Around October 3rd, as the Red Wings’ centennial season began, I got sick, and had to step away from the blog.
The problem has been that I never really got better. I’ve been battling through severe fatigue ever since.
I can take care of Aunt Annie, but in between our mostly scheduled caregiving times, I need to rest. And I can do “Tweetcaps” of games and be active on “X” during games, but I have to take entire days “off” (as much as a caregiver can rest and recover) when the Red Wings aren’t playing games.
I’ve had blood tests done. I’ve had a colonoscopy. The only real answers I’ve gotten are that my iron levels are far too low, and, from a particularly ignorant doctor, that maybe I’m taking too many antidepressants (which is bullshit).
I’ve dealt with some episodes of severe depression because of this situation. I’ve battled through anxiety. My bipolar 2 doesn’t help the situation as it has very intense “middles” and deep “downs.”
But this is mostly physical, and it’s been horrible.
I’ve wanted to come back so many times. I’ve made so many, “I will be back on X” dates. Even to do this at half speed. And I’ve not been able to make those dates stick once.
It’s awful, because I still want to write about hockey. I still want to blog, even if I’m just some guy who takes care of his aunt and blogs in the rest of the time that he has available to him. Aunt Annie wants me to work the blog. I know that at least some of you do, too.
And I am fighting tooth and nail to find out why my energy level has dropped to a level that’s lower than the Red Wings’ engagement during the final game of their 2025-2026 season.
I hope I’ll find an answer soon, because I still want to be a hockey blogger, and I still believe that I can do so.
Just not right now.
So, as the Wings’ season ends, I will try to share my opinion when I am able, and I will stick around on “X” at @georgemalik so that when I can, I at least show up and try to talk with you guys and gals and in-betweeners.
I miss this terribly. I miss you terribly. It’s about love of the game more than anything for me, and wanting to share it with an audience, and I have been unable to do those things that I love because I’ve been sick all season long.
And it sucks.
But I’m gonna fight to get better.
I am sorry for what is going on with you, George. I can only offer you hope for your recovery. Sadly, mental illness is still not well understood, in all facets–origin, treatment and even how the drugs work. Example: Seroquel, after years of study and being on the market was after 20 years found to have effects on norepinephrine as well as being a dopamine blocker and SSRI. The greatest tool you have is hope and being doggedly determined to never give up that hope. Seek out the best help you can find. Realize as well that mental illness is not a choice one makes and not a personal failing. It is crap. Also realize that the last person in their graduating class in med school is called “doctor.” Good luck on your journey.
I’m sorry to hear of your struggles this year, George. We all know how much you care about the Wings and blogging. That being said, focus on getting healthy and taking care of your family. Hockey will always be there when you’re ready to come back.
I’m sending good vibes your way and we all will look forward to your Red Wings blog again when the time is right. I’m sorry the search for medical answers has been disappointing so far. Please know that you are not alone in that struggle, and I hope that your continued efforts bear fruit very soon.
John, I’m very sorry that I’ve been absent, and I’m grateful for your support.