Some great weather again yesterday, perfect for a few hours walking, visiting yet more places I haven't seen before and others I have only visited briefly. Many of the crowds I had witnessed over the weekend were gone, as children went back to school, so reassuringly, there were very few people around first thing in the morning when I went out for a stroll. I felt a lot more relaxed than I have done for a while and for once, didn't have to dodge people walking up and down the promenade.

It was good to see the Hovercraft and Isle of Wight Ferry still running, even during this pandemic. Sadly however It is likely I won't be able to use this service myself to get away for the day, since it is mostly reserved for essential staff and there would be nowhere to stay or visit when I am on the island. With two weeks off, after just three days I am climbing the walls already. I am of course walking as much as I can, but being able to do a few more things would be a bonus.

I have visited most areas of Portsmouth now, so may venture elsewhere over the next ten days and do a bit of walking, if I am able. Looking at various travel websites, I can use public transport at my own risk, but with this being a 'lifeline' service only, working on a reduced timetable, I am mindful of the restrictions in place. Something to think about, while I consider what to do, if anything at all!

Discussing the pandemic, looking at this graph above, Britain still has more deaths than the whole of the rest of Europe put together. That is shocking to me, especially from a Government who constantly keeps on saying how well they have done during this pandemic. They haven't done well, we have the second highest death toll in the World and I really am getting sick and tired of the lies they keep spouting during their daily press conferences. Sometimes I think those in charge believe we are stupid. You really don't have to be that intelligent to see through the selective figures that are published each day.

Why would any other country want British tourists holidaying within their borders, when we don't have this virus under control? I am literally finding the propaganda issued by the Government rather tiresome and a complete insult to those of us who have been following guidelines, to protect others for the last two months. The failure of Boris Johnson to stem the tide of Coronavirus, because of his unwillingness to do the right thing, is etched on the lives lost and all of us should be up in arms about these terrible figures.

In Parliament today, during Prime Ministers Questions,  the new Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, began the process of scrutinizing the PM and his ministers for their handling of this crisis, and about time to. Anyone can see just how bad things are and with Mr Johnson's failure to sack his discredited advisor Dominic Cummings, for flouting the lockdown laws, their inept, incompetent handling of this pandemic is exposed for all to see!

I was a supporter of the Conservative Party, especially over Brexit but today I no longer consider them competent and trustworthy and have withdrawn my support. I am disappointed at the lack of action and risks taken with peoples lives as circumstances overwhelmed this inexperienced, self-serving bunch of hypocrites. The best all of us can hope for, is we don't have a second larger spike in deaths and opening up the country too soon, doesn't risk the lives of even more vulnerable people!

Walking does give me the time to think and with the pandemic at the forefront of my mind, politics is always top of my list of things to write about. Luckily I can offload my thoughts and feelings on here. The one positive aspect of my life, that has got me through these last few months is blogging. Documenting this difficult period is important for me, and as restrictions are gradually eased, I hope I will once again begin to write about the more positive and pragmatic aspects of life!

Stay Safe Y'all!

Some photographs from Sunday and today, walking in and around Portsmouth. I've been to these places before, but have done a bit more exploring than usual. I had never realised Portsmouth has so many open, green spaces. The city itself is one of the more concentrated urban areas in Britain, so to find so many parks, wooded areas, gardens and playing fields has been a bonus.

I am off for two weeks from work now and intend to do a lot more walking. Sadly I am unable to travel to any of the surrounding areas, but I am hoping there is more than enough to see in Portsmouth itself. Obviously I am still very disappointed I am not in Japan at the moment, but luckily the weather is unseasonably hot here, allowing for some much-needed sun. In truth, I haven't actually had two weeks off from work and done absolutely nothing for years, so in many respects this will be a welcome change

I am also nursing a serious bout of IBS, so having two weeks off isn't ideal. My IBS tends to flare up when I have little to do, and my mind goes into overdrive. The disappointment I am feeling today has rapidly turned into stress and anxiety, which of course exacerbates IBS symptoms. I have every pill, potion, lotion and technique possible to deal with these occasions, but presently nothing seems to be working. The worst part about dealing with it, is the fear it is something more sinister; the extra worry that gives is immeasurable.

