Results!

It was a bright and early start this morning after a rather sleepless night. I had an appointment at the Salvum Clinic, to collect my medical results.  To be honest I have been expecting the worst all week. The tingling and pain in my arm has been particularly troublesome.

There was no waiting around at Salvum. Unlike the NHS is Britain, I can get an appointment on the same day and see the Doctor of my choice. I really don't mind paying 20€ for the privilege of seeing a GP quickly, without fuss and without the need for an interpreter.

I was given a comprehensive eight page report which covered everything I was tested for, including liver, heart, cancer, diabetes and a number of other conditions, including cholesterol. All of them came back clear, although the cholesterol was slightly high. I should be able to bring this down through healthier eating and a little more exercise. The pain, numbness and pins and needles I have been experiencing in my arm are apparently due to nerve damage in my neck, which can be rectified through physiotherapy. I'll leave that for another day; have to earn some more money first!

For the past week I have been having my blood pressure monitored, at the Farmacia. At its highest it was 160/91, at its lowest 120/ 85. Both the Doctor and I decided it was probably best to start me on some Beta Blockers, to reduce my blood pressure further. I've got another appointment in seven days, after a further week of blood pressure tests; hopefully by then it will be relatively normal!

After the clinic it was a long wait at the bank as per usual and lunch at Zest. In keeping with my new healthy lifestyle, I had a lovely tuna salad made by our Pam; Darrell had his usual unhealthy burger and chips. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone at the top of the hill in Sierra Mar. I shall be back next week as usual!

What a beautiful day today; Darrell and I decided to drive along the old coast road, to Santa Pola where I had to get some shopping. It was quite breezy along the foreshore, but the sun was out and we spent a pleasant hour walking along the front.

The beach was busy, there were lots of tourists parked up in their camper vans, others taking in the sea air and even a few brave souls sunbathing in the 22 degree heat. Still way too cold for me, but lovely enough for a walk!

We popped into Carrefour when we got to Santa Pola. I wanted to see if I could get a blood pressure monitor, to save the long trek to the top of the ravine each morning.

Lucky enough they had some for sale at only 31'90€, a bargain price for one that fits around the top of your arm. Apparently they are more accurate than the ones you apply to your wrist!

Marmite Watch

Whist in Carrefour I checked out the British Isle, as I do in all supermarkets. They are now stocking the medium 250g jars at a cost of 5€. Not a bad price, when I used to pay 2'99€ for a 125g jar at Consum, but still not as good as the 500g's, I bought at Gran Alacant's British supermarket Quicksave, for the bargain price of 5'95€. It definitely pays to shop around!

I took my first blood pressure pill at Zest this morning; it's now a quarter to six in the evening and I am feeling quite dizzy and lightheaded, one of the side effects from this medication. To be honest I would rather have these complications, than suffer from a heart attack or stroke, even though they do feel rather uncomfortable.

I have just taken my first reading with the blood pressure machine; it's fallen to 119/80, the best it has been in many years, a weight off my mind. I'm sure the side effects will calm down eventually; for the time being it's a case of avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

Day six of no smoking and all is well. I haven't really noticed any cravings today and am feeling much better. For once life seems to be heading in the right direction, lets hope it stays that way!

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