That such volumes of sludge would still be within and still be emanating after 39 days of no food intake would surely have strained the bounds of credulity had I not personally experienced it and thus seen it with my own eyes. So, while it borders on the inexplicable, and though doubts arise as to what, if any, unknown forces and mechanisms may be at play in producing this seemingly never-ending proliferation of worms and their mire from within so small a physical frame as mine with its finite boundaries, I must hold steadfast to my conviction–based on the inarguable evidence of my own senses–that I am indeed getting better.

• my morning compass seeks true north with renewed vigor

• my weight is, in fact, slowly going down (now at 118-119lb)

• my social disposition and inter-personal interaction is definitely improving

• my eyesight is getting even more acute (crossword puzzles)

• my eyes feel “cooler” on a day to day basis, and after each release

If, as is my fear to which I’ve alluded above, the colony is replenishing itself even as I seek to eliminate it, that fear does not seem to be supported by the unmistakable and overall improvement and feeling of wellbeing to which my own senses attest. At the same time, however, there is other evidence that suggests I’m definitely not finished:
• body odor returned and fluctuated these past few days
• thumping in lower legs returned these past few days
• thumping this morning in the chest

The journey continues!