hookworm high

The itch is becoming more intense. The rash is redder, but also fading. Hookworm high continues, but I am tired in the afternoon. My pain seems less, but it’s intermittent, so this means nothing.

So far so good…

My rash is itchy on and off. But most of all I am getting the beloved “hookworm high” that some people write about. It is subtle. I felt it a few minutes after the larvae burrowed in. I feel more bouyant, like a heavy weight has been lifted. I giggle at times for no reason. This is coinciding with my ovulation, a happy coincidence that pleases my husband, but I’ve had hookworms enough to recognize which is which.

I feel at peace with the world and want to slowly work through the garden. I pull out weeds and listen to the birds. Their song is especially beautiful. Did I miss it yesterday? I feel a greater love for my children, the breeze.

I know it will not last. So I am juicing every drop. My pain has reduced, but only slightly. My bowels are no different.

I just love the hookworm high. If perhaps this finally works for me, and I learn to cultivate the larvae, perhaps I can recreate this feeling every once and a while with several larvae, better than a drug. Who needs marijuana when a few larvae can burrow in your skin instead?

My life is so bizarre.

I experience a psychological high on days 2-4 when I get the larvae on
my arm, and days 3-5 when on my leg. Or I get diarrhea. I don’t
think its a placebo effect; it has to be the larvae interacting with
the immune system while in the blood. It can be best described, for
me, as a peace within my body, a confidence that I am part of the
grand scheme of nature, and a gentle happiness that makes me want to
stand on my hands. (I have this burning desire to do a hand stand, and
walk down my garden path like that. Which I can’t. I always fall
over. What is this madness?)