Life lately
I haven’t updated my website in a couple of months - lets just say that 2026 has not slowed down or been an easy year!
July ended on a very stressful note with Mark in the ER as he was experiencing the symptoms of a stroke. It was an extremely worrying morning in the hospital - he had to have 2 MRI’s, an ECG and blood tests and afterwards we learnt that he had suffered a mini stroke.
A mini stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) is caused by a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain.
Mark had experienced a headache, dizziness, slurred speech and tingling hands which were all signs that something was wrong and we found out that a TIA may be a warning. About 1 in 3 people who have had a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the TIA. To say this has been a wake up to manage Mark’s stress is an understatement.
We received a referral to a Specialist who Mark saw a few days later and discussed lifestyle changes going forward. Doing more cardio, losing weight (not easy as Mark doesn’t have alot to lose), keeping an eye on his blood pressure and managing stress. Mark has an extremely highly stressful job so being told to manage his stress is easier said than done.
My parents have been wonderful throughout this scary experience. Checking in on us daily to see how Mark is doing and we got to visit them 2 weekends last month. Spending time with my parents and sister was a soothing balm that I really needed after a rather long 2026. This is the second time we’ve been in the ER in less than 5 months as Mark had a serious head injury in March (he is ok but can 2026 please calm down?!)
My MIL had health issues recently and FIL expected us to drop everything - despite knowing how stressful things have been. Medical drama is a major reason for concern in their lives but only if it is do with themselves. When I phoned FIL to tell him about Mark’s hospital visit he made the call completely about himself and my last shred of patience dissolved. And so I got to add ‘set much over-due boundaries’ to list of my August activities.
3 months left of the year and my intentions are to make the most of it. Keeping Mark’s stress down and enjoying what is left of spring before summer arrives. I’ve been spending lots of time in the garden and I’ve found it so therapeutic - even it is is just pulling out weeds or picking up leaves - it is time offline.
Hoping to blog more often and catch up with everyone soon.
xx