Once again I have changed my diet, which is helping somewhat. I have had to cut out all spicy food and dairy products, which does seem to  inflame my IBS symptoms. On top of this I have diverticulitis and a hiatus hernia, all of which require very different diets. So trying to find the right balance between all these conditions can be hard, and I am just trying to play safe at all levels, just, so I don't suffer any more pain. As yet I haven't found the perfect medicine if you will and try all alternative - from prescription meds, off the shelf remedies and turmeric tea to multivitamins, lots of fibre and of course the biggie, plenty of walking and exercise.

Since I have started a more healthy regime, I have begun to feel a lot better; when I am walking I don't suffer with any pain at all. This is great for motivation and just makes me walk even more, which is what I have to do. I have always had a rather addictive personality, and I am finding all this walking quite compulsive, pushing me ever forwards in a quest for good health. This isn't something I have done before, so I am finding the weight loss rather hard to sustain, which is probably due to my age, but in time, the harder I continue, the more results I will see.

This has been a difficult time for all, as COVID-19  ravages our nation, but it has taught me the value of the simple things in life and reminded me of just how precious our time on Earth is. Coronavirus attacks the vulnerable, ill and unfit and I don't want to be its next victim, so it's more of the same for me, more walking, eating healthy and staying well. Using this period positively is something all of us should do, building strength for the future and memories that will last a lifetime!

It was absolutely glorious in Portsmouth today; the weather was perfect for a stroll down to the historic dock yard, which is sadly closed at the moment, due to Coronavirus. Nevertheless, you could still see HMS Warrior and take in the sea air, just the tonic for making you feel alive. It felt good to be out and about once again, as I walked around the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea; the coast really does suit my sensibility. I have always lived close to or near to the sea and find myself drawn to coastal regions, wherever I am in the World.

I still have friends living in and around Gran Alacant and Alicante in Spain and it has been good to keep in touch with many of them, during these testing times. Of course Spain has started to move out of lockdown and it has been amazing to see happy faces and laughter once again throughout the Costa Blanca on facebook.

People eating in restaurants and drinking in the bars, I used to frequent when I lived in Gran Alacant, is hopefully a vision of the future for us in the UK. After what Spain suffered during this first wave of the pandemic, normality is greatly needed and appreciated. It wasn't that long ago, that I was sending messages of condolences to my friends in Spain, expressing my horror at what was unfolding. Today I am the one receiving emails and telephone calls asking me to stay safe and take care, as Britain's death toll soars ever higher, day after day!

The death toll in the rest of Europe is falling dramatically; in the UK, we still have over four hundred deaths a day, which emphasises our Governments failure to get to grips with this terrible virus. We have more deaths per million than every other country in the World and with our abject failure as a nation to get COVID under control, I seriously fear for the future. On my walk today, the Country seemed to be back to normal and when non-essential shops open again on 1 June, it is likely we will see a huge spike in fatalities once again and that is frightening.

Speaking to Darrell on the phone earlier, he expressed concern about Western Australia reporting four new cases of COVID-19 and how they were not out of the danger zone yet. My reaction was, a wish we were dealing with similarly low numbers and told him not to worry too much. The scale of the problem in Australia is so small compared to here, I am thankful he is safe in his home state. Looking back now, I wish I had travelled to Australia when I had the chance, then at least we would be living our life together, rather than apart, which is the hardest part of this pandemic.

I am still considering plans to go to Australia in the future when we are allowed to travel, but that is dependent on a number of factors. I can not afford to fly to Perth and have to self-isolate for two weeks, as well as doing the same on my return to the UK, that will be a whole month before I even spend time with Darrell. These restrictions will need to be lifted before I even think about making the journey, but the reality is, our death toll will need to fall significantly, before any changes are implemented and I can't see that happening presently.

