If I don't like a blog I don't waste my time reading it! Why would anyone do that!

  41. Ariel New Member

    So what were the hurtful comments about... Don't all comments on this blog "await moderation" anyway?

  42. Danny Guest

    Lucky/Ben/Herr Schlappig,

    I don't normally comment, but I've read you for a while and wanted to post some encouragement. Please don't let any negative voices in the comments get you down - you're a very solid blogger who's enjoyable to read, and there's a lot of us who appreciate reading you. Hope everything works out, and stay well.

  43. Benny Guest

    Glad you're feeling better!

  44. JustSaying Guest

    Lucky with all due respect to your GP doc you need to ask for a GI referral as you have an ulcer inflamed by hard living and alcohol. Trust me I'm a Doctor and I stayed at Holiday Inn Express last night. And no matter what don't let them pry that bottle of Krug from your grasp. Don't be bashful you want a REFERRAL!

  45. Gil Member

    Ignore the naysayers, life's too short for negativity. So glad you're feeling better.

  46. Anita New Member

    So very glad you are feeling much better, Ben. Moving forward I hope the only negatives you will receive relate to tests results and you will continue to progress back to perfect positively good health. Please keep your fans updated!

  47. TheBeerHunter Member

    I am glad you are home and feeling better. Hope it ends up being nothing.

  48. JoeMart Guest

    Glad to read your MD ruled out any concerning diagnoses. GI problems take time to be diagnosed properly.

    Regarding hurtful comments, one cannot assume every commenter has mental health. Their actions are symptoms of their disease. Hurtful is what one friend waiting for a kidney transplant is going through right now. Her significant other took all her money while she is being prepped for surgery.

  49. Cindy B New Member

    So glad you are feeling better!

  50. JMR Member

    Hey!
    Thats great to her- your feeling better!
    Just a side note, you didnt happen to notice flu symptoms? Sometimes you get a cold or flu, and you get really bad pains. Not likely as your pains returned every day, as these are usually one off pains, which only last till one almighty FART... lol

    Hope you stay better!
    Best wishes,
    Jonathan

  51. Brian Guest

    Insecure people put others down to raise themselves up; and it doesn't work.

    I'm glad you're feeling better.

  52. Jo Guest

    Do you use Splenda or Sucralose, or drink things that contain it? Just a thought...

  53. eliteflyer Guest

    take care of yourself. Hope you're well.

  54. Marshall Jackson Guest

    Glad to hear you're feeling better! Not that you need any advice from me - but from a guy who is 45 that used to be 25 and fly about as much as you do now.....taking a week or 2 off can do a weary traveler good. Not a sermon, just a thought.

  55. jerri Guest

    happy to hear you are feeling better.

  56. Mochi Guest

    I'm so glad to hear that you are better! Please take care of yourself, and slow down if you have to!

  57. Annie Guest

    Bellies do funny things. Glad you're feeling better. And sorry about the negative peeps. Best to ignore them.

  58. R B Guest

    Fee better, Ben.
    Health comes first, take it easy.

  59. Alison New Member

    Glad you are feeling better! I was worried for you. Thank you for letting us all know and ignore those who made negative comments!

  60. steven k Member

    Lucky,
    great to hear you are ok.
    don't make us wait too long to hear about your lifetime SPG platinum status.

  61. Taryn Guest

    Feel better soon and ignore the haters. I also have had stomach pains and went through the whole ultra sound thing, only to finally admit 3 months later that it really was stress. It helped a lot to reduce my intake of acidic foods and of course, to destress. I had no idea how bad the stress was impacting me. I hope that's all it is, and that you feel better soon. People really do care.

  62. OceanBreezes Guest

    Thanks for the update! Glad you have some direction on things you can do...it is so frustrating to have a health problem when there is no "confirmed" diagnosis...but, knowing nothing serious is wrong is a relief.

  63. John Member

    Glad to hear it's nothing serious. Now, I can't wait to read where you've decided to settle down.

  64. Starfighter56 Guest

    Love reading your newsletter and you seem to be genuinly nice guy.
    Please keep writing and hope all is well.
    Hate to hear about negative comments from people reading what you take time and effort to write.
    Keep well and travel safely!

