My Body Is Turning Against Me

Last week, before the holiday, I went to the local Red Cross location and tried to give blood.  I know that blood donors are desperately needed--especially in the summer--and I have always felt a responsibility to donate as often as I can.  When I got there, they had very little wait and they got me right in.  See?  I told you they are desperate for donors.

Well, to make the story a little shorter, my blood pressure was too high to be allowed to donate.

This was the second time in as many attempts to donate that my BP was too high.  My body is fighting against me.  I hate when that happens.

At my annual check ups the doctor always tells me that I need to loose some weight and should do more exercise and eat better.  But these are standard reminders, aren't they? 

It makes me discouraged.  I had figure as long as my cholesterol has stayed in check--with medication that has the same dosage I've been on since I started a decade ago--I'd be OK.  The doctor orders blood screening and lipid panels and all the other blood work to see that I'm healthy.  I figured the worst thing I had to deal with was the summer of the bad mammogram a few years ago.  Even that has seemingly worked itself out.

But not being able to donate blood--something that I have done for 20+ years because I feel it is important--is a real kick to my motivation.  I 'd like to chalk it up to age--everything else seems to be related to that.  But I am sure it is more than that.

I'd like to blame the genetic markers I have inherited from my Scandinavian/Viking ancestors.  They get the blame for a lot of my physical issues--at least in my head.   But I'm not sure that is it either.

I'm just a chubby aging gal who has never like to sweat.  I prefer chocolate to exercise and now have a semi-sedentary job.  My kids no longer need me to chase them in the park, or the back year, or around the pool.  We eat cheap, fast and easy most of the time--even at home.

I've got to come to terms with it.  I'm my own worst enemy, physically.  And I'll figure something out to solve this, right after I have a diet coke and get my head on straight.