On Saturday I was due to fly to Japan to meet Darrell during a two-week stay. This holiday has now been cancelled and after a lot of wrangling with the airlines and travel operators involved, we are now just awaiting a full refund. This isn't the ideal situation for Darrell or me, we were both looking forward to seeing one another this Saturday, but like many millions of other people, we just have to live with this scenario. To be honest I am not even sure I want to get on a plane at the moment, but I know Darrell and I have time constraints and my husband has to return sooner rather than later, in order to comply with the terms of his visa, that allows him to remain with me here in the UK.

As yet we have no plans to rebook any holiday to Asia, until this situation is over, probably when there is a vaccine in place. Both of us are hoping the timing of events are now favourable, and we can finally pick up where we left off in November, when Darrell left the UK for Australia. Until that time, we will just have to continue living as we do now and hope it isn't too many months before everything returns to normal.

In a couple of days I have two weeks off and like the rest of the population I will be spending it in my home city of Portsmouth. I have discovered much about this city, that I never knew before and it is good for the soul finding out more about the place you live in. When I moved to Spain, I also spent time exploring this beautiful urbanisation. I researched its history and also looked closely at the demographic of the population. By the time I left I knew more about my adopted home, than most people who lived there.

Despite my fondness for Portsmouth, I am missing travelling, something I really enjoy and was a huge part of my life up until recently. It will be awhile before things change for the better and it is likely the travel industry will be decimated and the cost of flying could well be prohibited for most. For me however, my life will continue to involve a lot of toing and froing, because of the nature of my relationship. For that reason I am making the most of my time here in the UK and continue to enjoy experiences, I wouldn't otherwise of had.  I want to be able to look back at this time and say I achieved something and began the process of connecting, with the place where I was born!

It was a stunning day today, the hottest of the long Bank Holiday weekend and since I enjoyed a day off from walking yesterday, I decided to go for a long walk along the coast today. In total, I walked approximately nine miles, probably the longest I have ever walked in my life, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I enjoy walking more now than ever and I genuinely feel energized and accomplished by the end of my experience. Of course walking is great for physical health, but it is doing wonders for me sense of well-being and mental health also.

I started my daily constitutional at about 8.30am this morning, so I avoided most of the people that were expected to travel to the coast; for that I am thankful! There were still many people walking along the esplanade today and not many of them were social distancing if I am honest. I was frequently nudged by a jogger and had to jump out of the way of an inconsiderate walker and that scares me. I even walk on my own, for fear of being too close to someone else and I do wish others would follow my example. On pavements, I will always walk in the road if I have to, to avoid others, who are quite literally walking arm in arm, taking up the whole width of the path, without a care for any other pedestrian. People really do need to start being more respectful to others needs, especially now, during this crisis!

Safely at home, I have just finished watching Dominic Cummings give a statement on his trip to the other side of the country, whilst his wife was suffering from COVID symptoms, during this pandemic. I have never seen someone squirm so much. Watching this man try to justify his actions was embarrassing and like nothing I had seen on television before. These are unprecedented times indeed and watching an unelected Government advisor, give a statement in the garden of 10 Downing Street was just unbelievable. In the end it is up to the public to decide if his explanation holds water; my view, unsurprisingly, is that it doesn't, and he should resign; just don't hold your breath!

Stay safe everyone!

Once again my daily walk today took me to places in Portsmouth I haven't visited before. Southsea Castle, built at the time of Henry VIII and Southsea Rock Garden, were both beautiful places to walk around, take in the sea air and contemplate for a short while. The weather was particularly blustery, with sea spray lapping over the promenade, so I avoided the beach for the most part, preferring to explore other hidden gems.