  65. Helen S New Member

    Listen to your body. If it's telling you to relax, then it's best to do so. It's easy to be so busy that you don't focus on your own needs. Then your body will start screaming. Hopefully that's all it is and that you'll build in some relax time. Being with friends and family can be both healing and stressful, and at the same time.

  66. Bangkokiscool Guest

    Listen to those older than you. I firmly believe that unless you are crew, there is a finite number of trips you will enjoy in your life. You will get to the point where no amount of first class will interest you and that will spell the end of this career for you. So PACE YOURSELF

  67. Sandy New Member

    Lucky, so glad you're okay!!!

  68. Prinny Guest

    I'm glad you're feeling at least somewhat better and hope you have a helpful diagnosis soon, if the no-time-zone-changes R&R doesn't help. I also hope this is something that doesn't curtail the parts of your travel that you enjoy. Fie on the people who decided to come in and be such monumental a-holes that you had to delete their comments, because from what I've seen you're willing to tolerate a fair amount of what most...

    I'm glad you're feeling at least somewhat better and hope you have a helpful diagnosis soon, if the no-time-zone-changes R&R doesn't help. I also hope this is something that doesn't curtail the parts of your travel that you enjoy. Fie on the people who decided to come in and be such monumental a-holes that you had to delete their comments, because from what I've seen you're willing to tolerate a fair amount of what most people would consider to be abusive conduct.

  69. Allison New Member

    Thank you for the update. My family and I have been concerned and are glad you are feeling better.

  70. Kate Member

    Glad you deleted those hateful comments, but so sorry you received them. Hope you continue to feel well!

  71. Maureen Guest

    Ben,

    Hope your health continues to improve & the ultrasound does not reveal any major issues. If it is stress related, take the necessary steps to make your life a bit easier. Getting negative & hurtful emails probably didn't help either! Just as people can be mean, petty & downright nasty, they can be kind, caring & loving too; hope going forward for you, the latter group increases & the former, diminishes.

  72. Rand Member

    been wondering if you're ok and glad to hear it's nothing serious but stress can be difficult and very insidious. Love your blog take care of yourself

  73. Yanfei Guest

    Based on personal experience of similar symptoms, I'd recommend you and your doctor to closely monitor your uric acid level, because it could be kidney stones. Wish you good health!

  74. Suzanne Guest

    Really glad you're feeling better, Ben, and I hope that the pains are gone for good. I didn't post last time but was quite concerned, so I appreciate the update, even though telling us all about your health does deprive you of some privacy. But I couldn't believe some of the comments people made about your post. What an unpleasant bunch of trolls! I couldn't keep reading. And now I learn that was after you...

    Really glad you're feeling better, Ben, and I hope that the pains are gone for good. I didn't post last time but was quite concerned, so I appreciate the update, even though telling us all about your health does deprive you of some privacy. But I couldn't believe some of the comments people made about your post. What an unpleasant bunch of trolls! I couldn't keep reading. And now I learn that was after you deleted a number of comments. I think some people are just scum and you shouldn't let them add to your stress.

  75. Tim Guest

    Ben, good to hear your feeling better!

  76. Nancy Guest

    So glad to hear that it's nothing too serious but stress can literally kill you so do whatever you can to keep it in check. (Exercise, yoga, meditation, etc.) Your health is priceless, & I I don't even want to begin to ponder how I would start my day should your blog posts stop, so please take care of yourself.

  77. Mavis Guest

    Those people posting nasty comments are disgraceful. Why do they bother following a blog if only to be vile and hurtful? This has been a nasty scare, I hope you feel better soon! Thanks for the cool and informative posts, keep it up (well, with plenty of rest in between!).

  78. Ty Guest

    So glad to hear that and hope things continue to go well.

  79. Cristiano Guest

    So glad you are okay. Now take some time to take care of yourself and recover.

