The Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac provided an update on his health status on Thursday, delivering it with his signature mix of irony, candor, and biting humor, even as he navigates the recovery process.
In a Facebook post, the entertainer insisted he's still "holding up," despite the ongoing struggle with chikungunya.
“For those who asked: I’m still in one piece!” he began.
He explained that the virus has "settled in quite nicely" in his neck, shoulders, and spine, with a "special fondness" for the herniated discs he has between his L4 and L5 vertebrae.
Toirac humorously compared his energy levels to a mobile phone battery, noting that he starts the day fully charged but finds himself needing to "recharge" by nine in the evening.
He also mentioned that he is responding well to an intravitreal injection in his left eye, a treatment he undergoes periodically to slow the progression of macular degeneration, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2023.
Toirac described experiencing significant pain and discomfort for two days, and due to the photophobia he suffered, he jokingly expressed gratitude for the power outages provided by the UNE, saying they were "thoughtful" considering his condition.
However, he added a lighthearted warning to the utility company: "It's over, UNE. Did you hear me?"
The comedian also shared a story about a Rubik's Cube featured in the photo accompanying his post. According to him, his physiotherapist sent it to him when he inquired about the timeframe for recovering from chikungunya. The answer was to solve the puzzle: "when you can make the first turn on this thing."
Jokingly, he commented, "I can barely take my loyal downstairs neighbor out to pee," highlighting how the illness continues to impact his mobility and energy.
Toirac wrapped up his message by thanking his followers for their concern: "I’m like the country," he stated.
An Unyielding Spirit Amidst Adversity
In mid-November, Toirac confirmed he had contracted chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness that has become prevalent in Cuba amid the current health crisis.
"I finally caught up with the trend," he remarked at the time, receiving hundreds of supportive messages in response.
In a subsequent post, he transformed his day-to-day experiences with the disease into a raw and humorous narrative titled "Diary of a Chikungunya Sufferer."
He depicted debilitating joint pain, fever, extreme exhaustion, and the sensation of having aged several decades.
“I enjoyed being 62. Being 135 is a real drag,” he joked.
Everyday tasks—getting up to use the bathroom, making coffee, taking a shower, or even unscrewing the coffee maker—became exhausting challenges due to pain and weakness.
Every joint complained, every movement felt like a monumental effort, and sleep occurred whether he wanted it or not, due to sheer fatigue.
The comedian even recounted how he relied on his dog Lía to help make coffee, as she had to hold the coffee maker while he struggled to open it with weakened hands.
His post, rich with vivid imagery and dark humor, vividly illustrated the real-life impact of the virus, turning daily routines into a painful obstacle course.
Today, while he continues to cope with the symptoms, Toirac maintains that he is on the mend and keeps his characteristic irony firmly intact.
Understanding Chikungunya and Its Impact
What is chikungunya and how is it transmitted?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever and severe joint pain.
What are the common symptoms of chikungunya?
Common symptoms include sudden fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and rash. Joint pain can be debilitating and varies in duration.
How can chikungunya be managed?
While there is no specific treatment for chikungunya, the symptoms can be managed with pain relief medications, rest, and adequate fluid intake to alleviate discomfort.