I have discovered much about Portsmouth during this lockdown period, as well as doing more walking than I have ever done in my life. This city is a fantastic place to live and has many venues of interest to visit, but most of all it is compact enough to explore on foot, from one end to the other. This is the positive side of life at the moment. It is however quite lonely walking on ones own, but this period has given me time to think about just what is happening in the World and today; Coronavirus and the spiralling number of deaths in care homes was top of my thoughts.

Yesterday I had commented on a friends assessment of these fatalities. He had used a picture to illustrate that the number of people dying, isn't as high as in other countries. I did a little bit of digging at this point, and it was clear that the figures used were not telling the complete story, which just goes to show how we can manipulate data to suit our own agenda.

We do have the second highest death toll for COVID-19 in the World and a large proportion of those deaths were older people living in retirement facilities. I have become increasingly angry at the Governments lies and spin surrounding this travesty, claiming they had thrown a protective ring around homes early on and the older generation were always at the heart of their Coronavirus policy - what a load of rubbish! The Government has completely failed our old people, and they know it. It sickens me, that they would even try to hide the truth and make us believe they were doing all they could to look out for their best interests.

There was no protective shield in place to keep care homes isolated at the beginning of this crisis. In fact occupants who were being treated for COVID in Hospital, were being sent back to their residential homes, to self-isolate, putting the lives of all other residents at risk. As we know now, this is the main reason why so many have died in care and it is a shocking indictment of the Governments handling of this pandemic.

It wasn't that long ago, that I went to visit a dear old lady, Mrs Fisher, who lives in a care home, not too far from me. I had become very fond of her and did what I could to make sure she was safe and well, and we had a good friendship. I have tried to call the facility on a number of occasions, but haven't been able to get a reply. The building is closed to public access in any case, so I will not be able to visit her anytime soon. People like Mrs Fisher are important to the local community, and we need to look after them in their old age, not leave them to their fate without the safeguards they need, especially at this time. 

There are so many failings from this Government, that I remain aghast at the publics unwillingness to even question their management of this public health emergency. I understand we are still suffering from its ramifications, but there will come a time when people wake up to the appalling way this was handled. Like America, we failed to recognise the seriousness of the situation at the beginning, and are paying the consequences today. I just hope there will be no cover-ups, lies and evasion from the facts; the country deserves better.

So despite enjoying my walk today, surrounded by flora and fauna, amazing history and exhilarating sea air, I did find myself getting quietly wound up about issues I have no control over. Luckily I can express my views in this blog, which is the only thing keeping me sane. Writing down thoughts and expressing deeply held views and emotions is my way of coming to terms with the terrible events that continue to unfold in front of us all. When I can finally look back at this awful time in my life, I can use this experience to remember the way things were, the difficulties we faced, the lives that were lost and the loneliness we all faced!

Stay Safe!

The weather wasn't too great today, but I decided to go for my daily walk nevertheless. Once again I explored a part of Portsmouth I haven't been to, walking to Milton Lock  on the coast. There were very few people about  and it was nice to just take a leisurely stroll, without having to walk in the middle of the road, to avoid hoards of people.

Since stopping my medication I have been feeling a lot more energized and motivated. The blood pressure meds did make me feel rather sluggish at times, and I was tired a lot of the time. Today my general sense of well-being has improved dramatically. Of course, it isn't safe for everyone to stop taking, what are essentially life saving drugs, but with advice and encouragement I am pleased I have been able to curtail their use for me. My long term aim is to stop all the medication I currently take and lead a drug free existence. This is easier said than done, and I am still experiencing some chronic flank pain, which just seems to linger and linger and eventually I need to get to the bottom of what is going on. With COVID still taking centre stage, it will be awhile before I can book the tests I need, until then I just have to keep living a healthy and active lifestyle.