    Cristiano

  80. eric mueller Guest

    Hey Ben-- glad to hear you're doing okay and making some proactive, positive "lifestyle" changes (hee hee). Stay well. xo E

  81. Kenny New Member

    Great to hear that everything is ok. At some point we all get a similar wake-up call, and it's also good to hear that you are not ignoring it.

    Immense gratitude for all the info that you share, and willingness to answer questions, no matter how basic. OMAAT is definitely on the short list of my favorite resources and a daily read.

    Also it's refreshing to read that you write as if no one is reading...in fact I think I do the same thing! :)

  82. Fran Guest

    Ben,

    1. Glad to hear you're feeling better.
    2. What you do is awesome.
    3. Haters? Well, going through life with so such a negative attitude must be awful, specially for the people around them.

  83. star Guest

    glad everything seems to be ok so far - hope everything is normal and thank you for being open and honest with your readers. :) take care of yourself first and foremost!!

  84. PM Gold

    Glad to hear you're feeling better! Take care Lucky! You've done a lot for your readers and changed lives so no one should begrudge a little time to rest and recover.

  85. Noah Sprenger Member

    Ben, I'm really sorry you had to see those comments...

    Anyway, I'm really glad that you are feeling better. Hopefully everything will check out well.

    Good luck,
    Noah

  86. Joe Guest

    Glad you are feeling better and hope it continues. Take care of yourself. Love your work.

  87. Kathy (Will Run For Miles) Guest

    Glad you're OK.

    I'm not a doctor but I'm guessing IBS - it's extremely painful but very manageable. It's not just the stress, and the time difference, but the change in air pressure from frequent flights that can set your intestines into spasms....

    Kathy

  88. kabukijuul New Member

    So happy to hear that you are feeling better. I love your blog and was worried for you. Following what others have said here - slow down!! Your health is more important!

  89. Will Guest

    Glad you're fine. I do enjoy your blog and the "breezy" writing style.

  90. Andrew Guest

    Ben,

    Don't comment much, but glad to read you are doing okay. Haters gonna hate, don't listen to them!

    Be well,
    Andrew

  91. Lola New Member

    So glad it's nothing serious! Take care of yourself...sometimes these things happen and it's our bodies way of telling us something :) so rest up! Thank you for all that you do!

  92. Lola New Member

    So glad it's nothing serious! Take care of yourself...sometimes these things happen and it's our bodies way of telling us something :) so rest up! Thank you thank you thank you for all that you do!

  93. Craig U New Member

    Lucky, glad you're feeling better and figuring things out! Be well!

  94. Tom Guest

    I'm so glad you're feeling better!

    I'm not part of the target audience for the blog -- I'm neither much of a traveler nor even much of a miles & points guy -- but I like the mix of information, entertainment and funny stories anyway. You've captured lightening in a bottle, truly.

    And you've attracted by far and away the best set of miles & points commenters on the internet, which is no small feat...

    I'm so glad you're feeling better!

    I'm not part of the target audience for the blog -- I'm neither much of a traveler nor even much of a miles & points guy -- but I like the mix of information, entertainment and funny stories anyway. You've captured lightening in a bottle, truly.

    And you've attracted by far and away the best set of miles & points commenters on the internet, which is no small feat unto itself.

    So keep feeling better and keep up the great work on the blog . . . just perhaps at a slightly slower pace. For your own sake.

  95. Fernando Henrique Daquino Machado Member

    I`m glad you are ok! Remember I live in a very paradisiac island in the south of Brazil, where you can rest and be stressfree. It`s not the maldives, but 1hr away from GRU :)

  96. patRICK SMITH Guest

    Be Well,good news, there has to be some stress moving every week,glad u r looking to settle down for a bit

  97. Garrett Guest

    Hey Ben,

    I think there's something important to be said about the negative comments. Having one's own opinion is important...even being an asshole about it is okay. But too many people sit at their keyboards with such a sense of invincibility...they exact real pain and suffering on people. Being pride month and all, my tolerance for intolerance is real low right now.

    You're in a unique position to call these cowards out. Don't let...

