Family holiday

I'm back - after a brief interval from writing. I have been busy getting back on my feet after another period of fatigue and in general not feeling my "normal" self.
I have been recalled to the hospital's eye clinic for another pressure test and eye sight test. Thankfully, this time the readings were good but I am still under their care, but the good news is that I do not have to return for twelve months. I consider myself extremely fortunate that after all this time I am still under their care.
 . . Although the Stroke took the right hand side on my body it affected my left eye.

Three weeks ago I had a couple of separate anxious incidents: When I was getting up from a sitting position I became very light headed and the room started to pass me by. I just had to sit quietly and take on board copious amounts of water, that calmed things down but the fretful feeling that this caused was incalcuble. Anything that happens that is sligtly out of the ordinary is still cause for concern and I need answers!!
I visited the G.P. who looked after me initially and after testing was told that on standing from a sitting position there was a drop in blood pressure and my medication was changed. A routine blood test showed that my cholesterol level had shown a slight increase and again my medication was changed.    I was given a follow up appointment and this is reassuring also.
Outwardly, I look very well and that is testament to the initial care and that of my family and professionals over the intervening years, but this can be-lie how I sometimes feel. It can be difficult to deal with when people tell me how well I look and perhaps do not fully understand what they cannot see.
For the time being I have temporarily stopped going to Chairobics but have increased my walking.  My stamina levels are good and as long as the weather is pleasant I will continue my daily walk to and from town and endeavour a longer walk one day a week.

Two  months ago, before any of the above came about, the whole family had a weeks holiday in
Santiago de la Ribera, Murcia in south east Spain. We had a fabulous apartment, which was close to the airport and supermarkets. The weather was warm and sunny, except for one day when it rained and overcast and so we caught the ferry to La Manga.

Apartment and pool

 It was wonderful to have a family gathering: our two sons, wives and granddaughter. My husband and I were spoilt rotten as they shopped and cooked for us. We walked to the lagoon front daily, except for the trip to La Manga and on another day we caught a bus to Murcia.
The lagoon is very safe and the water very warm - perfect for a week's relaxation.
The airport, Murcia - St Javier, is small and located on the north shore line of the Mar Menor. It is also an air station where the equivalent of The Red Arrows are based. On some days they were flying over the lagoon- quite a sight for the bathers! As usual, I had wheel chair assistance at both aiports - I still have not conquered my anxieties of crowds and airport security. I have been very fortunate to have undertaken all that I have this year. This has been a special year for us - to celebrate my 6oth birthday. I am definately better in all respects especially with stamina levels and walking and also less anxious about things which initially worried me. However, I have not yet got my hand and arm recovered - but continue to work hard at this.
Remember it is important to have regular blood and blood presure checks - if you have experienced a Stroke this is vital to your well-being.

Murcia