Anxiety Disorders

For the past week, I have been facing unpleasant physical symptoms such as feeling light headedness, tingling finger tips, dry mouth and poor sleep. I used to have low blood pressure and I hoped it has not gone down again. So a trip to the doctors was in order.

I was lucky to get an appointment on the same day. I told the ‘sensitive’ doctor why I was there and she asked some questions. Was there any unexpected life crisis recently? Of course, Trish was still missing.

Poor sleep was due to been awakened at odd hours by the cries of the next-door baby. I think the wee mite’s teething. The problem is that the parents just let him cry and cry. They must be either too stoned or slept like a log.

I was diagnosed me with having anxiety disorders!!! Frankly speaking, I don’t believe in it. So you can imagine the arguments we had. But in the end, she’s the doctor. Babe said I went to her with my symptoms and that’s what she diagnosed me with. Not happy at all…

She asked me to get a blood test done just in case there were other underlying problems. I went to the Warwickshire and Coventry Hospital instead of Walsgrave the next day. I also had to undergo a 12 hour fasting period.

We went to the part of town that we’d never been before. Lots of boarded up buildings here and there. This hospital needs some serious refurbishments. I went in to have my blood taken when I suddenly felt dizzy and the nurse immediately asked me to put my head between my knees. I was sweating like crazy.

It was a warm afternoon and I fainted!!! The nurses quickly, wheeled me to a bed and asked me to lay down. I was given a drink and a fan was switched on. I hoped I’d not scared off the other patients :-)

I went back to the surgery on Friday for my blood test results. There was nothing wrong with me. Even my cholesterol level was a perfect 3.8. So what was wrong with me??? Back again to anxiety disorders.

I refused to take any medication. I was given a pile of printouts to read and digest. This is part of understanding the cause of the symptoms. Relaxation exercises was recommended and I am thinking of joining either the Pilates or yoga class at the gymnasium. I walk during my lunch hour. Does that count???

Counselling??? I’m a very private person and opening up to someone I don’t know and who doesn’t know me would be very difficult. So I guess that’s out. I prefer talking to Babe and my closest friends so guys, get ready. I’m going to talk to you all to death.

Somehow, after finding out that there’s nothing wrong with me physically, the symptoms sort of disappeared. I still feel light headedness once a while and make sure I take things slowly. Babe had been a tower of strength. Thanks darling for believing in me.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking this lightly. I really, really sympathise to those who are diagnosed with anxiety disorders. I wish them all the best.

Babe too had been stressed of what’s happening. While I’d a siesta, he went to Brandon Marsh and caught this lovely photograph of a Common Snipe. Isn’t he gorgeous?

I spent the night glued to Sports Relief. I wanted to volunteer for the Warwick Uni Mile on Sunday but I guess better not. I had my charity socks on and quietly cheered and applauded the wonderful people who took part and donated to this fantastic course. So far £31m have been pledged and fingers-crossed it will continue rise. I’m soo proud to be British.

Saturday was spent resting and slowly getting my health in order. I made an easy steamed banana cake which was delicious. I’d a relaxing time watching the first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It was soo strange to see the young faces of the actors and their acting debut.

We went for an early Sunday walk at our favourite playground. The morning chorus had already begun.  At Carlton Pool, we were delighted to see these frogs enjoying their warm swim. This was the first time I had seen them. Aren’t they adorable? I hoped the herons haven’t spotted them yet.

Outside at Carlton Hide, we spotted a pair of buzzards soaring up in the sky. They looked so majestic.  Below the Teal Hide, a pair of Red Shanks were busy feeding on the mud banks. As we were walking along the path, a lovely Great Spotted woodpecker came to say hello. I guess all the natives are coming out to say hello. Now, where’s that barn owl :-)

After a light lunch of toast and Minestrone soup, I settled myself in front of the tube. There was a live telecast of the Championship clash between the Sky Blues and our next door neighbour, Leicester City. I saw 2 teams, one in blue and the other in black. I’d only seen Sky Blues in blue.

3 minutes later, the boys in blue scored. That was quick. Well done and I got up to get a mug of herbal tea. When I sat down again, I nearly splashed my hot tea when I saw the score across the screen. I had supported the wrong team. Sky Blues was in black and they were trailing 2:0. Sheesh…if I was there I would have been lynched.

Thankfully, the second half belongs to the Sky Blues. Lots of chances and they managed to equalise. Well done and still in the 10th position.

The BBC Dig In campaign is starting again (this is the second year). They are repeating the free seeds offer which include mixed salad, courgette, French bean, basil and carrot. I still have not used the ones I received last year. I promise I’ll use them this year.

I suggest you send your application in quickly if you are interested because the seed starter packs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the offer is sure to be very popular. So happy digging in…

I would also like to wish my beautiful niece, Siobhan,  a very Happy Birthday sweetheart. May all your wishes come true.

For my fabulous cousin, Zetty, a wonderful double celebration on receiving her MBA and also her 33rd birthday. I’m soo proud of you. Well done again.  This well-camouflaged Great Spotted woodpecker is for you.