    Hey Ben,

    I think there's something important to be said about the negative comments. Having one's own opinion is important...even being an asshole about it is okay. But too many people sit at their keyboards with such a sense of invincibility...they exact real pain and suffering on people. Being pride month and all, my tolerance for intolerance is real low right now.

    You're in a unique position to call these cowards out. Don't let people hurt your feelings, because if they're hurting yours I'd be willing to bet they're hurting others too.

    All the best,

    Garrett

  98. pavel Guest

    glad to hear you're ok! get some rest!

  99. Sam New Member

    Glad you're feeling better Ben! It makes me sick to hear that people would be so hurtful, especially at a time like this, and I'm incredibly sorry that you had to go through that. Hopefully you stay well!

  100. Traveler Guest

    Glad you are feeling better!

  101. Gilbert Guest

    That's awesome news, Ben!

    Now please find yourself a mister, settle down, and enjoy your life... We only get to live our lives once...

    We love you and wish you the very best! XXXOOO

    Gilbert and Darren

  102. BrooklynBoy New Member

    Like others, I am SO happy that you are feeling better!!! <3

    It is disheartening to hear about the negative comments and the effect they had. But you should know that for all those negative people, there are many more on here who love and appreciate what you do. Reading this blog has become a part of my daily routine. Not just because I love reading about the products you travel on/the hotels you...

    Like others, I am SO happy that you are feeling better!!! <3

    It is disheartening to hear about the negative comments and the effect they had. But you should know that for all those negative people, there are many more on here who love and appreciate what you do. Reading this blog has become a part of my daily routine. Not just because I love reading about the products you travel on/the hotels you stay in, and learning from the tips you provide. But because your blog is a living story. I love reading about your reactions to things and I appreciate your willingness to share.

    Do what you can to stay healthy! I look forward to learning where it is you choose to settle down!

  103. Simon Guest

    No matter how much you love it, flying around so much with all the time zone changes is still stressful on the body. Glad to hear that you're better! Stay that way :P

  104. zow Member

    Ben,
    Adding my best wishes and glad all the studies have proven to be negative. Even happier that you're feeling better.
    Also, I actually agree with BigDaddyJ that coffee could be contributing. Although I recently posted (I think on Travis's guest blog) that coffee has no long-term adverse consequences, it's true that for many people it is very gastrointestinally irritating. Worth a trial of abstinence.
    Zow

  105. Tim Guest

    Sorry to hear about the negative comments, but glad you are feeling better. And just know that you have way more fans than detractors!

  106. BigDaddyJ Guest

    Lucky: for some people, coffee really can mess with their stomachs, especially on an empty stomach, and you might drink a lot of coffee given timezones. Try cutting a bit back on the coffee and see if that helps. :)

    Also, I know that in my late 20s, my body stopped being able to process milk (many adults lose their lactose tolerance around then). It could be something like that, or some other aspect of...

    Lucky: for some people, coffee really can mess with their stomachs, especially on an empty stomach, and you might drink a lot of coffee given timezones. Try cutting a bit back on the coffee and see if that helps. :)

    Also, I know that in my late 20s, my body stopped being able to process milk (many adults lose their lactose tolerance around then). It could be something like that, or some other aspect of your diet, which when combined with the weird hours can manifest as pain.

    Not trying to be a doctor, and don't take these as gospel, but the hypotheses you state sound very possible. Good luck getting some rest and hopefully you can put this behind you.

  107. adam New Member

    Ben,

    Glad to hear your doing well. Some support from one of your loyal readers.. Your blog is awesome making me laugh, smile and aspire to see the world. Don't let those negative comments interfere with all the smiles you put on people face. Keep blogging my friend!

  108. MEOW Guest

    <3 you Lucky! I'm one of the biggest trolls on boarding area and I have nothing but love for your blog. You will always be my favorite.

  109. John Guest

    Get a boyfriend and be a real househusband already!! :)

    *Glad you're well <3

  110. Elteetrav Gold

    Thanks for the update. Good to hear the pain has subsided and nothing major had been diagnosed. Can't wait to hear about your new plan.
    Since you wrote about how much you share on the Internet, this is probably a good place to comment on that subject. Wow you sure do post a lot. Not complaining, since I mostly enjoy your musings, even if sometimes I roll my eyes and think... TMI. And I...