On Wednesday I had an appointment at the Doctors surgery in Lake Road. This was the first time I had attended since this pandemic began, and I was literally in for a shock. The building looks and feels like it is in lockdown. When one approaches the entrance, one is greeted by warning signs, telling people not to enter unless they have an appointment. I banged sharply on the door and someone eventually came and let me in. If my first impression was rather off-putting, then my apprehension on walking inside got progressively worse. The interior was unrecognizable, there were barricades up stopping the public getting too close to staff and all the fixtures and fittings have been removed, leaving two crosses on the floor, for two patients to stand on and wait before they are called. It was quite an eerie experience, made even more disturbing by the nurse I saw, wearing full PPE and face shield.

I understand the need for such measures, and if I hadn't had to go for a blood test, there is no way I would be in there. My GP insisted I needed the assessments in order to find out why my infection markers were so high when I was taken to Hospital a few weeks ago. He told me not to worry too much, since they weren't sufficiently elevated to cause major concern for serious illness, like cancer, but raised enough to promote investigation. Of course as a sufferer of health anxiety, I just panicked even more, as soon as the dreaded C word was mentioned. I should get my test results back within a week, then my stress levels should come down with a bit of luck.

After returning from my walk, I managed to speak to my husband in Western Australia. I do envy him at the moment; Western Australia has had no deaths from Coronavirus and remains closed to the rest of Australia let alone the rest of the World.  We have both realised we probably won't see each other for another year, while this Pandemic continues to disrupt all our lives. It is particularly unsafe for Darrell to travel to the UK presently, especially with his Mother being so ill. If he did pick up COVID whilst in Britain, it would be devastating. I am however allowed to travel to the Australia, as Darrell's immediate family, but with a two-week quarantine period in operation, it is not practical. We can at least still talk to one another as often as we like and with the rest of the World also in lockdown there are many more people in the same position as us, which is a bit of comfort at least.

Life continues very much as it has before and as all of us try to get used to the 'new normal,' we are able to spend quality time with our own thoughts. I am enjoying this period writing, walking and taking time out from the rather hectic life I had before. When the World eventually returns to normal, I may, just may have a little nostalgia for the way things are today, an age none of us will ever forget!

I left for my daily walk much earlier today, to avoid the growing number of people, that are now venturing outside. Despite my early start, it was clear others had the same idea and I spent a good proportion of my walk dodging 'lockdowners' meandering the length and breadth of the esplanade, along the beach front in Southsea. The weather was fine and there were plenty of sights to see along the way, much of which I have never seen before.

Most people like me were just taking a brisk outdoor ramble, but there were a few sitting on the beach, public benches and along the promenade.  The laws have been relaxed to allow the public time to exercise and enjoy the early summer sun and as time moves on, I am sure others will take advantage of the less draconian rules that only allowed for basic physical activity.

I have spent a bit of time watching the news today, something I haven't done much of lately, preferring to live my life away from the constant Coronavirus bombardment, but this Sunday I wanted to catch up on just what was going on in the rest of the World. It does seem that there is a more positive outlook towards this killer virus.  New blood thinning medications are being tried in the fight against this disease, Italy, once the most contagious country in Europe, is beginning to finally open up and Spain is also allowing much of the Country to return to the new normal over the next week. The most heartening news is Italy's daily death count had fallen below one hundred people a day, which all points towards a continent winning in the battle against COVID-19.

On a more negative note, all of us are being warned that COVID may well be with us for a long time, and we will have to live with its reach alongside other less destructive viruses for months, possibly years to come. As we also move towards a time when lockdown is relaxed, even more of us can start doing things we took for granted not that long ago, however we should all be mindful of the consequences of taking our eye off the ball. I must repeat, that I am carrying on very much in the same vein as I have been and will continue to social distance and take precautions. My biggest fear is people will relax too much, let their guard down and the infection rate in this country will begin to soar once again.

