mental-health – SteveWhittythoughts1965

My life has been hectic since the last post. It was about my health. During the bank holiday weekend, I was experiencing what I thought was bad indigestion. I took the anti-indigestion tablets, and I thought it had improved. I have suffered from indigestion, as I tend to stuff my food down without chewing it properly, and this has given me no end of problems.

However, yesterday, Tuesday, August 26th, on my way to work, I felt a lot of pressure on my chest. By the time I arrived at work, I was sweating profusely. I mentioned to my colleagues that I did not feel too good. I was advised to call a doctor. After much procrastination on my part, I did call. After explaining my symptoms, I was told to visit the local A&E department. Working in Solihull next to the hospital, I thought it would be best to go there. It turns out they did not have an A&E department, and I would have to make my way back to Sutton Coldfield.

I managed to make my way to Good Hope Hospital. I was promptly given an ECG and told to make my way upstairs. The doctor saw me and told me there was nothing wrong with my heart, but I would need to have a blood test. After waiting nearly an hour, my blood was taken. I was then told to make my way to SDEC.

While there, I ate my lunch of a wrap and coffee. I was called in for more tests. Then I was told they needed more blood. Tony Hancock immediately sprang to mind. After another hour, the doctor called me in. She discussed with me the results and mentioned my slow heart rate. It was compared to an elite athlete, something you would not associate with me.

I was sent for a chest X-ray, which happened very quickly. The doctor called me in again. With her was the specialist. I was told they could detect a slight murmur in my heart. They assured it was nothing to worry about. I was told it may be caused by damage to one of the valves, and they would put me forward for a heart scan. It was likely that this would happen after my holiday. I was recommended to regularly monitor my blood pressure and call my GP after a week. Also, just stick to gentle exercise, as I had admitted to overdoing things at the gym.

For all the moaning about the NHS, I found the service to be quick and efficient. In the UK, we are lucky to have dedicated staff who are willing to help anyone who needs it.

It has been a strange week. The one word that springs to mind when you describe it is change. Be it a change of habits or government.

Monday 1st July

I woke up to find myself in the second half of the year. The first six months have flown by. This is something that happens when you get older. Time is something you take for granted until you realise when it starts to run out.

Glastonbury has been and gone. Not that I watch any of it on the telly. I find it difficult to enjoy events held on a dairy farm. Having said that, I have attended Bearded Theory over the last three years which is held on a farm. You cannot have it both ways.

It is good to be able to reward people who do a good job. I include my team in that.

Tuesday 2nd July

There has been talk of retirement at work. Chris who I have worked with for almost ten years is due to leave in a couple of weeks. I will miss her as she was a calming influence when I joined the civil service. It has got me thinking about my retirement. This is due to happen in 2032. My aim is to make my life simpler. The first step is to combine all my old work pensions into one. This is not just for me but also for my family just in case I were to pass away before I retire. The whole process was straight forward.

I wish the trains were the same. It seems whenever summer arrives the trains become delayed. It is frustrating given the lack of information given. New trains, the same old shitty service.

Wednesday 3rd July

The best gifts are the unexpected ones. I received a £20 voucher as a thank you for my work with data quality. I will spend that on cups of coffee over the coming days.

Seeing Mark Cavendish break the Tour de France record for stage wins brought a lump to my throat. I have been following his career over the years. He is a true British sporting legend.

I was given a reminder about becoming old. I had to help my neighbour to his feet. He had fallen while trying to clean himself after an accident. He looked all bewildered by what had gone on. I felt sad for him as I suspect these problems have been going on for a long time.

Thursday 4th July

It was General Election Day. I went to vote early in the morning. I wanted to get it out of the way as I was going to be busy. It was encouraging to stand in a big queue at 7:15 in the morning. Hopefully, this is a sign of a big turnout.

Today was the start of spending three days in the record shop helping out my friend while he was attending a festival. Outside of my home, this is my favourite place to spend time. Being able to talk music is pure joy as I am always learning something new.

Friday 5th July

As expected Labour won the election by a landslide.

Saturday 6th July

I have always held a love-hate relationship with the England football team. They promise so much yet they always let you down. The match against Switzerland was going that way as well. Somehow they clawed their way back into the game. The penalty shootout was a masterclass in taking the spot kick. So we move on to Wednesday where we face the Netherlands for a place in the final of Euro 2024. Could it finally be our year?

Sunday 7th July

I woke feeling run down. I have developed a cough and a blocked nose. Normally, I would have gone and done the laundry but could not face it. I will stop off by the chemist and purchase some covid tests. You cannot be too careful.

Until the next post, keep on smiling.