    Thanks for the update. Good to hear the pain has subsided and nothing major had been diagnosed. Can't wait to hear about your new plan.
    Since you wrote about how much you share on the Internet, this is probably a good place to comment on that subject. Wow you sure do post a lot. Not complaining, since I mostly enjoy your musings, even if sometimes I roll my eyes and think... TMI. And I don't mean that as a criticism. I just mean it's way more info than I personally would put on the Internet. But it's also sort of refreshing to see someone who is so open, and even willing to share when you have screw ups or problems. Even though we've never met, I feel like I know you better than some close relatives. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

  111. Jeanne M Guest

    So glad to hear you are feeling better. Take care of yourself!

  112. ericmedschoolgd Guest

    Hey lucky feel better! . as a student in med school.. feel free to shoot me any questions u may have! Just like you have tips about points.. I got tips on health :) ... keep us posted !

  113. MW Guest

    Lots of D-Bags out there, ignore them.
    Glad to hear you are getting better

  114. Santastico Diamond

    Glad to hear all is well.

  115. nemme Member

    SO glad you're feeling better even if you don't have specific answers. Working a full day AND traveling/visiting with parents is stressful. Either one of those alone would be! Take care and I look forward to hearing about your new homebase; I remember the process for deciding on Seattle.

  116. Emily Guest

    So glad you're ok Lucky and feeling better. Stay well!

  117. Leo Guest

    Thank you for your blog and sharing your knowledge with us. Glad you are feeling better.

    For those people who leave negative comments, it isn't necessary. Readers don't benefit from it and just think that person is really hurtful. Blogging and sharing about yourself isn't easy. Try it and you will see.

    Keep up the awesome and informative work. I especially enjoyed the series on your parents.

  118. Nick L. Member

    1) Glad to hear that you are feeling better....hopefully it won't come back.
    2) Haters suck.
    3) Chris M. has the best comment in this thread. I LOL'd.

  119. David W Community Ambassador

    Glad to hear that you're feeling better!

  120. Ang Guest

    Glad to hear everything is okay! =)

  121. Endre Diamond

    I'm glad you are ok!!!

  122. Presley Guest

    I don't read your blog a lot anymore and certainly not the comments anymore since I find a lot of the stuff are beyond my financial means but it's just stupid for people to comment negatively on someone's health just so people can feel better about themselves

  123. Katie Member

    I am glad you are feeling better! I am not surprised if the final result is stress. You have been pushing the envelope of what even a constant traveler can handle. I am excited to hear about where you are going to "settle" into. Stress can do funny things - I have to watch my stress level or I get kidney infections. Found that one out the hard way a couple times!

  124. Juno Guest

    Ben,

    I didn't have the pain that you had but I went to the ER and spent a night admitted to the hospital recently due to Flu like symptoms. Pain.. Fever.. Shaking Chills.. After all checking the blood, urine, stool.. still nothing.. Flu test was negative.. so after seeing 3 doctors.. they all came up with nothing.. last doctor said it probably was stress, as I was going through quite a bit of stress at...

    Ben,

    I didn't have the pain that you had but I went to the ER and spent a night admitted to the hospital recently due to Flu like symptoms. Pain.. Fever.. Shaking Chills.. After all checking the blood, urine, stool.. still nothing.. Flu test was negative.. so after seeing 3 doctors.. they all came up with nothing.. last doctor said it probably was stress, as I was going through quite a bit of stress at work. So it can happen! You need to go back to Maldives every year and relax and unwind more often! :)

    Glad to hear everything is okay.

  125. Chris M. Member

    Glad you're ok. You sure are...
    (•_•)
    ( •_•)>⌐■-■
    (⌐■_■)
    ...Lucky.

  126. Tony Guest

    Glad to hear you're ok. Definitely take care of your health!!! Without it, you can go to all these places!!!

    I know of one person that beats you in the number of miles flown, but her flights are very short. She does BKK-HKG 5 x a week. Flies 500,000 miles per year!!! However, she has it easy. Only one time zone change and it's only a 2 hour and 20 min flight. Flies out early...