The one thing these daily walks are teaching me, is the nature of other people. Most are ignoring advice and not social distancing at all and ever larger groups of people are gathering against Government advice. I had considered stopping my daily exercise routine but have come to the conclusion that it is more beneficial if I carry on, although taking stricter measures myself, to avoid social contact. This is an easier task than I thought, I have rapidly gone off people over the last four months anyway and have never really had a problem with my own company. Blogging and writing is indeed my release, but it is also a great way of protecting myself from the outside World.

Of course in time, even I will once again enjoy the company of others, but that will be on my own terms and not forced upon me, by a public who just want to do their own thing, ignoring the feelings of others. I look forward to seeing friends and family in the future, and hope all of us can get back to the way we were. COVID-19 may well have separated us all physically, but it has instilled in me the importance of family life. Today those closest are closer than ever before because tragedy and disaster have made me rethink my whole outlook and given me the time to realise just what matters in life!

It was the first day that I had ventured out for a walk after the lockdown was relaxed and things were decidedly different. The streets were full of people the roads chock-a-block with cars and the familiar site of an ice cream van parked up selling its wares; a furious deluge of activity and a concerning level of ignorance sent my alarm bells ringing. If I am truthful, I felt a little nervous, there were just too many people out and about. I have been doing my daily walk at the same time for about three weeks now, so I have seen just how many bodies are around at any one time and the levels are significantly higher. These are not people out for a walk, these are kids playing in the streets, whole families who clearly do not live in the same house meeting up and a refusal to adhere to the two-metre rule abruptly evident; workmen and shoppers, all mixing together, potentially spreading Coronavirus far and wide. I was so shocked at what I was witnessing, that I am thinking of changing my daily routine.

Not one person had a care for anyone but themselves today. I spent most of my time dodging inconsiderate individuals, pushing and shoving each other along. For me it was safer walking in the middle of the road, despite the influx of traffic. For the life of me, I just do not understand what the Prime Minister was thinking when he relaxed lockdown measures so soon. The R rate, or infection rate from one person to another is once again on the rise and it won't be too long before the death rate begins to climb again also, forcing the Government to rethink their ridiculous policy.

As a country we have failed at every level. We have the second highest death rate in the World and people are ignoring Boris Johnson's plea for common sense. The public were told to remain at home, yet they have failed to follow instructions and prefer to go for a family day out and risk their own and others lives.

Today I took a five and a half mile walk to Hilsea and back, a place I used to know well. In the late 1980s I used to work at The News Centre, where a number of local newspapers from across the country were produced and my time here generated my interest in writing. I have always enjoyed committing words to paper, but working for a news organisation stimulated my current passion in current affairs and politics. I suppose, It was the beginning of my blogging career way back when.

Today Portsmouth Publishing and Printing at The News Centre is a shell of its former self. Whilst printing is carried out at the site, all the offices and administration have moved to the old IBM site in Portsmouth. The centre looked shabby, unloved and a poor reminder of my time there. Despite its current state of disrepair, this architectural monstrosity still holds a special place in my heart. If I had my time again, I would have probably stayed working for the Portsmouth Evening News and would have dearly loved to follow my dream career in journalism, something which is a distant memory today.

I most certainly intend to carry on living a lockdown existence, until I am sure this virus is in retreat. Human life is valuable and not worth risking for a days jolly with family and friends. All of us have to make up our own minds, about how to act during this pandemic of course, but I intend to look people in the eye and say I did the right thing, I'm not sure many others can admit to doing the same.

Stay safe everyone!

Yesterday the Prime Minister gave another address to the nation, when he announced the beginning of the easing of the lockdown here in the UK. With infection rates still high  and more than six hundred people dying each day from COVID-19, I am horrified by the message this is sending to the general public.

People will now be able to take unlimited exercise each day, even driving to their destination of choice, as long as you stay within English boarders. They will be able to spend time relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the summer weather. Many people are also being encouraged to return to work, but not to use public transport, all the while children have not been told to return to school. The wearing of masks is being encouraged, although not being made compulsory and walking and bike riding is being actively promoted. The message coming out of Downing Street is often difficult to understand, contradictory and at odds with advice given by the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The original mantra of 'Stay Home' has been replaced with 'Stay Alert,' making the message even more ambiguous than ever and I find the Government's response woefully inadequate!

