Stella Reddy's Story

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It’s been a quiet, interesting week so far, and every day, I learn something new!

• Monday: I learned that Canada has greatly expanded Trade with other Nations around the World
• Tuesday: I learned that I can “text” with my doctor’s office
• Wednesday: I found out something random: in Canada, it is considered a misdemeanour “assault” if you spit on someone, and you can face fines, and even up to a year in jail
• Thursday: St. John’s has already seen above‑average snowfall since Christmas, thanks to back‑to‑back systems

We were hit with a snowstorm from Sunday into Monday, leaving about 25 cm of snow behind. Hubby even ended up with a snow day, which gave him an unexpected long weekend. He didn’t mind one bit—he was out there happily shovelling us out Monday afternoon so I’d be able to get to my appointment on Tuesday. He snapped a picture when he finished, just before putting the salt down.

Tuesday was my check‑in with the doctor for diabetes, blood pressure, and routine blood work. We went over my medications—eight at the moment—, and she’s planning to increase one of them to help with my blood pressure. It was a little high at 158/92, though still better than it has been. They also checked my weight and height, and somehow I’ve lost 12 pounds. I’m not sure how that happened, but I do try to watch what I eat. Even with the holidays and the odd sweet treat, the scale still moved in the right direction!

I told her my blood pressure might be up because of the anxiety I’ve developed around walking outside in winter. Even though the roads were cleared by Tuesday, the sidewalks weren’t, so I had to walk on the road. For someone with balance issues, slush, ice, and a cane make for a stressful combination. She asked me to keep track of my blood pressure daily for her for the next week. But I didn’t fall, which felt like a small victory. I’ll get my blood test results next week.

I talked to her about the fear that’s crept in over the past few months—this hesitation about going out in snow, ice, or slush. I’m afraid of falling again and breaking something. She looked at me and reminded me that I’m retired now. I don’t have to push myself to go out when the weather isn’t safe. In fact, she said I should stay home on those days. So I’m choosing not to feel guilty anymore about staying inside when conditions aren’t in my favour.

This fear is new, and it surprised me when it showed up as the temperatures dropped. Strange how these things happen. But I’ll adjust. I’m slowing down a little more; I spend more time sitting these days, and that’s okay. My days are still pretty full!

I’ve been feeling a bit off these past couple of weeks—low energy, nodding off in the evenings while sitting up watching TV, and heading to bed around 8 or 8:30 every night. Yesterday, the doctor’s office called with the results from the swab I did on Tuesday, and it turns out I have a bad infection that needs a prescription. Nothing serious, just a common woman’s issue, though it’s been many years since I’ve had one. I’ll pick up the prescription today when I’m out. At least it explains why I’ve been so tired. I’ll be back to normal soon enough.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day shredding papers while listening to YouTube videos. I even had to stop a couple of times for it to cool down, but I’ve made inroads into the piles of papers I have here. My blue bag for recycled paper is almost full! Once I am done with these, I’ll start on what’s in my tote. I only need to keep important stuff for 7 years, so anything before 2019 can go. I have had a tote filled with papers, cards, and important stuff for many years, and I go through it once in a while to clear out the older stuff. Yep, I am excited about having a shredder again!

The weather is a little better today—typical Newfoundland, always shifting. It’s supposed to reach 4°C this afternoon, so I’m planning a quick walk to the grocery store since it’s close by. Hubby will meet me there after he gets off work to help carry everything home, because I can’t manage that on my own anymore. The sidewalks are finally cleared and salted, and I could use a bit of fresh air.

Tomorrow is Friday again, and while I don’t have any big plans for the weekend, I’m sure hubby and I will find something to do. Maybe a little wander around the Mall is in order.

Don’t you just love those weeks when all is quiet in your life, and there is no drama going on? After so many years living in hypervigilance, the peace I have now is absolutely awesome!