    Glad to hear you're ok. Definitely take care of your health!!! Without it, you can go to all these places!!!

    I know of one person that beats you in the number of miles flown, but her flights are very short. She does BKK-HKG 5 x a week. Flies 500,000 miles per year!!! However, she has it easy. Only one time zone change and it's only a 2 hour and 20 min flight. Flies out early in the morning out of BKK and takes the evening flight from HKG back to BKK and does it all over again the next day.

  127. mangoceviche Member

    Happy to hear that you're okay. So this place you found - is it in Seattle? Tampa? Kansas?? ;)

  128. Neil S. Guest

    Glad you're feeling better, and glad you'll be taking steps to settle down sooner rather than later. And though it's hard, you are completely correct that what the peanut gallery says is way more about them than you.

  129. Sean Guest

    Wahoo!! Glad you're alright. If you ever need someone to step in and handle a trip report - preferably emirates ;) I'm your guy! Lol

  130. Anthony Diamond

    Ben,

    Lack of sleep, disorienting travel, and stress can cause unexplained swings in health. I know because It's happened to me before. While global travel is fun and interesting, ultimately you have to balance it with living a more sustainable lifestyle. Slow down on the travel, stay for more days in each location, rely on other reviewers to help out on new products, etc. This will ensure you will be able do continue to write...

    Ben,

    Lack of sleep, disorienting travel, and stress can cause unexplained swings in health. I know because It's happened to me before. While global travel is fun and interesting, ultimately you have to balance it with living a more sustainable lifestyle. Slow down on the travel, stay for more days in each location, rely on other reviewers to help out on new products, etc. This will ensure you will be able do continue to write this informative blog for many more years.

    Good luck

  131. Ivan Y Guest

    Lucky
    awesome
    now i would die to hear your comments on the new lgbt ruling. I got married on the day of. You have to shed some light on what you think about that, you know I had a crush on you at one point of time...

  132. Huff Daland Guest

    I appreciate your update as I've grown quite fond of you and this blog over many months. Glad to hear that you are symptom free after such a long time in distress.

    And as for those readers who posted negative/insulting comments, let me just say that karma is a b*#@h.

  133. Todd Diamond

    Glad to hear all is well. Thanks for keeping us updated.

  134. Daniel Guest

    Glad you're feeling better, Ben. The feelings of stress can arise when you don't "feel stressed" so it's certainly a potential and probably a good thing to think about no matter what. Hope you stay on the mend!

  135. Martina Guest

    Ben, I am so sorry that some of the mean comments that were posted got to you; some being so bad that you deleted them. IMO, seeing some things in the past, you do really well with taking criticism and snark in stride, so those aforementioned comments must have been REALLY bad or got to you in a time where you are feeling vulnerable.

    I am glad that whatever was making you ill wasn't a...

    Ben, I am so sorry that some of the mean comments that were posted got to you; some being so bad that you deleted them. IMO, seeing some things in the past, you do really well with taking criticism and snark in stride, so those aforementioned comments must have been REALLY bad or got to you in a time where you are feeling vulnerable.

    I am glad that whatever was making you ill wasn't a serious medical condition that might be remedy be a bit of a lifestyle change.

    Your health is 100% the most important thing.

    I personally love reading your travel reports and other blogs, but I also think that slowing down or getting off the hamster wheel for while might be just what the doctor ordered.

  136. Lucas Guest

    Glad that you're feeling good Ben. If you decide to take a couple months off and need a replacement for your trips, don't hesitate to write me!

  137. Lisa Guest

    Thanks for the update! So happy to hear that you are back in the States, feeling better, and that your doctor gave you a clean bill of health!

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Savannah Guest

Relieved to hear you are OK. Thank you for writing this blog and sharing your lifestyle with us. Savannah

0
luca Guest

Got late on this but I am happy to see it was just a temporary problem and it is all back on track again. We need our guru :-)

0
Uri Guest

Happy to hear you're doing well Ben!

0
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