I have a rather long list of concerns, which I will express fully in another blog, but I wanted to say how anxious I am for the safety of myself and other key workers, now Britain is being opened up for business, far too soon in my opinion. I have worked throughout this crisis, despite having certain vulnerabilities that make me more at risk from Coronavirus. Although I wasn't told to self-isolate, I have been mindful of following Public Health England advice to the letter. I have social distanced, sanitized my hands and avoided contact with my family. After suffering what could have been COVID symptoms. I am well aware of just how bad this disease can be. With Millions of people preparing to come back out, it is people like me who will suffer most; this is not a time I am looking forward to.

Once again I have been doing my daily exercises, following different routes around Portsmouth. I am walking between 5 and seven miles a day and feeling better for it. The weather over the last few days has been by and large OK and it has once again been good to get out and walk, losing a few pounds and getting my blood pressure under control. In 2015 when I was prescribed Enalapril to regulate my BP, it stood at 148/90, today it has fallen to 99/72, a massive drop. I have of course given up cigarettes, alcohol and some of the more processed foods and cheese I used to like, and I am living a relatively healthy life. However, there is a but. I have begun to notice I have a lot of pain in my left leg. It is stiff, painful and at times difficult to move, which is a worry. If the Doctors surgery was operating as normal, I would most certainly make an appointment, but I will be able to speak to my GP on Thursday, who also wants to discuss my trip to A&E last week!

So another week of work and sightseeing, back to Tesco tomorrow. As lockdowns go, this one is as good as it can be and when I can see my family again, life will be perfect, until then I shall most certainly be staying at home!

It was a five and a half mile walk for me today - Power walking I suppose you would call it, not your usual stroll, but rather a fast paced expedition to Southsea and the front. There isn't a day that goes by, that I'm not doing some physical activity, which is a complete departure from my couch potato past. It was a bit chilly this morning, but once again perfect weather for walking.

I had been expecting a phone call from my Doctor today, who wanted to discuss a couple of issues with me. The first was in reference to a dull ache in my chest, that I have had since contracting COVID-19 symptoms in late March early April. He explained that if I have had Coronavirus, this was most likely the 'hangover' as he put it. Many people have been left with some kind of bi-product and it was likely that this would go in time.

Secondly he wanted to discuss my blood pressure, which has fallen dramatically in recent months. I was prescribed Enalapril whilst living in Spain in 2015 to treat my hypertension and have been on it ever since, but with my levels falling steadily, to a low of 97/71, I was told that I no longer need to take the medication.

My change in lifestyle, eating healthier, no smoking or drinking and a daily exercise regime had all contributed to a sustained fall in blood pressure, that in his words, I had achieved through sheer hard work. He explained that it was possible to come off the ACE Inhibitors as long as I continue leading a healthy, active life, which of course I intend to do.

Words can't describe how happy I am to be able to ditch the pills after five years, it has been a bumpy ride getting here, but in the end the COVID-19 Pandemic has done for me, what I couldn't have achieved under any other circumstances.  The Government's encouragement to get outside and exercise, has been just the push I have needed to get to grips with my own demons and walk every single day. The Doctor has told me to closely monitor my BP readings twice a day over the next fortnight, but all going well, I should finally be medication free!

This rare piece of positive news has given me a boost at a difficult time in all our lives. My advice is get out, do your daily exercise then stay firmly at home. Mentally I have also become stronger and I hope to continue making progress. In time, I really want to stop taking Statins as well, a rather nasty drug that lowers cholesterol, but one that has a lot of bad side effects, many of which I endure every day. This is another goal to work towards as all of us continue to fight our own battle with COVID -19!